"While they trust to the guidance of human authority, none will come to a saving knowledge of the truth. Like Nathanael, we need to study God's word for ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He who saw Nathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels from the world of light are near to those who in humility seek for divine guidance. DA 141.1"
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Matthew 6:6, emphasizing private prayer and God's awareness of it. The reference to Nathanael under the fig tree further reinforces the idea of God's unseen observation.
"With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church. John directed two of his disciples to Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his brother, and called him to the Saviour. Philip was then called, and he went in search of Nathanael. These examples should teach us the importance of personal effort, of making direct appeals to our kindred, friends, and neighbors. There are those who for a lifetime have professed to be acquainted with Christ, yet who have never made a personal effort to bring even one soul to the Saviour. They leave all the work for the minister. He may be well qualified for his calling, but he cannot do that which God has left for the members of the church. DA 141.2"
"He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."
The EGW passage explicitly recounts the events described in John 1:41, making a direct connection and drawing a lesson from it.
"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
The EGW passage discusses the calling of disciples and the importance of personal effort in bringing others to Christ. This aligns with the theme of 'fishers of men' in Matthew 4:19, where Jesus calls his disciples to evangelize.
"he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. DA 141.3"
"For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Both passages highlight the compelling need to share one's faith and experiences with others. The EGW quote emphasizes the impossibility of keeping saving truth to oneself, mirroring the sentiment in Acts 4:20.
"All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, “I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26 . DA 141.4 Philip said to Nathanael, “Come and see.” He did not ask him to accept another's testimony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples are His representatives among men, and one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in exemplifying His character in our daily life. Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world. DA 141.5"
"And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing."
Ellen White directly references Ezekiel 34:26 in this passage.