"So long as they remained loyal to the divine law, their capacity to know, to enjoy, and to love, would continually increase. They would be constantly gaining new treasures of knowledge, discovering fresh springs of happiness, and obtaining clearer and yet clearer conceptions of the immeasurable, unfailing love of God.— Patriarchs and Prophets, 50, 51. CE 208.1"
"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
Both passages speak of a source of life and light emanating from God, leading to increased understanding and joy. The EGW passage expands on the implications of this divine connection.
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Both passages contrast a destructive force with a life-giving one. The EGW passage describes the potential for growth and abundance through obedience, while John 10:10 contrasts the thief's destructive intent with Christ's promise of abundant life.
Ancient Infidelity. —The dwellers on the plain of Shinar disbelieved God's covenant that he would not again bring a flood upon the earth. Many of them denied the existence of God, and attributed the flood to the operation of natural causes. Others believed in a supreme being, and that it was he who had destroyed the antediluvian world; and their hearts, like that of Cain, rose up in rebellion against him. One object before them in the erection of the tower of Babel was to secure their own safety in case of another deluge. By carrying the structure to a much greater height than was reached by the waters of the flood, they thought to place themselves beyond all possibility of danger. And as they would be able to ascend to the region of the clouds, they hoped to ascertain the cause of the flood. The whole undertaking was designed to exalt still further the pride of its projectors, and to turn the minds of future generations away from God, and lead them into idolatry.— Patriarchs and Proph…
"And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the biblical account of the Tower of Babel found in Genesis 11:4, providing additional details and interpretations of the motivations behind its construction.
"And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth."
The EGW passage explicitly refers to the disbelief in God's covenant against another flood, as described in Genesis 9:11, and uses it as a context for the actions of the people building the Tower of Babel.
"manners, in speech, learning how to become successful laborers. They should cultivate tact and courtesy, and manifest the spirit of Christ. Let them never cease to learn. Onward and upward should be their constant endeavor.— Gospel Workers, 285. CE 208.3"
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
The EGW passage directly encourages manifesting the spirit of Christ. Philippians 2:5 urges believers to have the mind of Christ. The connection is direct and clear: both emphasize emulating Christ's character.