Talking in Unknown Tongues by Eliza H. Morton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 7, 1914

Talking in Unknown Tongues

By Eliza H. Morton

ELIZA H. MORTON

MUCH is being said in these days about the gift of tongues, and there are many manifestations of what is unmistakably supernatural, and on the surface appears to be from God.

The Bible clearly states that devils have the power to do miracles; that they sometimes cause men to speak in unknown tongues has been manifest. A writer in a well-known periodical says in describing missionary work in the Orient, "We have positive proof that demons as well as the Spirit cause speaking in tongues." He then relates an instance of a man thus speaking, never mentioning the name of Christ, and becoming very angry when his words were tested by the Bible.

Some of these Spiritualistic mediums, for they are such, even though denying the name, use vile and profane language, interspersed with exhortations to holiness and confession of sin; others are more careful in their verbal expressions, and acknowledge that Christ came in the flesh, even as did some of old times. A hypnotic power usually accompanies these manifestations.

When one comes in contact with what claims to be this gift, it is well to inquire,—

1. How was it obtained—by personally agonizing and struggling to obtain it, or did it come through the instrumentality of the Spirit itself? 1 Cor. 12:11.

2. Was it given for service (Acts 2:11), and is it of use in foreign lands?

3. To what does it call attention—to the gift or to a special message? John 1:23.

4. Is it manifest when many unbelievers are present? 1 Cor. 14:22.

5. Are its teachings in harmony with those of the Bible? Isa. 8:20.

6. What is the daily life of the one who speaks the unknown tongue? Matt. 5:13.

The answers to these questions will help the investigator to determine the source and origin of the gift manifested.