"While short subscriptions are accepted, some will not make the effort necessary to obtain them for a longer time. Canvassers should not go over the ground in a careless, unconcerned manner. They should feel that they are God's workmen, and the love of souls should lead them to make every effort to enlighten men and women in regard to the truth. Providence and grace, means and ends, are closely connected. When His laborers do the very best they can, God does for them that which they cannot do themselves; but no one need expect to succeed independently and by his own exertions. There must be activity united with firm trust in God. 5T 399.2"
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
The EGW passage emphasizes the need for both human effort and divine assistance in the canvassing work. This parallels the idea in 1 Corinthians 3:9 that believers are laborers together with God. While not a direct quote, the theme of cooperation between God and humans is present in both passages.