"Spiritual Watchmen Christ's ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times, sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important points to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were required to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake, and that no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one to another, each repeating the call till it echoed round the city. GW 14"
"I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence,"
The EGW passage explicitly uses the metaphor of watchmen on the walls, directly referencing the role described in Isaiah 62:6. The description of the watchmen's duties and their importance for the safety of the city is a clear parallel.
"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me."
EGW directly likens the work of ministers to that of watchmen, which is the central theme of Ezekiel 3:17. The passage in Ezekiel explicitly states that God has made the prophet a watchman, and EGW uses this same imagery to describe the role of ministers.
"It is to the honor of Christ that He makes His ministers a greater blessing to the church, through the working of the Holy Spirit, than are the stars to the world. The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they will look to Him as He looked to His Father, they will do His works. As they make God their dependence, He will give them His brightness to reflect to the world. GW 14.1"
"Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise."
Both passages emphasize the dependence of Jesus (and by extension, ministers) on the Father for their actions and effectiveness. EGW's statement that ministers should look to Christ as He looked to His Father directly parallels the concept in John 5:19 that the Son can do nothing of Himself.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages discuss reflecting God's light to the world. Matthew 5:16 speaks of letting your light shine, and EGW speaks of God giving ministers His brightness to reflect. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"To every minister the Lord declares: “O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, ...thou hast delivered thy soul.” [ Ezekiel 33:7-9 .] GW 14.3"
"So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
Ellen White directly references Ezekiel 33:7-9 in this passage.