influence proceeding from the Father, or from the Father and the Son, is
apparent from the passages of Scripture which refer to Him. An energy
has no existence independent of the agent, but this can not be
maintained with reference to the Holy Ghost. He is associated as a
Person with Persons. In the baptismal formula and in the apostolic
benediction the Holy Spirit is spoken of in the same terms as the Father
and the Son, and is therefore a Person as they are Persons. He is said
to possess will and understanding. He is said to teach, to testify, to
intercede, to search all things, to bestow and distribute spiritual
gifts according to His will.

The Holy Ghost addresses the Father, and is therefore not the Father. He
intercedes with the Father, and so is not a mere energy of the Father.
Jesus promised to send the Spirit from the Father, but the Father could
not be sent from or by Himself. It is said that the Spirit when He came
would not speak of Himself--a statement that cannot apply to the
Father; and while Christ promised to send the Spirit, He did not promise
to send the Father.

The Holy Ghost is not the Son, for the Son says He will send Him. He is
"another Comforter," who speaks and acts as a person. The Holy Ghost
said, "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work where-unto I have
called them."[167]

The arguments for the distinct personality of the Holy Ghost prove also
that He is God. The baptismal formula and the apostolic benediction
assume His Divinity. The words of Christ with reference to the sin
against the Holy Ghost imply that He is God, and Peter affirms this
doctrine when, having accused Ananias of lying to the Holy Ghost, he
adds, "Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."[168] Paul also