America in Prophecy by Ellen White [Modern Version]

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. 101110 (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 circulated 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.
Page 374. The Chronology of Prophecy.--Dr. George Bush, professor of Hebrew and
Oriental Literature in the New York City University, in a letter addressed to William Miller and
published in the Advent Herald and Signs of the Times Reporter, Boston, March 6 and 13,
535