The Gift of Tongues and a Prophecy of the Lamanites Embracing the Gospel — F. G. Williams' Kirtland Letter (1833)

“We have seen a letter written to Sister Whitney, in Nelson, that has a great deal to say about the gift of tongues, and the interpretation which was given by way of prophecy, namely: “that Zion would be delivered by judgments,” and that certain ones named, would go to such and such places among the Lamanites, and “great things would be done by them”; and also, that two Lamanites were at a meeting, and the following prophecy was delivered to them, “that they were our friends, and that the Lord had sent them there, and the time would soon come when they should embrace the gospel,” and also, “that if we will not fight for ourselves, the Indians will fight for us.”—Though all this may be true, yet, it is not needful that it should be spoken, for it is of no service to the saints, and has a tendency to stir up the people to anger. I have thought proper to write this, that you may be aware of the situation of things, and be prepared to act with wisdom, and not be led away by every spirit, or by every thing that may be spoken in tongues, or by way of prophecy, for the enemy is subtle, and will do all he can to deceive the saints, and lead them astray, if possible. If the gift of tongues is for the edification of the church, it will be given in its proper place, and will be interpreted, and will be for the comfort and instruction of the saints, and not for the purpose of making public the private concerns of the church, or of individuals, or for the purpose of stirring up the people to anger, or for the purpose of making known the judgments of God, or the movements of the Lamanites, or any thing of the kind, for this is not the spirit of the gospel, but is of the world, and is not of God.”

— Frederick G. Williams, letter dated October 10, 1833, published in Times and Seasons