"they have a great and solemn responsibility. Let them mold the plastic clay before it becomes hardened and insensible to impressions; let them train the sapling ere it becomes a gnarled and tangled oak; let them direct the course of the rivulet ere it becomes a swollen river. If they are left to choose their own boardinghouse and their own companions, some will choose those that are good, and others will choose improper associations. If the religious element is not mingled with their education, they will become easy subjects of temptation, and their characters will be liable to become warped and one-sided. The youth who show respect for sacred and holy things learn these lessons under the home roof, before the world has placed upon the soul its mark,—the image of sin, deceit, and dishonesty. Love to God is learned at the family altar, of the father and mother in very babyhood. 5T 416.1"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
This EGW passage elaborates on the principle of Proverbs 22:6, providing specific examples of how to 'train up a child' and the potential consequences of neglecting this training.
"The want of a religious influence is sadly felt in the office; there should be greater devotion, more spirituality, more practical religion. Missionary work done here by God-fearing men and women would be attended with the very best results. Brother R's course is not well-pleasing to God. A man in his position should be a man of devotion; he should be among the first in religious matters. His only safety is in maintaining a living connection with God and feeling his dependence upon Him. Without this, he will not do justice to his position, neither will he exert a right influence in the office and over those with whom his business brings him in contact. 5T 416.2"
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
The EGW passage emphasizes the need for a 'living connection with God' and dependence on Him, which aligns with the concept of abiding in Christ as described in John 15:5. Both passages highlight the importance of a relationship with God for effective work and influence.
"I have also seen that there should be a close investigation of the manner of dealing in the office, both with brethren and with unbelievers. Benevolence, purity, truth, and peace are the fruits that should be seen there. Motives and actions should be closely examined and compared with the law of God; for this law is the only infallible rule by which to regulate the conduct, the only reliable code of honor between man and man. 5T 416.3"
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
The EGW passage directly advocates for examining actions and motives against God's law, which echoes the principle of testing or proving all things to retain what is good, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:21.