"Brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure, elevated thought. High conceptions of art, delicate refinement of taste, often exist in minds that are earthly and sensual. They are often employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul, to lose sight of the future, immortal life, to turn away from their infinite Helper, and to live for this world alone. GC 567.1"
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Both passages warn against prioritizing worldly pursuits (artistic brilliance, gaining the whole world) over spiritual well-being and the soul's salvation.
"A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. The pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship has a seductive, bewitching power, by which many are deceived; and they come to look upon the Roman Church as the very gate of heaven. None but those who have planted their feet firmly upon the foundation of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the Spirit of God, are proof against her influence. Thousands who have not an experimental knowledge of Christ will be led to accept the forms of godliness without the power. Such a religion is just what the multitudes desire. GC 567.2"
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
EGW directly uses the phrase 'forms of godliness without the power,' which is a clear reference to 2 Timothy 3:5.
"human nature to do penance than to renounce sin; it is easier to mortify the flesh by sackcloth and nettles and galling chains than to crucify fleshly lusts. Heavy is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing to bear rather than bow to the yoke of Christ. GC 567.3"
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
The EGW passage directly contrasts the heavy yoke of self-imposed penance with the easy yoke of Christ, echoing the sentiment in Matthew 11:30.