Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-05-01
TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR J0URDAN.
Model Husband And Father Loved And Respected Citizen
Esteemed Mcmber Of St. Anthonys Parish.

an active interest in all that cone erned
its welfare and betterment, and rejoiced
in any measure that elevated the moral
or material condition of his fellow men,
while he bitterly depIored the evils that
retarded their spiritual or temporal pro-
gress. 1t was easy to recognize that the
early training of Professor Jourdan took
place under circumstances most favOra-
BILE to the development of high and noble
ideals fostered by refined and cultured
instincts. He imbibed with his mothers
milk strong faith in his religion and
the pious and devout practice of its obli-
cations, and these dispositions penetrat-
ed to the very marrow of his bones.
Hence he was looked upon and esteemed
as model member of St. Anthony's
parish.
Professor Jourdan had firm belief in
the adage that ''order is heavens first
law" He was regular and methodical
in all the actions of his daily life 1t was
not surprising, then, that his attendance
at divine service, his reception of the
sacraments, and his offerings towards the
support of religion were marked by or
der. He was fervent, practical Cath
lie, whose faith was manifest in his deeds,
and whose place in his church will not
readily be filled by another. 1t is seldom
that pastor, in the exercise of his min
stry finds encouragement and loyalty,
freedom from criticism and respect for
authority, ready cooperation and gener-
Gus support of religion. blended in the
same high degree as appeared in the con-
duct of Professor Jourdan. A few more
members of his kind in congregation
would greatly tighten the burden of pas
toral duties. His payment of dues to-
wards the church was not measured by
the number of his household nor by any
other narrow minded motives, but was
rather prompted by the dictates of a
broad mind and large heart. His re-
ception of the sacrament of penance
evinced childlke simplicity, earnestness
of purpose and sincerity of soul.
The great problem of the life beyond
the grave he faced with the same calm
composure and attentive consideration
that mathematician gives to an intri-
cate solution, or that good tinancler
bestows ona large Investment; but, above
all, he braved the final issue when he was
yet in strong health and in full possession
of his faculties. 1t was then he realized
that the call of the Divine Master to rem
der an account of his stewardship could
not be far off, and he proposed to make
"a general confession. He seemedto have
in the beginning of his last illness pre-
monition of hisapproaching end Before
any one surmsed his serious condition,
he desired that the prayers Of the con-
gregation should be requested for him.
Those that visited the professor during
his last illness, as also those that witness
ed the final struggle, could not fail to be
impressed by his calm composure, peace
of mind and tranquil disposition. The
same temperament that he had shown
during elghtythrce years OF llte, 1olloW-
ed him to the very brink of eternity.
How true it is that as a man lives, so
generally he dies. May we not believe
that his long span of life, extending be-
yond the scriptural allowance, was fore
cast of the never-ending life of bliss,
which, we trust, this faithful servant al
ready enjoys? "He asked life of thee:
and thou hast given him length of days
for ever and ever. "-Ps. Xxx, 5.
blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord. From hence forth now, saith the
Spirit, that they may rest from their
labors; for their works follow them. -
Apoc. xiv, IA.
REV. G.. II. TRAGESSER.