"that would need to be done before the world could be prepared for the second advent of Christ. Another brother, one of large faith, turned to him, his face white with strong emotion, and said: “My brother, do you permit such a prospect to bring discouragement? Do you not know that God would have us press the battle to the gate? Do you not know He would have us labor on, and on, and on, knowing that victory lies ahead?” LS 440.4"
"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
Both passages encourage forceful and persistent effort in advancing God's kingdom. The phrase 'press the battle to the gate' echoes the sentiment of taking the kingdom by force.