The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1889-09-07
Il Beautiful Tribute,

Lieutenant Skidmore of the Salvation
Army, who came to Elkton in November
last and held meetings which resulted in
corps being organized here, left on
Tuesday for New York. The higher Of
fees of the Army had permitted her to
remain in Elkton three months longer
than the time officers are generally al
lowed at one post. Capt. Merritt and
Lieut. Guy, from Providence, r. l., ar
rived in Elkton the following day and
now have charge of the corps. Lieut..
Skidmore was given a number of pres
ents by her friends in Elkton before leav-
ing for the metropolis, including a silver
watch, umbrella and combination pen,
and pencil. The latter which cost five
dollars was presented by the corp.
A farewell meeting was held on Sum
day night last.
Joseph E. Bradbury arose and most
impressively spoke as follows:
Lieutenant Skadmore The sad news has
overtaken us suddenly that we the SOL
diers of the Salvation Army of Elkton are
to be separated from our devoted, brave and
faithful leader. l make bold to say, if the
assertion of simple truth can be called bold
ness, that no soldier of the little army you
are called to quit the service of, has any
other feeling than the tenderest regret at
this parting. Our hearts are full to over
vpitb ofr IL.
and your faithful ministry, and L cannot
consent to part without at least word of
formal farewell.
As female soldier of the cross of Christ
you came to us a stranger, unheralded and
unknown. Rarely has woman been called
upon to make freer draughts on womanly
fortitude than is demanded by the duties
you az umed so tearfully and have perform.
ed so we'll. Trial, temptation, modification,
perhaps insult, were ready to face you. A
good woman could have no fear if she felt it
her duty to 60 forth and preach the gospel.
One not panoplied in tie armor of good in
tentions had no right to attempt it. None
knew how good you were till your pilgrim
age put it to test. None who has witnessed
the test can ever doubt that you have been
weighed In the balance and not found want
ing.
If you came as stranger, you leave as
the friend of ell. None can doubt that your
life has been as transparent as the truths
you have so beautifully and touchingly
taught. And you have done your full share
SC tba all
profess to worship to vindicate the wisdom
of your calling and the righteousness of our
coming.
Ten short months ago, many of us who
are now gathered to bid you God speed in
your further efforts to spread the gospel
among the people who rarely enter churches,
thought little of the God who made US or
the Christ who died to redeem us; and per
haps 1 may add that we cared less. You
found US where the Master babe his disci-
Piles go and give invitations to the gospel
feast.
/ am glad for your sake that we came. l
am reioiced for our own sskes that we are
here; and our SOULS all rejoice for Chrst's
sake that we turned no deaf ear to your
pleadings and prayers in our behalf.
May God bless and prosper you i'll all your
undertakings! May your woman's work be
ever done in the spirit of her who was last
at the cross and earliest at the tomb. And
may it be yours to demonstrate that there is
woman TO keep sIIonUo
lives to he redeemed and souls to be saved
In vital hope that you will find other SOL
diers as devoted and more worthy of your
care, speak for nv comrades and myself
from the fullness of grateful hearts when l
simply add:
"Our hearts, our hopes our prayers, our tears,
Our faith, triumphant DER our fears,
Are all with you; are all with you.'
God bless you!