"Infidel Authors In order to obtain an education, many think it essential to study the writings of infidel authors, because these works contain many bright gems of thought. But who was the originator of these gems of thought? It was God, and God only. He is the Source of all light. Why, then, should we wade through the mass of error contained in the works of infidels for the sake of a few intellectual truths, when all truth is at our command? CT 378"
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
Both passages emphasize that all good things, including knowledge and truth, come from God. James 1:17 states that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights, and the EGW passage argues that even the 'gems of thought' in infidel writings originate from God.
"How is it that men who are at war with the government of God come into possession of the wisdom which they sometimes display? Satan himself was educated in the heavenly courts, and he has a knowledge of good as well as of evil. He mingles the precious with the vile, and this is what gives him power to deceive. But because Satan has robed himself in garments of heavenly brightness, shall we receive him as an angel of light? The tempter has his agents, educated according to his methods, inspired by his spirit, and adapted to his work. Shall we co-operate with them? Shall we receive the works of his agents as essential to the acquirement of an education? CT 378.2"
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
EGW directly references and expands upon the idea of Satan transforming into an angel of light.
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Both passages warn about deceptive appearances. EGW's reference to Satan's agents aligns with the idea of false prophets in sheep's clothing.