"I can hardly express my feelings when I think how God's purpose in the establishment of our college has been disregarded. Those who have a form of godliness are denying, by their unconsecrated lives, the power of the truth to make men wise unto salvation. Look at the history of the apostles, who suffered poverty, disgrace, abuse, and even death for the truth's sake. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for Christ. 5T 87.1"
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
The EGW passage directly references the idea of 'having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof,' which is a clear allusion to 2 Timothy 3:5.
"If great results can be attained by great efforts and great suffering, who of us that are subjects of divine grace can refuse the sacrifice? The gospel of Christ includes in its requirements every soul that has heard the message of glad tidings. What shall we render unto God for all His benefits to us? His matchless mercy can never be repaid. We can, only by willing obedience and grateful service, testify our loyalty, and crown with honor our Redeemer. 5T 87.2"
"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?"
The EGW passage directly quotes and expands upon the question posed in Psalm 116:12, making it a clear and intentional reference.
"I have no higher wish than to see our youth imbued with that spirit of pure religion which will lead them to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Go forth, young disciples of Christ, controlled by principle, clad in the robes of purity and righteousness. Your Saviour will guide you into the position best suited to your talents and where you can be most useful. In the path of duty you may be sure of receiving grace sufficient for your day. 5T 87.3"
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The EGW passage directly alludes to Matthew 16:24, using the phrase 'take up the cross and follow Jesus,' which is central to the verse's meaning.
"The preaching of the gospel is God's chosen agency for the salvation of souls. But our first work should be to bring our own hearts into harmony with God, and then we are prepared to labor for others. In former days there was great searching of heart among our earnest workers. They counseled together and united in humble, fervent prayer for divine guidance. There has been a decline in the true missionary spirit among ministers and teachers. Yet Christ's coming is nearer than when we believed. Every passing day leaves us one less to proclaim the message of warning to the world. Would that there were today more earnest intercession with God, greater humility, greater purity, and greater faith. 5T 87.4"
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
The EGW passage discusses the importance of preaching the gospel and the need for preachers, which aligns with the theme of Romans 10:14 about the necessity of preaching for people to hear and believe. While not a direct quote, the thematic connection is clear.