"As travelers perishing from thirst welcome with joy a living water spring, so did these souls receive the message of heaven. The laborers in the field, the artisans in the workshop, cheered their daily toil by talking of the precious truths of the Bible. At evening, instead of resorting to the wine-shops, they assembled in one another's homes to read God's word and join in prayer and praise. A great change was soon manifest in these communities. Though belonging to the humblest class, an unlearned and hard-working peasantry, the reforming, uplifting power of divine grace was seen in their lives. Humble, loving, and holy, they stood as witnesses to what the gospel will accomplish for those who receive it in sincerity. GC 215.1"
"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
The EGW passage uses the metaphor of 'living water' to describe the reception of the gospel message, echoing the imagery in John 4:14. The joy and refreshment associated with the water are paralleled with the positive impact of the gospel on the people.
"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
The EGW passage describes the early converts gathering to read God's word, pray, and praise, similar to the description of the early church in Acts 2:42. Both passages highlight the importance of community and devotion to scripture and prayer.
"The light kindled at Meaux shed its beams afar. Every day the number of converts was increasing. The rage of the hierarchy was for a time held in check by the king, who despised the narrow bigotry of the monks; but the papal leaders finally prevailed. Now the stake was set up. The bishop of Meaux, forced to choose between the fire and recantation, accepted the easier path; but notwithstanding the leader's fall, his flock remained steadfast. Many witnessed for the truth amid the flames. By their courage and fidelity at the stake, these humble Christians spoke to thousands who in days of peace had never heard their testimony. GC 215.2"
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
The EGW passage describes the spread of truth from Meaux, acting as a light. This directly parallels Jesus' teaching about believers being the light of the world.
"It was not alone the humble and the poor that amid suffering and scorn dared to bear witness for Christ. In the lordly halls of the castle and the palace there were kingly souls by whom truth was valued above wealth or rank or even life. Kingly armor concealed a loftier and more steadfast spirit than did the bishop's robe and miter. Louis de Berquin was of noble birth. A brave and courtly knight, he was devoted to study, polished in manners, and of blameless morals. “He was,” says a writer, “a great follower of the papistical constitutions, and a great hearer of masses and sermons; ... and he crowned all his other virtues by holding Lutheranism in special abhorrence.” But, like so many others, providentially guided to the Bible, he was amazed to find there, “not the doctrines of Rome, but the doctrines of Luther.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 9. Henceforth he gave himself with entire devotion to the cause of the gospel. GC 215.3"
"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:"
Both passages highlight that not only the humble and poor, but also those of noble birth and high status, can be called to faith. The EGW passage provides a specific example of this principle.