"***** The need for a meeting-house where there is a newly formed company of believers, has been presented before me in a panoramic view. I saw workmen building humble houses of worship. Those newly come to the faith were helping with willing hands, and those who had means were assisting with their means. In the basement of the church, above ground, a schoolroom was prepared for the children, and a teacher was sent there to take charge. The numbers in the school were not large, but it was a happy beginning. I heard the songs of children and of parents: “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that built it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” “Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.” [ Psalm 127:1 ; 146:1, 2 .] GW 435.1"
"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 127:1 in this passage.
"The establishment of churches, the erection of meeting-houses and school-buildings, was extended from city to city, and the tithe was increasing to carry forward the work. Plants were made not only in one place, but in many places, and the Lord was working to increase His forces. GW 435.2"
"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."
Both passages describe the growth and expansion of the church. The EGW passage speaks of establishing churches and building meeting houses, while Acts 9:31 describes the churches being multiplied. There is a clear thematic parallel.
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
Both passages discuss the growth of the church through planting and increase. The EGW passage speaks of plants being made in many places, while 1 Corinthians 3:6 uses the metaphor of planting and watering, with God giving the increase. There is a thematic parallel.
"***** In this work all classes will be reached. When the Holy Spirit works among us, souls who are unready for Christ's appearing are convicted. Many come to our meetings and are converted who for years have not attended meetings in any church. The simplicity of the truth reaches their hearts. The tobacco devotees sacrifice their idol, and the liquor drinker his liquor. They could not do this if they did not by faith grasp the promises of God for the forgiveness of their sins. GW 435.3"
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Both passages describe the conviction of sin and conversion through the Holy Spirit. The EGW passage speaks of souls being convicted and converted, giving up idols and addictions, while Acts 2:37-38 describes the people being pricked in their heart and repenting. There is a strong thematic parallel.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of salvation by grace through faith, as evidenced by the changed lives of those who accept Christ. The verse from Ephesians is a foundational statement of this doctrine.