"Canvassers need self-culture and polished manners, not the affected and artificial manners of the world, but the agreeable manners that are the natural result of kindness of heart and a desire to copy the example of Christ. They should cultivate thoughtful, care-taking habits,—habits of industry and discretion,—and should seek to honor God by making of themselves all that it is possible for them to become. Jesus made an infinite sacrifice to place them in right relations to God and to their fellow men, and divine aid combined with human effort will enable them to reach a high standard of excellence. The canvasser should be chaste like Joseph, meek like Moses, and temperate like Daniel; then a power will attend him wherever he goes. 5T 396.2"
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
The EGW passage encourages canvassers to copy the example of Christ, which directly reflects the principle in Philippians 2:5 to have the mind of Christ.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
The EGW passage encourages canvassers to make themselves all that it is possible for them to become and to honor God, which aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 10:31 to do all to the glory of God. Both passages emphasize the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and brings honor to Him.
"If the canvasser pursues a wrong course, if he utters falsehood or practices deception, he loses his own self- respect. He may not be conscious that God sees him and is acquainted with every business transaction, that holy angels are weighing his motives and listening to his words, and that his reward will be according to his works; but if it were possible to conceal his wrongdoing from human and divine inspection, the fact that he himself knows it, is degrading to his mind and character. One act does not determine the character, but it breaks down the barrier, and the next temptation is more readily entertained, until finally a habit of prevarication and dishonesty in business is formed, and the man cannot be trusted. 5T 396.3"
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Hebrews 4:13, emphasizing God's all-seeing nature and the impossibility of concealing wrongdoing. The context of the EGW quote, focusing on the canvasser's actions, reinforces this principle.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The EGW passage discusses the consequences of wrong actions and the formation of bad habits, which aligns with the principle of reaping what you sow in Galatians 6:7. The canvasser's actions are presented as seeds that will eventually bear fruit.