"The burden bearers among us are falling in death. Many of those who have been foremost in carrying out the reforms instituted by us as a people are now past the meridian of life and are declining in physical and mental strength. With the deepest concern the question may be asked, Who will fill their places? To whom are to be committed the vital interests of the church, when the present standard-bearers fall? We can but look anxiously upon the youth of today as those who must take these burdens, and upon whom responsibilities must fall. These must take up the work where others leave it, and their course will determine whether morality, religion, and vital godliness shall prevail, or whether immorality and infidelity shall corrupt and blight all that is valuable. CT 536.1"
"Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel."
Both passages deal with the transition of leadership and responsibility from an older generation to a younger one. EGW uses the analogy of the older generation passing away and the youth needing to take up the mantle, similar to Joshua succeeding Moses.
"Those who are older must educate the youth, by precept and example, to discharge the claims that society and their Maker have upon them. Upon these youth must be laid grave responsibilities. The question is, Are they capable of governing themselves, and standing forth in the purity of their God-given manhood, abhorring everything that savors of wickedness? CT 536.2"
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Both passages highlight the importance of training and educating the youth in righteousness and responsibility. EGW emphasizes the role of older individuals in guiding the youth, aligning with the principle of Proverbs 22:6.
"Never before was there so much at stake; never were there results so mighty depending upon a generation as upon these now coming upon the stage of action. Not for one moment should the youth think that they can acceptably fill any position of trust without possessing a good character. Just as well might they expect to gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles. CT 536.3"
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
EGW directly alludes to Matthew 7:16, using the same analogy of not being able to gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles to illustrate the importance of good character for fulfilling positions of trust.