"Chapter 7—Ministerial Institutes “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” is the Saviour's command to His workers. But this plain direction has been disregarded. Though the light has been given again and again, men have been called from their fields of labor to spend weeks in attending a ministerial institute. There was a time when this was necessary, because our own people opposed the work of God by refusing the light on the righteousness of Christ by faith. This they should have received and should have imparted with heart and voice and pen, for it is their only efficiency. They should have labored under the Holy Spirit's direction to give the light to others. 6T 89"
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
EGW directly quotes Mark 16:15.
"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
Both passages discuss the urgency of spreading the gospel and the readiness of the 'fields' (people) to receive it. EGW uses the phrase 'fields that are white already to harvest' which is a clear echo of John 4:35.
"laborers held to work for those who already have a knowledge of the truth are kept away from the people who know it not. By devoting much time year after year to ministerial institutes, our brethren have neglected fields that are white already to harvest. Souls in spiritual blindness, prejudiced by those who misrepresent the truth, have been left unwarned. Oh, the neglect that will be charged against individuals, organizations, and churches in that day when every man shall be judged according to the deeds done in the body! Then it will be seen how great was the measure of responsibility for failing to extend the work into the regions beyond. 6T 89.2"
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds:"
Both passages emphasize that individuals will be judged based on their actions. EGW's statement about being 'judged according to the deeds done in the body' directly reflects the principle in Romans 2:6.
"An attendance upon so many institutes has not brought the greatest benefit to the workers themselves. Talent is best developed where it is most needed. Ministers called from their fields to attend ministerial institutes are not so well prepared for the work as if they gave themselves to consecrated labor in the destitute fields where the standard of truth is to be uplifted. If they studied the word of God with a teachable spirit, praying, and watching unto prayer, and working as well as praying, angels of God would open their understanding to perceive truth in its beauty. 6T 89.3"
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Both passages suggest that wisdom and understanding are available from God through prayer. EGW emphasizes studying the word of God with a teachable spirit and praying, which aligns with James 1:5's call to ask God for wisdom.