"The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them. EW 271.1"
"The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;"
Both passages describe a separation or sifting process. In Matthew 13:41, angels gather out those who offend. In EGW, some are 'shaken out' because they didn't persevere. Both suggest a winnowing of the faithful.
"asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.” EW 271.2"
"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month."
EGW directly mentions 'the latter rain' which is a key phrase from Joel 2:23. The context in EGW suggests a spiritual outpouring, consistent with the interpretation of the latter rain.