582
The Great Controversy
the laity shows up as negative. See for example G. P. Fisher, The
Reformation, Ch. 15, Par. 16 (1873 ed., pp. 530-532); J. Cardinal
[692]
Gibbons, The Faith of Our Fathers, ch. 8 (49th ed., 1897), pp. 98-117;
John Dowling, History of Romanism, b. 7, ch. 2, sec. 14; and b. 9,
ch. 3, secs. 24-27 (1871 ed., pp. 491-496, 621-625); L. F. Bungener,
History of the Council of Trent, pp. 101-110 (2d Edinburgh ed., 1853,
translated by D. D. Scott); G. H. Putnam, Books and Their Makers
During the Middle Ages, vol. 1, pt. 2, ch. 2, pars. 49, 54-56. See
also Index of Prohibited Books (Vatican Polyglot Press, 1930), pp. IX,
X; Timothy Hurley, A Commentary on the Present Index Legislation
(New York: Benziger Brothers, 1908), p. 71; Translation of the Great
Encyclical Letters of Leo XIII (New York: Benziger Brothers, 1903),
p. 413.
But in recent years a dramatic and positive change has occurred in
this respect. On the one hand, the church has approved several versions
prepared on the basis of the original languages; on the other, it has
promoted the study of the Holy Scriptures by means of free distribution
and Bible institutes. The church, however, continues to reserve for
herself the exclusive right to interpret the Bible in the light of her own
tradition, thus justifying those doctrines that do not harmonize with
Biblical teachings.
Page 373. Ascension Robes.—The story that the Adventists made
robes with which to ascend “to meet the Lord in the air,” was invented
by those who wished to reproach the Advent preaching. It was circu-
lated so industriously that many believed it, but careful inquiry proved
its falsity. For many years a substantial reward was offered for proof
that one such instance ever occurred, but no proof has been produced.
None who loved the appearing of the Saviour were so ignorant of the
teachings of the Scriptures as to suppose that robes which they could
make would be necessary for that occasion. The only robe which the
saints will need to meet the Lord is the righteousness of Christ. See
Isaiah 61:10
;
Revelation 19:8
.
For a thorough refutation of the legend of ascension robes, see
Francis D. Nichol, Midnight Cry (Washington, D.C.: Review and
Herald Publishing Assn., 1944), chs. 25-27, and Appendices H-J. See
also Leroy Edwin Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers (Washington,
D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Assn., 1954), vol. 4, pp. 822-826.