"Before this the Spirit had been in the world; from the very beginning of the work of redemption He had been moving upon men's hearts. But while Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until they were deprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit, and then He would come. DA 669.1"
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
The EGW passage directly explains the necessity of Christ's departure for the Holy Spirit to come, which is the central point of John 16:7. The connection is clear and based on a core theological principle.
"The Holy Spirit is Christ's representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high. DA 669.2"
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"
The EGW passage elaborates on the role of the Holy Spirit as Christ's representative after His ascension, explaining how the Spirit makes Christ accessible to all, which aligns with the promise of the Comforter in John 14:16. The connection is strong and directly related to the function of the Holy Spirit.
“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” Jesus read the future of His disciples. He saw one brought to the scaffold, one to the cross, one to exile among the lonely rocks of the sea, others to persecution and death. He encouraged them with the promise that in every trial He would be with them. That promise has lost none of its force. The Lord knows all about His faithful servants who for His sake are lying in prison or who are banished to lonely islands. He comforts them with His own presence. When for the truth's sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. All the reproaches that fall upon him, fall upon Christ. Christ is condemned over again in the person of His disciple. When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love. When one suffers death for His sake, Christ says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, ... …
"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Ellen White directly references Revelation 1:18 in this passage.
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
The EGW passage directly quotes John 14:21 and expands on its meaning, connecting it to the trials and persecutions faced by the disciples and believers, and emphasizing Christ's presence and support during those times.
"At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. DA 669.4"
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Both passages convey the idea of God being a source of comfort and support in times of trouble. While EGW doesn't directly quote Psalm 46:1, the theme of God as a refuge and help is clearly present.