The Trial at Greenville, S. C.
By T. H. Jeys
This trial was had according to arrangement, Thursday, August 3, at 9:30 A. M. The crime of which Sullivan Wareham, his wife, and son, and Sister Minnie Darnell and daughter, were accused, was picking strawberries on the sabbath [Sunday] May 2. It was plainly manifest at the trial that the man who had brought the action was more a subject for pity than any other sentiment. He and two other witnesses [his own sons] testified that they saw the work done at the time specified. The fact was developed that the defendants were good neighbors, peaceable, quiet, obliging, and never quarrelsome. It was further shown that the plaintiff had threatened to “break up the Advent nest,” etc. The magistrate was fair and impartial in his rulings, and evidently was not in sympathy with the narrow idea of intolerance toward those who might differ in religious belief and practise from the majority. His instruction to the jury was to the effect that they must find according to the law of South Carolina without any reference to the theological questions in dispute. Of course this was only to be expected, since it was a trial before a representative of the South Carolina law and not a representative of any ecclesiastical court. He only showed proper discrimination in recognizing that representatives of civil law may take cognizance of only the civil aspect. Elder K. C. Russell and the writer were present, and together aided in the defense. Elder Russell was given opportunity to speak to the jury and assembled citizens on the limits of civil authority. With telling effect he pictured the disastrous effects of class legislation, which gives into the hands of any irresponsible bigot the opportunity to hale good, true, honest people before the courts and subject them to inconvenience, annoyance, and hardship. The jury, after about thirty minutes’ deliberation, brought in a verdict of not guilty. We feel to praise God for this signal victory, and yet our rejoicing is tempered with some sober thinking. As we sat in the court room, the solemn thought forced itself into recognition: Are our dear brethren everywhere ready for this kind of thing? Are we with meekness and fear ready to give to every man an answer? Are we prepared equally well to receive an adverse decision? Is our faith equal to the great test that must eventually come? Will this great, surging human sea be warned? Who will be the Lord’s helpers in the warning? Are we doing what we can to educate and become educated on these lines? The day was rainy, otherwise there would doubtless have been a very different attendance. As it was, there were probably two hundred persons present to hear the trial. Quiet and respectful16attention was given by all present. I feel that God’s work has been caused to triumph. These blessed principles of liberty were made known to some who perhaps never before had heard them. It should be with much humility of heart and very earnest praying that we proceed on our way. No spirit of exulting over a defeated enemy should be indulged. The Lord has seen fit to cause his truth to triumph, but it is not by might nor power but by his Spirit. To properly follow up the victory gained, we must have great wisdom, tact, and humility.—T. H. Jeys, in Field Tidings.