"In Eden, God set up the memorial of His work of creation, in placing His blessing upon the seventh day. The Sabbath was committed to Adam, the father and representative of the whole human family. Its observance was to be an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the part of all who should dwell upon the earth, that God was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; that they were the work of His hands and the subjects of His authority. Thus the institution was wholly commemorative, and given to all mankind. There was nothing in it shadowy or of restricted application to any people. PP 48.1"
"And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the Genesis 2:3 account of God blessing and sanctifying the seventh day. It's a clear and direct allusion.
"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
The EGW passage echoes the themes and language of Exodus 20:11, particularly the connection between God's creation and the Sabbath. While Genesis 2:3 is more directly related, Exodus 20:11 provides further context and is clearly alluded to.
"God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise. He needed to lay aside his own interests and pursuits for one day of the seven, that he might more fully contemplate the works of God and meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath to remind him more vividly of God and to awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the beneficent hand of the Creator. PP 48.2"
"And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
EGW elaborates on the purpose and significance of the Sabbath as described in Genesis 2:3, focusing on contemplation and gratitude. While not a direct quote, it expands on the themes present in the verse.
"God designs that the Sabbath shall direct the minds of men to the contemplation of His created works. Nature speaks to their senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.” Psalm 19:1, 2 . The beauty that clothes the earth is a token of God's love. We may behold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the opening buds and the delicate flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made them all, bids men open the great book of nature and trace therein the wisdom, the power, and the love of the Creator. PP 48.3"
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
EGW directly quotes Psalm 19:1, connecting it to the idea of nature revealing God's glory.
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
Both passages discuss how creation reveals God's attributes. Romans 1:20 speaks of understanding God's power and Godhead through creation, while EGW connects this to the Sabbath and contemplation of nature. It's a thematic parallel rather than a direct allusion.