"Chapter 11—The Holy Spirit in our Schools Cooranbong, N. S. W., May 10, 1896 I ask you who are living at the very heart of the work to review the experience of years and see if the well “done” can be truthfully spoken of you. I ask the teachers in our schools to consider carefully, prayerfully: Have I individually watched for my own soul as one who is co-operating with God for its purification from all sin and its entire sanctification? Can you by precept and example teach the youth sanctification, through the truth, unto holiness? 8T 61"
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
This is a clear and direct connection. EGW directly asks if teachers can teach sanctification through the truth, and John 17:17 states 'Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.' EGW is directly referencing this verse.
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Both passages focus on sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 is a prayer for complete sanctification, while EGW asks teachers if they can teach sanctification through truth unto holiness.
"“Let us put aside all study, for it is evident that we have among us a heavenly guest? Let us give praise and honor to God.” Did you, with contrite hearts, bow in prayer with your students, pleading that you might receive the blessing that the Lord was presenting to you? 8T 61.2"
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 18:20, emphasizing the presence of God when people gather in His name, particularly in a context of prayer and seeking blessing.
"The Great Teacher Himself was among you. Did you honor Him? Was He a stranger to some of the educators? Was there need to send for someone of supposed authority to welcome or repel this Messenger from heaven? Though unseen, His presence was among you. But was not the thought expressed that in school the time ought to be given to study, and that there was a time for everything, as if the hours devoted to common study were too precious to be given up for the working of the heavenly messenger? 8T 61.3"
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
The EGW passage speaks of the 'Great Teacher' and a 'Messenger from heaven' whose presence was not honored, which aligns with the concept of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and teacher sent by the Father, as described in John 14:26.