The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-02-26
THE MEMORY OF THE JUST.
Eulogy on the Death of Mr.. Samuel
Thompson.
Written for the CECIL WHzG.


Thompson.
Written for the CECIL WIG.
The death of Mr.. Samuel Thompson, IN
his 93d year, at the Pivot Bridge, starts up
the fires OF memory.
He was one of the welI-known figures
associated with the early years spent by
me in the general vicinity where he passed
so large portion OF his life. My recollec-
tions of him must 90 back to my sixth or
eighth year. The wav to the Pivot Bridge,
from Back Creek Mills where | spent the
early days of my childhood, ran past the
home of Mr. Thompson. His tall, straight
form was a familiar object to the children.
But there was never any dread of his
kindly face. Both the village Of Back
Creek and the Bridge were in those days
points of considerable trade and industry,
and the latter may still retain, for aught
1 know, a portion of its local Importance.
But 10 matter what the changes that the
years have brought to places and popula-
tion, our venerable friend, who has Just
gone to his rest, seemed determined to
actualize Tennyson's Crook" in its song,
Men may come and men may go.
But go on forever.
A little later in my early years my nome
was removed to the Pivot, when | saw still
more of Mr.. Thompson, and felt more OF
his kindly life. Both he and his cstimable
ticularly interested in young persons. And
their interest was more particularly mani
Tested on religious lines. They were de-
vout and earnest Methodists worshippers
at the Bethel Church, in whose cemetery
rests now with him so many of his con-
temporaries.
have in my library to this day little
volume entitled "The Happy Christian" a
work much circulated at that time, as a
promoter of Christian character among the
young, and on the fly leaf of that volume
is written, in her own dear, delicate hand,
the name of Rebecca Thompson, as its
giver.
This good husband and wife were care
ful also to supply good religious reading to
the young through still another channel
remember well the Christian Advocate
and Journal, the Methodist Church paper,
which was supplied for my regular reading,
sent, when | was a lad, to my address,
through the postoifice. No doubt but one
Of many like instances in which they made
their Christian influence felt. Mr.. Thomp-
son, as | remember, was also greatly de-
sirous that | should receive special prepa-
ration to enter the Methodist ministry,
and accompanied his urgings with substan-
tial iustiicatons, hut the course of life
lay in somewhat different direction. Mr.
Thompson, however, even to his latest
years, never as have reason to believe,
lost interest in the course of my life. |
occasionally meet Bishop Malalieu, who
rallies me good naturally as to when am
coming back to the old church of my early
associations, and reminds me that bearing
the name of Charles Wesley ought not
stray too far from the fold. And meeting
only this week the Rev. William Ingraham
Haven, of Brooliline, the son of the hon
ored and lamented Bishop Gilbert Haven,
I was recounting to him the memories Of
Bethel Church, revived by the death of our
aged friend.
This early interest on the religious side
Of the young, Characteristic of Mr. and
Mrs. Thompson, is an example well worth
following. 1t bears fruit clear on the other
side Of life have, during all my mature
years, remembered it, and endeavored in
my own turn to imitl it for the benefit
of the young, among whom my life has
been so largely thrown. Mr.. Thompson
may not be remembered for brilliant in
tellectual gifts or high official position, but
for quiet dignity, genuine simplicity and
steadfast Christian fidelity he may he re-
called with gratitude. With what dstinc-
ton, too, | remember his deyout prayers
in the devotional meetings at old Bethel. |
His familiar formula interviewer with all |
his petitions, was eve thank Thee, Lord, |
that we are still on praying ground and |
pleading taTms with Thee Those were
the days when men prayed mighty and |
sang feryently in the raptures of faith.
Would tina. we could combine the old time
zeal and intensity with our modern cnl- |
ture. | wish | could write here the roll CT |
the noble names of men and women who |
formed that demonstrable Christian band. |.
Their names are written in the lambs |.
Book of Life.
must mention an incident Of another /
kind associated in mind with Mr.. Thomp- !
son, and equally credi.Gble to his good |.
heart and sense Of humanity. J cannot be /.
mistaken in my impressions Of thr events |
The boys and girls of tia. early day will /.
recall respectable man named Alexander
lNYAE II,