ASCENSION ROBES by J. H. W.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 28, 1868

ASCENSION ROBES.

By J. H. W.

Bro. White's remarks on the falsehoods circulated on the above subject remind me of an incident that transpired some years since in Wisconsin. A Mr. H., an M. E. preacher, deriding the Adventists, said: “It is a fact that they prepared and put on ascension robes in 1844.” At the close of his remarks I stated that I was very anxious to learn about the facts on that subject, and asked him to give particulars, as to where, by whom, &c. He said that it was not always convenient to give the evidence on matters which had transpired years in the past, and he could not then comply with the request. I turned to the congregation and said:—

“He has said it is a fact. Now if he does not know it to be a fact, he has made a false statement. If he knows it to be a fact, he can procure the evidence of the fact. As he has an appointment here four weeks from to-day, I give notice that I will be here at that time to get his statement, as that will give him time to get the information. If it occurred anywhere it will be easy to prove it in that locality. I hope the people will all be here to get the facts he may present.”

Being thus pressed to make good his assertion, and having the expectation of the people raised on it, he saw the necessity of doing something, and promptly confessed that he knew nothing about it, but had heard such a report!

The way the report ran was well illustrated by the following case. A Bro. T., who had lived and labored in Buffalo, and attended the Advent meetings there, was working in Erie in the fall of 1844. After the set day passed, the report spread in Erie that the Adventists in Buffalo put on ascension robes. He was so grieved over their folly, and troubled in his mind, that he determined to visit his friends in Buffalo and talk with them about it. Landing at Buffalo, he met an acquaintance, also an Adventist, who did not know where he came from. He asked if any of the Adventists in Buffalo had put on ascension robes. “No,” said his friend, “but they all did in Erie!” A smile by Bro. T. led to an explanation. And so it was everywhere. Everybody knew it was so—the place where it occurred could not be found.

J. H. W.