"It is a terrible fact, and one that should make the hearts of parents tremble, that in so many schools and colleges to which the youth are sent for mental culture and discipline, influences prevail which misshape the character, divert the mind from life's true aims, and debase the morals. Through contact with the irreligious, the pleasure loving, and the corrupt, many, many youth lose the simplicity and purity, the faith in God, and the spirit of self-sacrifice that Christian fathers and mothers have cherished and guarded by careful instruction and earnest prayer. MH 403.1"
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle in 1 Corinthians 15:33 about the corrupting influence of evil associations. Both warn against the dangers of negative influences on character and morals.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Both passages deal with the upbringing of children and the potential for them to stray from the intended path. Proverbs 22:6 speaks of training a child, while the EGW passage discusses the negative influences that can lead youth astray. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of proper guidance and the dangers of negative influences.
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
Both passages describe a decline in morality and the presence of negative influences, particularly in the context of the 'last days' or institutions meant for development. EGW focuses on the dangers within schools and colleges, while 2 Timothy provides a broader description of societal decay. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"Many who enter school with the purpose of fitting themselves for some line of unselfish ministry become absorbed in secular studies. An ambition is aroused to win distinction in scholarship and to gain position and honor in the world. The purpose for which they entered school is lost sight of, and the life is given up to selfish and worldly pursuits. And often habits are formed that ruin the life both for this world and for the world to come. MH 403.2"
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The EGW passage directly illustrates the principle of Matthew 6:33. The EGW quote describes individuals who prioritize secular studies and worldly ambition over their initial purpose of unselfish ministry, thus failing to seek first the kingdom of God. This aligns directly with the teaching of Matthew 6:33.
"For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"
Both passages address the danger of prioritizing worldly gain over spiritual well-being. The EGW passage describes individuals who become absorbed in secular pursuits and lose sight of their initial purpose, potentially ruining their lives. Luke 9:25 asks what a person gains if they acquire the whole world but lose themselves. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over worldly success.
As a rule, men and women who have broad ideas, unselfish purposes, noble aspirations, are those in whom these characteristics were developed by their associations in early years. In all His dealings with Israel, God urged upon them the importance of guarding the associations of their children. All the arrangements of civil, religious, and social life were made with a view to preserving the children from harmful companionship and making them, from their earliest years, familiar with the precepts and principles of the law of God. The object lesson given at the birth of the nation was of a nature deeply to impress all hearts. Before the last terrible judgment came upon the Egyptians in the death of the first-born, God commanded His people to gather their children into their own homes. The doorpost of every house was marked with blood, and within the protection assured by this token all were to abide. So today parents who love and fear God are to keep their children under “the bond of the …
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Both passages emphasize the importance of parental guidance and protecting children from harmful influences. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to teach their children God's commandments, while the EGW passage discusses the importance of guarding children's associations and familiarizing them with God's law. The EGW passage uses the example of the Passover to illustrate this point.