Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-10-05
DIED..

! On Sunday morning, the 22d ult. at 9 o'clock,
the Reverend STEPHEN II. b BALcH, ID. d. of
Georgetown ID C.. HIS mortal career was ter
minated as he was about setting out for the
church to perform his official duties, and instead
Of sp ending the holy day in the services of the
sanctuary below, he was summoned to participate
in the j"ys Of never ending Sabbath, in "a
temple not made with hands, eternal in the hea.
Vens.'
| The subject Of this sketch was born about 80
years since in Harfort County. Md. whence, at
an early age. he emgratrd ~ith his parents to
Georgia. Here he remained until IN the fall
OF l772-he became student az Princeton Col.
Iege, where he graduated IN IVA. in the same
clas, with the late Hoo. Brochol.t Livingston, of
the Supreme Court Of the U. S. under the of care
Dr. WithsrspOon. one IF the s,gnees OF the Decla
ration Of Independence. Daring tins period, he
prepared himself for the holy ministry, but at
the same time nbibed his puIiea principles at
the altar ot his oppressed country. He was
then, and remained to the last pulsatun Of his
heart, firm, Underwriting. undaunted Wing, the
a. dent admirer Of him who was first in war,
frs, 10 peace, and fest IN the hearts of his
countr, men" Returning to the South after
graduating, in the latter part of "a. he was soon
after qualified for his vocation aud entered on
its duties The blood OF hi, countrymen shed
in the spring aud summer OF rs, on the plains
Of Lexington aud the heights Ut Bunker, arou 3.
ed the colonies To arms aud impeled our deceas.
ed friend 10 aid aud assist by every honorable
effort in the accomplishment OF one Ut the great
est political revolutions recorded in the history
of men. During the social war in the Carolinas,
he endeavored On the one hand to soo,he the an
CRY passions which lighted up the flames OF in-
tcstine strife among kindred and brethren,
md m tha n,har nEtpn fran tho S,rrpl tIpsk
rallied our dspirted troops to the standard Of
their beloved country against the common foe.
Ga nne Of these oceasInns, just before the battle
CT Kings Mountain, where his congregation was
some hat divided, such was the state OF feeling
that Gen. " iiliams (@ho. with Shelly and Camp
bell, lei on the Wings in that confilcti acted as
clerk. aud read out the hymn, clad in full resi
mentais. with loaded pistols in his belt and
sword by his side. Emisrat,ng to Maryland
while the war was progressing, he taush, school
at the head u Paruxpnt From his door he could
behold the British in their barges, carrying ther
dspredations. Tie was at once appointed cap
tain Of volunteer company composed chiefly OF
his own pupils, aud repeatedly marched IN pur
suit OF the enemy, ooun;era.uns has schemes and
frustrating his views. For these services he late
Iy received pension under the Act OF Congress
of June 1882 Sometime in l700--8l, he be.
came pastor Of the Presbyterian Cnurch in George
town. aud so continued for a period of nearly
fifty FIVE years. Daring the Course Of his well
spent life, he educated seventy -four Youths Tor
the ministry, a considerable number of lawyers,
several Judges and members Of Congress and the
State l., gsia,ures. They loved him with undi-
vided venera,ion. Such was the vigor OF his
constitution. that he outlived all the grown in.
habiSanis Of Georgetown except one; and to hun.
drsds and thousands he performed the last rites
Of friendship
" Besides the bed where parting life was laid,
And sorrow. guilt and pain by turns dismayed,
The reverend champion stood. At his control
Despair aud anguish A cd the struggling soul;
CuntoTt ca NJ down. the trembling wretch to raise,
And IN. last faui,ering accents whispered praise"
The life of DR.. Balch was often chequered with
many severe trials, yet his iurtitude, plety. re.
s,snation and cheerfulness fUrsook him not
Keep,ng his eye steadfastly fixed on his sacred
calling, he was to his expiring moments faithful
to his maste.. The younger part OF society ven
Grated him for his virtues, united with suavity
and kindness of manner which impaired great
" eisht to his ajnonitions; the middle aged look.
| ed on him As a sterling Trend and counsellor,
and the venerable sires Of his day, among whom
was the amiabIe Major Graham, lately of this
city, esteemed him tor his long tried services aud
! unsurpassed virtues. Such is a faint outline of
| the character Of this apostoIc man. He is now
gather ell to his fathers aud IS LETT alone 10 his Clio.
ry." His memory is embalmed in the hearts of
his people and friends, aud he has sunk to rest
like the sun without cloud TO hide hlS 'ustre.
Frederick Examiner