THE TONGUES MOVEMENT.

Franklin Times, Volume XXII, Issue 59, 23 May 1932, Page 2

THE TONGUES MOVEMENT.

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW. The article on "The Tongues Movement" which appeared in The Franklin Times on Monday has brought the following reply from another source:— It seems good at this time to have a perfect understanding regarding such railing accusations 'that have com H to our ears - In* reading over this article it looks rather ridiculous that one who has so much to say in theory about this subject, has never had any practical operation of it. Theory is all l'ight, but if it is unable to manifest the practical we must conclude there is something wrong with that theory. Furthermore when one writes he is a believer in tongues with interpretation, and never seeks the Lord to manifest same, when the Scripture says, 'I would that ye all spake in tongues," it reminds one of a man who says he is wise and does not act wise—no one can believe him.

(a) Right here it would be perhaps advisable to deal with (a) and (b), remarks which amount to, that the writer of your article believes the tongues of I. Cor. 12 and the tongues of I Cor. 14 are both the same. The Word of God is very clear on this. It is certain the the Word of God does not conflict, and if both were the same tongues it would make Scripture conflict. But I Cor. 12 v. 30 says, "Do all speak with tongues" that is (R.V.) "foreign languages." It would be contrary to Scripture for all to have the one gift of divers kinds of foreign languages. For in v. 17 of the same chapter it is written, "If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were a hearing where were the sem'elling?" Verse 11, "But all these worketh that one and selfsame spirit, dividing lo every man severally as He will"

Well what does Scripture in I Cor. 1.4, v. 0 refer to. "I would that ye all spake with tongues?" If it is not read in its right, context the Word of God, I Cor. 14, v. 5 would conflict with I Cor. 12, v. 30. So this does away with the argument that I Cor. 14 v. 18 is hoth the same (spoken foreign languages). The article says that the word unknown in I Cor. 14 v. 2 is not in the Creek. If we read I Cor. J4v. 2we will understand why the 47 translators of our King James Bible put the work unknown in the verse. "For he I hat speaketh in an (unknown) tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto Cod, for no man understandeth him; howbeif in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." First not that this language is not spoken to men, but unto God;

next, no man understandeth him. Any reasonable-minded man would come

to the same conclusion as the translators (that it is an unknown tongue). This is the tongue that the Apostle Paul said he would that all would speak in. If it were the gift of tongues he would not want all to have the same gift, so we must keep in mind that the tongues of the 12th chapter are not the tongues of the 14th chapter. One is, languages that are understood, and the other is unknown and needs interpreting. These two languages are described in the first verse of chapter 13. Though I speak with the tongues of men (foreign languages) and of angles (unknown tongue). (b) Here in part (e) the writer misses the mark. He here talks about the use of tongues in I Cor. 14, v. 7 and 8 being misleading and uncertain, that it is useless, etc., etc. But here it is quoted out of its context. To get the sense of this it is needful to go back one verse, that is v. 6 where it says, "If I come to you speaking in tongues, etc." without interpretation it is misleading and useless. But one can come and "speak not unto men ; but unto God," and He understands without interpretation. Also v 4 says, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue cdifieth himself," and "he would that all sprtke in tongues" to edify themselves. The Apostle Paul said I thank God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in tho church (note he said "in the church") [ had rather speak five words with ray understanding, that by my voice 1 might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. (c) It is easily seen that the charger has missed the full uses of the unknown tongues. There are two uses of the unknown tongue so let us not get lop-sided. First use mentioned: "To edify ourselves," I Cor. 14.4. Second use mentioned: "To edify the Church," I Cor. 14.4. If people would edify Ihemselves first they would then be able to edify the church. (Soif our motive is to edify ourselves so as to edify the church it is quite in order). That is why the Apostle said he thanks God he spake with tongues more than ye all." He was so edified himself that he was able to edify the church.

(d) There are two places -where ono can speak in the unknown tongue. Ist: Out of the church; 2nd: in the church. (Ist) I Cor. 14, v. 4: Praying to God out of the church with the Spirit although the " 'understanding is unfruitful' edifleth oneself." Also he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh unto God, I Cor. 14.2. Many people have no knowledge of their prayers ever reaching God, "but he that speaketh in an unknown tongue (is quite clear he knows he) is speaking unto God." (2nd) I Cor. 14, v. 5: Speaking in the church in unknown tongues with interpretation, I Cor. 14:5. In verse 5 we see these words: "I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied for greater is he that prophesieth except he interpret, that the church might receive edifying." So we see the unknown tongue is equal to prophesy when interpreted. (e) The charge made in (e) that "Pentecostal friends persisting in the exercising of tongues without interpretations." This is a very serious charge and must be thoroughy exposed. The Pukekohe Interdenominational Mission (called by some, Pentecostal people) believe one hundred per cent that (in the church) tongues without interpretations are out of order and not edifying (to the church) but thanks be unto God it can never bo proved that they stand tor such a charge. Further they give God the glory through Jesus Christ who alone has given to the above Mission the gift o* interpretation as well as the unknown tongues. Kindly note carefully in the last part of (d) the writer of the article, about whether we are guilty of speaking in tongues without interpretation in I lie church says, "as far as we know" (meaning he is not sure) and then, in Ihe last part of (e) he says "they do so" speak in the church without interpretation. So we see he is snared in the work of his own hands. Then again those who build up not only a sermon, but sermons "As far as we know," and then lay charges on such that their action is contrary to Scripture, is .stupid and absurd. Why not find out properly what they believe 1 and save such a iot of time writing on supposition and foolishness which will not get anyone anywhere. It makes one very much doubt whether such is svanting the truth. (f) The charge in (T) where lie slates "A dangerous character of the movement, etc." In reply one would say, no organisation that has ever sprang up since the dawn of reformation has been free from immoral outbreaks, and furthermore there were carnal displays in the primitive church era

For one to brand a whole organisation, a firm, or a company corrupt because of a few inrlivicluals being wrong, is absurd and stupid. One will further state that anyone who must pick out corrupt experiences instead of going to I lie word of God to confirm his argument is wrong. You can prove by this, that the individual is wrong, but you cannot prove that the organisation is wrong or that their doctrines arc wrong, because of individuals 11ml; have gone wrong. Further charge in (f) "Excessive emotionalism." Tf you loolc in your die-

iiiary for the definition of the word

emotion, you will find that emotion is: First: Any strong movement or perturbation of the conscious mind; second: the power of feeling, sentiment and sensibility. No man clothed in his

right mind wants to do away with reeling, sentiment or sensibility. The thing you should fear is, 'What is causing my emotion? Is it the dance hall, that has made 85 per cent of now existing harlots? Is it the pictures that has caused so much murder and suicide? Is it pie socials,, bazaars (read St. John 2. 13-17) to help poor God pay his church hills?" If it is, then 1 say fear. Never fear emotion caused by the Holy Spirit. It will save you from these immoral and unprofitable emotions.

I For the benefit of those to whom it J may concern, it is noteworthy that the 1 Pukekohe Mission alike with the genuine so-called Pentecostal people all over the world (including Principal (ieorge Jefferies, who has just recently filled the biggest auditorium in the British Isles holding 15,000 people and who is amongst the only four preachers in the world's history who has dene so, one says like such it may be advisable to let the public of Pukekohe know that the Pukekohe mission does not stand for "extravagances" as the charger has declared, but believe that "everything should be done decently and in order," and also believes in the genuine speaking in tongues through clean, pure, holy, blood washed lives. j

However seeing when our Lord was on the earth the Scribes and Pharisies said he had a level (a counterfeit) and was controlled by such, so, little should we be surprised in seeing the fulfilment, when our Lord said,-

"If they persecute me they will also persecute you." St. John 15:20. But let us remember our Lord also said, "If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." John 7:17.