"The Work in the Cities Particularly was this pointed out to be the case with the great cities of the nations. “Behold our cities,” she urged, “and their need of the gospel. The need for earnest labor among the multitudes in the cities has been kept before me for more than twenty years. Who is carrying a burden for our large cities? Some will say, We need all the money we can get to carry on the work in other places. Do you not know that unless you carry the truth to the cities, there will be a drying up of means? When you carry this message to those in cities who are hungry for truth, and they accept the light, they will go earnestly to work to bring that light to others. Souls who have means will bring others into the truth, and will give of their means to advance the cause of God.” The General Conference Bulletin, May 24, 1909 . LS 417"
"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
Both passages express concern for the spiritual needs of large populations. Matthew 9:36 describes Jesus' compassion for the multitudes who were like sheep without a shepherd. Ellen White's passage emphasizes the need to reach the multitudes in the cities with the gospel, highlighting their spiritual hunger. The common theme is compassion for those who are spiritually lost and the need to provide them with guidance and truth.
"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven."
Both passages highlight the importance of reaching diverse populations with the gospel. Acts 2:5 describes Jews from various nations dwelling in Jerusalem, implying a need to minister to a multicultural audience. Ellen White's passage emphasizes the need to focus on cities and their diverse populations, suggesting that neglecting urban areas would hinder the spread of the gospel. The common theme is the necessity of reaching a wide range of people with the message of faith.
"From the opening day of the session, Mrs. White bore a heavy burden in behalf of the spiritual interests of the various classes of believers encamped on the grounds. In several of her public talks she urged the brethren and sisters to lay hold on God, and to seek Him most earnestly for guidance and blessing. Those in attendance were to gather courage and inspiration for the carrying forward of a mighty work throughout the world. In all their planning, they were to keep constantly before their minds the needs of the perishing, and the importance of occupying places where God is marvelously opening the way for the entrance of present truth. LS 417.2"
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Both passages describe gatherings where believers seek God's guidance and blessing for their work. Acts 4:31 depicts a prayer meeting where the Holy Spirit fills the believers, empowering them to speak the word of God boldly. Ellen White's passage describes her urging believers to seek God earnestly for guidance and blessing, so they can gather courage and inspiration for their work. The shared theme is the importance of prayer and seeking divine empowerment for effective ministry.