"There are many lines in which the youth can find opportunity for helpful effort. Let them organize into bands for Christian service, and the co-operation will prove an assistance and an encouragement. Parents and teachers, by taking an interest in the work of the young people, will be able to give them the benefit of their own larger experience, and can help them to make their efforts effective for good. Ed 269.1"
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour."
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of cooperation leading to encouragement and assistance, as found in Ecclesiastes 4:9. The verse provides a foundational principle for the benefits of teamwork and collaboration, which EGW expands upon in the context of Christian service.
"them become acquainted with these lands and their peoples. In this line much might be accomplished in our schools. Instead of dwelling on the exploits of the Alexanders and Napoleons of history, let the pupils study the lives of such men as the apostle Paul and Martin Luther, as Moffat and Livingstone and Carey, and the present daily-unfolding history of missionary effort. Instead of burdening their memories with an array of names and theories that have no bearing upon their lives, and to which, once outside the schoolroom, they rarely give a thought, let them study all lands in the light of missionary effort and become acquainted with the peoples and their needs. Ed 269.2"
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
Both passages emphasize the importance of learning from historical accounts for practical application and hope. Romans 15:4 speaks generally about the value of scripture for learning and hope, while EGW specifies learning from missionary figures for practical application in life. There's a clear thematic parallel in the purpose of studying historical figures.
"In this closing work of the gospel there is a vast field to be occupied; and, more than ever before, the work is to enlist helpers from the common people. Both the youth and those older in years will be called from the field, from the vineyard, and from the workshop, and sent forth by the Master to give His message. Many of these have had little opportunity for education; but Christ sees in them qualifications that will enable them to fulfill His purpose. If they put their hearts into the work, and continue to be learners, He will fit them to labor for Him. Ed 269.3"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
This passage echoes the idea that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, emphasizing the need for more workers in the gospel field.
"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him."
The calling of ordinary people (fishermen) to become disciples and spread the gospel is similar to the idea of calling people from various backgrounds to share God's message.