Calvin: I Cor. 14:14 opposes Papist Latin!
In Calvin’s own day, comments the Reformer, “the Papists are so obstinately stupid…. They make excuses for praying without understanding….
“They also prefer the ignorant to mutter and murmur in words that are unknown to them.” It is just like the ridiculous phenomenon, concludes Calvin, where “a Spaniard curses God in German” — when nobody present even understands German!
Westminster on the word ‘tongue’ in I Cor. 14:14
The Presbyterian Westminster Confession faithfully reflects the Presbyterian Calvin’s own understanding of the correct meaning of the word ‘tongue’ in First Corinthians chapter fourteen. For the Confession (21:3m) insists that the Biblical verse I Cor. 14:14 prohibits “pray[ing] in an unknown tongue” –whether in public, or — if audible — even when in private!
