Sunday Laws at Cherokee, S. C.
By T. H. Jevs.
When Brother J. M. Swofford and son returned from the Woodruff camp-meeting, they found a summons to trial for Sunday labor awaiting them. The work for which they were indicted was sowing a bucketful of cow-peas early on the morning of July 16. The work was done a full quarter of a mile from any public road or any house except their own. The trial was set for Tuesday, August 8. The president of the South Carolina Conference, Elder W. H. Branson, was present at the trial, and was granted some time in which to address the jury. He made a strong plea for religious liberty. Brother E. H. Evers conducted the case, and made the final speech to the jury. The writer was present, and addressed the court and jury in behalf of the American principles of freedom. At the request of the attorney for the prosecuting witness, the magistrate ruled that no reference to the Bible should be made. Thus we were not permitted to bring in Bible truths except in an indirect way. In commenting on the ruling the writer remarked that it is a unique situation when a religious question is under discussion, and the supreme rule for religious conduct is excluded. It was plainly to be seen that the sentiment was against us, though it was not universally so. Many words of sympathy were spoken by onlookers, but the instructions and rulings of the trial justice were such that the jury could not do otherwise than render a verdict of guilty. The occasion was improved to circulate religious liberty literature. The neighborhood is much stirred; and, though the jury gave an adverse decision, we feel that by God's help apparent defeat will result in advancement to his cause. Instead of being cast down, every member of the Cherokee church is full of hope and courage. A fine of one dollar was imposed. This Brother Swofford did not pay, preferring to wait and take counsel concerning the advisability of appealing the case. As I watched the progress of the trial, noting the willingness of the thoughtless throng to be amused by the chaffy, flippant thrusts of the prosecuting attorney, I could not but reflect how little we can expect from the people of earth unless the Spirit of God restrains them. The spirit that moved the mob against Stephen, and inspired the awful cry, “Crucify him, crucify him,” against the Son of God, is still in evidence in the earth. Only the holding of the winds, the restraining power of God, holds in check the satanic passions of a maddened multitude. Truly the night is far spent, the day is at hand. What is done must be done quickly. Meeting at the Seventh-day Adventist church was appointed for the night following. Many of the citizens and neighbors attended, and the writer spoke to them from the words of John 19:7: “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die.” The brethren of South Carolina intend to follow up the interest aroused in this place by distributing our literature; for, though the offense was not committed with the view of gaining attention or notoriety, yet we feel that now, while the eyes of the public are turned in our direction, it is proper that every lawful means shall be used to set forth the principles of religious liberty. Articles were written for the local papers setting forth modestly but plainly the truth in the case, discussing not the man but the principles. Personally, I felt it a privilege to return to the South Carolina Conference, and lend what little aid I could in the case.