Baptismal Robes by Mrs. S. N. Haskell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

Baptismal Robes

By Mrs. S. N. Haskell

MRS. S. N. HASKELL

BAPTISM is a very sacred ordinance, and one that means much to the child of God. It is the privilege of every child of God to claim special blessings from the Lord; for God has promised, if we comply with his requirements in repentance and baptism, “Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 1: 3, 8.

The spirit of prophecy has given very definite instruction in regard to the preparation for this ordinance; and that everything may “be done decently and in order,” we are instructed to prepare the baptismal robes.

The Saviour’s example affords us excellent instruction in proper order. When he awoke from death, obedient to the call of his Father, with the holy angels awaiting to escort him from the tomb, he did not leave his grave-clothes in disorder. “The grave-clothes were not thrown heedlessly aside, but were carefully folded, each in a place by itself. . . . It was Christ himself who had placed those grave-clothes with such care. . . . As the angel from heaven rolled away the stone, the other [angel] entered the tomb and unbound the wrappings from the body of Jesus. But it was the Saviour’s hand that folded each, and laid it in its place.”—“Desire of Ages.” It was not because he would ever need those clothes again; but as an example for his followers. What lesson is there in this for us? Does it not teach us how we should care for the clothes worn by those who are “buried with him by baptism”?

The plan followed by one of our churches is worthy of imitation. Twelve baptismal robes were made of a good quality of black serge. These robes were made neatly, belted at the waist, and, when wet, they would not cling to the form. The lower seams were weighted with lead to sink readily in the water. The church likewise provided celluloid collars and cuffs for use with the robes. The candidates are prepared for the ceremony before the opening song, and are thus enabled to quietly enjoy the service, and go forward at once when the proper moment arrives, without tedious waiting.

After each use, the robes are dried, pressed, and laid away for the next occasion. This plan could be followed to excellent advantage in all our churches.

Those who accept, at the hands of the church, the office of deaconess obligate themselves to spend time to attend to the things pertaining to the Lord’s house. We would be shocked, if, when celebrating the ordinance of humility, the towels were given out crumpled, soiled, neither pressed nor folded. Why is not a proper care of the baptismal robes just as important, or more so?

If the robes belonging to your church have been neglected so long that they can not be made to look respectable, dampen them thoroughly, and press with a heavy iron, and you may be surprised at the results. If you find them past reclaiming, would it not be a good plan to purchase other robes, and give them the care the Lord bestowed upon his clothes worn in the grave, of which baptism is a memorial?

Oakland, Cal.