"All to Be Trained The church is asleep, and does not realize the magnitude of this matter of educating the children and youth. “Why,” one says, “what is the need of being so particular to educate our youth thoroughly? It seems to me that if you take a few who have decided to follow a literary calling or some other calling that requires a certain discipline, and give due attention to them, that is all that is necessary. It is not required that the whole mass of our youth be so well trained. Will not this answer every essential requirement?” CT 43"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
EGW's emphasis on the importance of educating and training youth directly reflects the principle of Proverbs 22:6, which advocates for training a child in the right way. The EGW passage directly addresses the need for thorough training, aligning with the proverb's intention.
"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."
Both passages refer to a state of spiritual slumber or unawareness. EGW uses the idea of the church being 'asleep' to highlight their lack of awareness regarding the importance of educating youth, which aligns with the slumbering virgins in Matthew.
"As a church, as individuals, if we would stand clear in the judgment, we must make more liberal efforts for the training of our young people, that they may be better fitted for the various branches of the great work committed to our hands. We should lay wise plans, in order that the ingenious minds of those who have talent may be strengthened and disciplined, and polished after the highest order, that the work of Christ may not be hindered for lack of skillful laborers, who will do their work with earnestness and fidelity. CT 43.1"
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Both passages emphasize the importance of training and preparation for service to God. EGW's call for training young people to be 'skillful laborers' directly reflects the principle of being a 'workman that needeth not to be ashamed' as presented in 2 Timothy.
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
Both passages address the need for more workers/laborers in God's work. EGW expands on the need to train young people to fill this need, echoing the sentiment in Matthew.
"Not one of these noble-looking sons of Jesse would the Lord accept. But when David, the youngest son, a mere youth, was called from the field, and passed before Samuel, the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” 1 Samuel 16:7, 12 . CT 43.3"
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
The EGW passage directly quotes 1 Samuel 16:7 and 16:12, making it a clear explicit allusion.