"In making this request, Luther moved wisely. His course convinced the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse. Such calmness and self-command, unexpected in one who had shown himself bold and uncompromising, added to his power, and enabled him afterward to answer with a prudence, decision, wisdom, and dignity that surprised and disappointed his adversaries, and rebuked their insolence and pride. GC 156.1"
"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
The EGW passage describes Luther's calmness and self-control, which aligns with the proverb about being slow to anger and ruling one's spirit. The connection is thematic and meaningful.
"The next day he was to appear to render his final answer. For a time his heart sank within him as he contemplated the forces that were combined against the truth. His faith faltered; fearfulness and trembling came upon him, and horror overwhelmed him. Dangers multiplied before him; his enemies seemed about to triumph, and the powers of darkness to prevail. Clouds gathered about him and seemed to separate him from God. He longed for the assurance that the Lord of hosts would be with him. In anguish of spirit he threw himself with his face upon the earth and poured out those broken, heart-rending cries, which none but God can fully understand. GC 156.2"
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?"
Both passages describe a moment of intense distress and feeling forsaken by God. Luther's anguish mirrors the Psalmist's cry of abandonment.
"“O almighty and everlasting God,” he pleaded, “how terrible is this world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so little trust in Thee.... If it is only in the strength of this world that I must put my trust, all is over.... My last hour is come, my condemnation has been pronounced.... O God, do Thou help me against all the wisdom of the world. Do this, ... Thou alone; ... for this is not my work, but Thine. I have nothing to do here, nothing to contend for with these great ones of the world.... But the cause is Thine, ... and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord, help me! Faithful and unchangeable God, in no man do I place my trust.... All that is of man is uncertain; all that cometh of man fails.... Thou hast chosen me for this work.... Stand at my side, for the sake of Thy well-beloved Jesus Christ, who is my defense, my shield, and my strong tower.”— Ibid., b. 7, ch. 8. GC 156.3"
"O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."
Both passages involve a person pleading to God for help against overwhelming odds, acknowledging their own weakness and dependence on divine strength. The EGW passage, while a direct quote from Luther, echoes the sentiment and situation described in 2 Chronicles 20:12.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Both passages express trust in God as a source of strength and protection in the face of fear and opposition. Luther's prayer echoes the Psalmist's declaration of faith in God as his light and salvation.