I saw that these brethren could benefit the cause of God by attending, as often as practicable, convocation meetings at a distance from their place of labor. The work committed to them is important, and they need healthy nerves and brains; but it is impossible for their minds to be enlivened and invigorated as God would have them, while they are incessantly confined at the office. I was shown that it would be a benefit to the cause at large for these men, standing at the head of the work at Battle Creek, to become acquainted with their brethren abroad by associating with them in meeting. It will give the brethren abroad confidence in those who are bearing the responsibilities of the work, and will relieve these brethren of the taxation upon the brain, and will make them better acquainted with the progress of the work and the wants of the cause. It will enliven their hope, renew their faith, and increase their courage. Time thus taken will not be lost, but will be spent to the very best…
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Both passages emphasize the benefit of interaction and fellowship for mutual encouragement and growth. The EGW passage speaks of the benefits of brethren associating with each other, while Proverbs 27:17 uses the analogy of iron sharpening iron to illustrate the same principle. The connection is valid and meaningful.
"going out to the large gatherings of Sabbathkeepers and bearing his testimony for the edification of those who are privileged to hear him. This change would bring him more out of doors, into the open air. His blood flows sluggishly through his veins for want of the vivifying air of heaven. He has done well his part in the work at the office, but still he has needed the electrifying influence of pure air and sunlight out of doors to make his work still more spiritual and enlivening. 1T 516.2"
"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
Both passages connect positive experiences with health and well-being. The EGW passage links fresh air and sunlight to spiritual and physical invigoration, while Proverbs 16:24 associates pleasant words with health to the bones. While not a direct quote or allusion, the thematic parallel is present.