Chapter 66—Our Institutions at Battle Creek The evils arising from centering so many responsibilities in Battle Creek have not been few. The dangers are many because of the unconsecrated elements that wait only until a change of circumstances shall encourage them to put all their influence on the side of wrong. If all those connected with our institutions were only devoted and spiritually minded, relying upon God more than upon themselves, there would be far greater prosperity than we have hitherto seen. But while there is such decided lack of humble trust and entire dependence upon God, we cannot be sure of anything. Our great need today is for men who are baptized with the Holy Spirit of God—men who walk with God as did Enoch. We do not want men who are so narrow in their outlook that they will circumscribe the work instead of enlarging it, or who follow the motto: “Religion is religion; business is business.” We need men who are farseeing, who can take in the situation and reason fr…
"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
Both passages highlight the necessity of God's involvement for success. EGW emphasizes reliance on God rather than self, while Psalm 127:1 states that labor is in vain without God's blessing. The underlying theme of dependence on God is present in both.