The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-12-09
From the Christian Intelligencer.
Jonathan sturges.

A week ago we printed the name of Jonathan
Sturges among those of the Committee of our Sy-
nod which had recently met in the union conference
at Philadelphia. This week it is our painful duty
to announce his death A cold which was taken
on the Monday succeeding his return from the con-
ference threw him into pneumonia which on the
evening of the following Saturday had run Its rapid
course and ended his long and honorable and use
full life. By the death Of such man society ex-
periences both loss and gain. What 1t loses is
obvious enough. What it gains is the profit of
speaking freely Of the charm OF his lite and the
worth of his example. Absolute silence, indeed,
in regard to these cannot be commended even In
the presence of the most modest excellence; and
no man in this community has ever enjoyed more
of that frank appreciation which good men give to
goodness than has Mr. Sturges. His life, while it
was most active, brought hid among the leaders
of every noble enterprise and when he was relieved
from the cares of business, he retained energy
enough to keep up his established associations with
the best of our citizens in every form OF good work
| 1t was impossible that such man should fail to
receive the open and cordial respect of commu-
nifty in which he had so long held so honorable a
place. The terms in which the press of the city
has announced his death, and the numbers and
character of those who together at his funeral
|
pure unsel6sh life has to command the confidence
aud love of men.
But now that he is gone it is proper that the
wide aud general appreciation which his character
has long commanded should be deepened by such
| delineation of his unusual worth as could be made
in his presence
Yet there are some important features in the
reputation of Mr. SturRes which no elaboration
could make clearer than they are The exalted
| tbt hoe
formed of his int 2rity could In no way be en-
BANGED and we are satisfied simply to recogniz
it. The same is true of his pree ninent sagaCity,
and of his philanthropy AID patriotism. But the
whole community does not know so we'll that be
root of all his excellence lay in simple, earv est
Christian faith. Mr.. Sturges, though Of New
Englard birth, was member of the Collegiate
Dutch church, in which, at the time OF his death
and for many years before, he held the Cfhce OF
Ruling Elder. It's worth the while of young men
who are shaken by the contempt in which modern
in6delity holds religious faith, to know that the
cool head Of one of the shrewdest practical men
our city has ever known, found commanding evil
dence on the side Of the gospel; Nor could his
faith any more than his mercantile success, be sci
down to the weak side of strong mind. Mr..
Sturges was prt Dinently thinker. He was a
wide and careful reader, as be was an exact and
graceful writer He found on all subjects cautious
him from his feet. Feeling enough he had, and
of the most delicate and graceful Sorts but it at
tended upon his judgment. 1t was, therefore. the
reflection and experience Of lifetime that kept
him an uuwavenng believer in the Lord Jesus
Christ Let no young man who respects the mem.
ory of the wise merchant aud the weary adviser
assume that so prudent man built character and
immortal hope on a foundation of sand.
The interest which Mr.. Sturges took in the whole
/ ~ nd Not only
his generous gifts but the most careful counsel:
were always at the service of the Church. The
most affectionate regrets which his death awak
en- among his associates in business, or even in be-
nevolence, can hardly compare with those which
will be felt around his vacant place in the consis
tory. chamber and in the house of God
Some recent duties devoved upon him by the
General Synod of our Church kiudled his keenes
interest and gave scope to the best qualities OF hi
mind and character As member of the Synod
Committee of Conference on the subject of unioI
with sister denominations be endeared himself tt
all his associates. by that beautiful blending O.
modesty and wisdom, of instructive courtesy anC
firm principle, which made so large part Of BIZ
character Assuming no more for bis age aud en-
visble reputation than the youngest of his breth
rem, he lent his whole heart to what he described
as one of the greatest engagements of his life, TIT
effort to cement the kindest relations between those
kindred Churches with which he was appointed Il
confer The recoections of his cordial and grace
full hospitality, of bis wise counsels, and of hi
catholic spirit, will of itself be bond of uuior
among all those who have shared in these past con
terences, and who, in those which are to come vii
miss with the deepest regret the presence of iona
than Sturges.
Into the sacred sorrows of his home we will moi
iutrude even with expressions of sympathy. The
influence of such life prepares, by Gods grace
the consultations which are needed by those who
survive it.
Our office is done when we point our readers tc
the example of the honor and usefulness with
which God can crown the modest, untitled, but
devoted life of pure hearted Christian layman.