THE CASE OF BRO. MITCHELL.
By C. O. Taylor
To-day Bro. S. P. Mitchell leaves jail and returns to his family. He has nobly endured the penalty of the unjust law against working on Sunday, knowing that it was for obeying a higher law. His incarceration has produced much talk. It has caused the truth to be thought of, and decisions have been made for or against it. It has done much to get the Sabbath and the State law before the minds of the people. As I have been in communication with him weekly, and sometimes oftener, I will give a few extracts from his letters. Under date of July 5, after his trial and before he was sentenced, he says: “I am glad to be able to assure you that my faith in the Sabbath is not weakened while viewing my surroundings. I often pray for an increase of faith and understanding, faith to take hold of God’s truth, and understanding to apply it as he would have it applied.” In a letter of July 25 he said that he had been suffering with sore throat; and that the doctor had pronounced his case bad, and the judge had advised him to pay his fine and go home. The doctor insisted that he should do so, saying that if he did not he would probably go home with consumption so deeply seated that he would never recover. Then he says, “But after looking the matter square in the face, I have decided that it is my duty to remain.” In the same letter he says: “I am more than glad to know that the prayers of good people are offered for me. Perhaps it is in answer to their prayers that I have been able to do what I believe to be duty. I have strong faith in Seventh-day Adventists, and therefore most earnestly desire their prayers. I stand in much need of faith, hope, and charity, the three great elements in the Christian character.” In closing the same letter he says: “My family came to see me yesterday. My baby was quite sick, and has been for a week. It was extremely difficult to get the little fellow to consent to go home without me.” Aug. 1, after saying that friends were advising him to pay his fine, that the quickest way to get out of the difficulty was the best, etc., he says: “But that course never seemed best to me, and yet it required a great deal of decision to refuse the advice and help of friends. But I thank God that I was able to do it, for I now feel sure that it was right. If I am able to do just a little good, I shall be glad. I would be willing to stay here while life lasts, if I knew that by so doing I was working for the Master in the best way that I am able to work.” In a letter dated Aug. 5, after acknowledging the receipt of letters from friends in this State (Georgia), and from the North, he says: “You can only guess how much I appreciate such kind attentions. I am very thankful to God for what I believe he has called on me to do. My throat is much better, and, this difficulty excepted, I am feeling quite well.” I have written two articles, and sent them to be published in a Brooks county paper. The first was on the constitution of the general government, relating to free worship; the second, on the State constitution and the Sunday law. The first was published, and replied to by the editor. His reply was more to my second article. I have sent him a rejoinder. From what I can learn, he does not intend to publish this reply nor my second article. He undertook to show that the State authorities had a right to enact laws contrary to the constitution; but he made a bad job of it, and a worse one when he tried to show from the Bible that the Sabbath has been changed. Out of this imprisonment and agitation I expect God will bring good to his cause and people. The harvest is fast ripening. We are of good hope and cheer.