We are all more or less acquainted with the movement that has been flourishing for a number of years which has as a basis the gift of speaking tongues. There is little need to go into detail concerning the Scriptures which definitely tell us that tongues are for the edification and advancement of the gospel, and not for self-glorification or as a sign that one has at last gotten the Spirit. The fourteenth chapter of First Corinthians is all too plain regarding this question of tongues.
However, for the benefit of those that might have a question in their minds regarding the tongues movement and its divine authorship, may I relate the following incident with which I am personally acquainted. It settled in my mind once and for all the question.
A number of years ago in a city in Iowa a certain Adventist evangelist was holding a series of meetings. A number of young men were connected with him. I wish to write about one in particular, for the story revolves about him.
In the process of the meetings there came to the attention of this brother a family who seemingly were deeply interested in the truth. They were a young Couple with two children. Once a week the brother, whom we shall call Mr. Kent, went out to their home to conduct evening Bible studies with Mr. and Mrs. C. Many friends of the young couple came to these studies, and swelled the number to twelve and sometimes eighteen. The people seemed much interested and enjoyed the studies very much.
The mother of Mr. C. was quite imbued with the tongues movement, and was greatly concerned lest her son make the error of "joining up with the 'Advents,'" as she was wont to call them. She was anxious that her son and family embrace her own faith—which was commendable in a mother. She rejoiced in having the Spirit, for she believed she had the gift of tongues.
She at times attended the meetings at her son's home, and for a while Mr. Kent thought that she would leave the faith to which she belonged, and come his way. But, no, there wasn't enough of the Spirit ! Needless to say, her own church did all they could to keep her from leaning too far toward the Adventist faith.
On one particular occasion, when Mr. Kent was coming to the close of his series of studies and was endeavoring to bring the folks to a decision for the truth, he announced that at their meeting one week hence he would study with them the subject "The Marks of the True Church." He asked that a real effort be made to have all present for this meeting. Mr. C.. asked if it would be all right to invite the evangelist from his mother's church to be present. Our brother said, "Most certainly."
When the evening arrived and Mr. Kent came to the home, he was asked if he would not be so kind as to go over to get Mr. C's mother, and bring her, for she wanted to come, and also if he would stop on the way back and pick up the other evangelist. He complied with the request, and found to his surprise that the evangelist was a woman. She brought along her volume of the Scriptures, and with a determined look on her face took her seat among the folks gathered for the evening's study.
Mr. Kent began his study with prayer, and then for three quarters of an hour he brought to the people's attention the wonderful truths of God's Word relative to his announced subject. The other evangelist began to squirm when the law was mentioned, and when Mr. Kent spoke concerning the Sabbath she could hardly sit still. Soon she jumped to her feet and began to dispute with our brother about many of the things presented. He calmly asked her to point out from the Word her proof for the statements made, but she was unable to do so.
Then she said, "At least I have the Spirit, which you people [meaning Adventists] do not have." Mr. Kent asked her what she meant by that, and she vehemently said, "the gift of tongues."
Our brother asked her if she knew of what she spoke. Of course she answered in the affirmative. He then proceeded to question her and also to point out some very definite statements from the Word relative to this question. He asserted that one who has the Spirit would be an individual who would willingly follow the Bible and live in harmony with its teachings.
She then became loud and abusive, and so our brother decided to bring the meeting to a close. By this time it was approaching the midnight hour.
He asked all to stand, and requested that they should be quiet and reverent as the benediction was pronounced. He had not said three words before the other evangelist cried out and began to speak in tongues. He stopped praying and went over to the woman, who was holding her hands up in the air and making a loud commotion. All eyes were focused on them. Mr. C's mother stepped in front of her preacher and dared Brother Kent to touch her. God came very near to our brother, and fearlessly he took the woman by the wrist. She began to fight back. "See," he said; "she is putting on an act. If she were possessed by the Spirit 'of God, she would be calm and would not be affected by surroundings." At this she ceased to struggle but continued to speak loudly and somewhat incoherently. Then, knowing that much was at stake, that eighteen people present would make their decisions one way or another, depending on the outcome, he prayed earnestly and quickly that God would intervene. Then looking at the woman, he said, "In the name of Jesus I command you to______ cease this foolishness." Her hands dropped to her sides: she opened her eyes and said no more!
The meeting closed, and an eventful evening ended. Mr. Kent thanked the Lord for His special intervention, and as far as he was concerned, it was settled that the so-called speaking in tongues certainly was not of God. A number of the people took their stand for the truth from these cottage meetings, feeling confident that God was indeed leading and directing the Advent Movement. Surely, the name of Jesus has power to settle matters which must needs be settled. He can help you and me if we but ask Him. He can and will lead us in His way if we but put our trust in Him.
