When we have accepted Christ, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit have pledged ourselves to serve God, the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit—the three dignitaries and powers of heaven...” [2 Corinthians 6:17.] -MS 85, 1901, par 4
... [
Matthew 25:34.(quoted)] And then the golden harps are touched, and the music flows all through the heavenly host, and
they fall down and worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...
21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 32
Regarding the above two statements, recorded from two of Ellen's sermons, the following letter addresses an important point, specifically regarding the sermon of 1906, but I would think would also apply to the previous(1901) talk to teachers:
It wasn't Ellen White's practice to write out her sermons. She relied upon her secretaries to record what she said stenographically. The stenographer’s report was typed out presumably that same year (1906), although they did not record the typing date. It is one of a number of transcribed sermons that remained unfiled at the time of Ellen White’s death—her secretaries not having been able to prepare final file copies with other more urgent publication needs taking priority. It remained in that status until our office processed them for the file a decade or so ago in our efforts to place all of EGW's writings in our online electronic database. God bless! Tim Poirier Vice-Director Ellen G. White Estate, Inc. 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, Maryland 20904 <end quoted email>
The quotes in question are two of Ellen's talks, transcribed by someone other than Ellen. And, we know that, at least, the 1906 sermon was never verified by Ellen. So, it is possible that the transcript is not 100% accurate. If so, we could look to the quotes in Section A below to judge that. If, however, the transcript is NOT in error, we could look to Section B to understand what she means when she uses the phrase "Holy Spirit". But, before "Section A", I think it helpful to read this, which was penned by Ellen in 1905:
I said that I did not claim to be a prophetess. I have not stood before the people claiming this title, though many called me thus. I have been instructed to say, “I am God's messenger, sent to bear a message of reproof to the erring and of encouragement to the meek and lowly.” With pen and with voice I am to bear the messages given me. The word given me is, “You are faithfully to reprove those who would mar the faith of the people of God. Write out the things which I shall give you, that they may stand as a witness to the truth till the end of time.”
I said, “
If any of the citizens of Battle Creek
wish to know what Mrs. White believes and teaches, let them read her published books. My labors would be naught should I preach another gospel. That which I have written is what the Lord has bidden me write.
I have not been instructed to change that which I have sent out. I stand firm in the Adventist faith; for I have been warned in regard to the seducing sophistries that will seek for entrance among us as a people. The Scripture says, ‘Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.’ I present before our people the danger of being led astray as were the angels in the heavenly courts.
The straight line of truth presented to me when I was but a girl is just as clearly presented to me now.”
RH January 26, 1905, par. 19 (
the quotes in question were not from Ellen's "published books")
Section A
“Satan’s position in heaven had been next to the Son of God. He was first among the angels” (Ellen White, Ms 50, 1900, par. 7). (who had the third highest position?)
'Of
Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying that “He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.” Revelation 1:1. And to John the angel declared, “I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets.” Revelation 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought—that
the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men."' {
Desire of Ages, page 99, published in
1898}
(who has has the third highest position?)
“The only Being who was one with God lived the law in humanity, descended to the lowly life of a common laborer, and toiled at the carpenter's bench with His earthly parent.” — (E.G. White, ST, Oct 14, 1897)"Jehovah, our Father, and His Son Jesus Christ are alone to be exalted. The knowledge of God is eternal life to those who receive it." -Ellen White, Ms11-1898.11 (if Jehovah and His Son are alone to be exalted, why, today, is the Holy Spirit exalted?)
“God and Christ alone know what the souls of men have cost.” — (E.G. White, ST, Jan 13, 1909)
Section B
Christ is to be known by the blessed name of Comforter. “The Comforter,” said Christ to His disciples, “which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name. He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [John 14:26, 27.] -Ms7-1902.10
(Parenthetical statements added by Sid in the following quote for clarity)
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His Father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His(Christ's) successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself(Christ), divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. He(Christ) would represent Himself(Christ) as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent. -Lt119-1895 (February 18, 1895) par. 18