"License Laws The licensing of the liquor traffic is advocated by many as tending to restrict the drink evil. But the licensing of the traffic places it under the protection of law. The government sanctions its existence, and thus fosters the evil which it professes to restrict. Under the protection of license laws, breweries, distilleries, and wineries are planted all over the land, and the liquor seller plies his work beside our very doors. MH 342"
"Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;"
The passage thematically aligns with the condemnation of those who enact unrighteous decrees and write grievousness which they have prescribed, as licensing laws are seen as enabling the liquor traffic.
"Often he is forbidden to sell intoxicants to one who is drunk or who is known to be a confirmed drunkard; but the work of making drunkards of the youth goes steadily forward. Upon the creating of the liquor appetite in the youth the very life of the traffic depends. The youth are led on, step by step, until the liquor habit is established and the thirst is created that at any cost demands satisfaction. Less harmful would it be to grant liquor to the confirmed drunkard, whose ruin, in most cases, is already determined, than to permit the flower of our youth to be lured to destruction through this terrible habit. MH 342.2"
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
The passage echoes the warning about the deceptive nature of wine and strong drink, highlighting how it leads people astray, especially the youth.
"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."
The passage reflects the principle of avoiding actions that cause others to stumble, particularly in the context of leading youth into destructive habits.
"By the licensing of the liquor traffic, temptation is kept constantly before those who are trying to reform. Institutions have been established where the victims of intemperance may be helped to overcome their appetite. This is a noble work; but so long as the sale of liquor is sanctioned by law, the intemperate receive little benefit from inebriate asylums. They cannot remain there always. They must again take their place in society. The appetite for intoxicating drink, though subdued, is not wholly destroyed; and when temptation assails them, as it does on every hand, they too often fall an easy prey. MH 342.3"
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Both passages deal with temptation. EGW discusses the temptation of alcohol, while Matthew 6:13 is a prayer to avoid temptation in general. The connection is thematic but not strong enough for a higher confidence.