The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-01-07

company OF T6mdI kdDl6 pT6dCUeTS WHO
gave new character to the Christian
thought of the age and religious life of
the country. His labors extended over
a period Of more than sixty years.
During his ministry our church passed
through period of sharp controversy,
with which DR.. Balch was closely iden-
titled and became an able defender of.
the faith. He was not merely polemic
in his methods of work, but preacher
of the gospel of righteousness, and
valiant soldier of the cross, rejecting
in his own life and character the beauty
Of holiness.
1 first met DR.. Balch seventeen
years ago in Vermont, where he
was spending his vacation. The Unit
versalist parish in Fairhaven had gath
cred for a Sunday school picnic, and
Dr. Balch gave lecture, or talk, upon
his travels in Palestine. This acquain-
tance, beginning under pleasant circum-
stances, ripened into lasting friend
ship. He always exercised kindly
judgment and fatherly spirit that
irresistibly drew me to him for counsel
and sympathy, and never was L sent
away empty. His wide and varied
experience with men and affairs of life,
combined with a wonderful memory
and large amount of common sense,
made him wise counselor. DIR. Balch
was an eloquent speaker, and though
somewhat diff1sive, never failed to in
terest and hold his audience. Every
word and attitude of the man ex-
pressed his devotion, sincerity and earn
estness. Honest in thought, sincere in
purpose, loyal to his friends, open
hearted and plain spoken, he could tol-
crate no hypocrisy or pretense. To
him Christianity was more life than
creed, character rather than profess
sion, and the preaching of righteous
ness more than organization. His life
oVGOoVOO OhO oluCOlllJ VI OnOoO COuFlC-
tions, having lived a consistent Chris
tian, and passed to his rest crowned
with glory and honor. DIR. Balch had
commanding presence, a powerful
physique, strong and active mind, a
lofty ideal and a tender heart. He
maintained pure heart and spotless
life. His life work remains as price
less legacy in our church, and his sue
cessful career as Christian minister
becomes an inspiration to all who labor
for the advancement of Gods kingdom.
NV more intimate association with
Father Balch was during my pastorate
of the church in Elgin. His friend
ship was steadfast and his support cor
dial and liberal. His spirit was gentle
and his judgments charitable. 1 learn
ed to place implicit confidence in the
man, and always found him unwaver-
ing in his faith, steadfast in his adher-
ance to Christian principles, and every
way worthy of confidence. He was,
indeed, model ex-pastor. My words
and methods were never subjects of
adverse criticism before the public, but
whatever criticism or advice he had to
offer was always given in private and
in kind and fatherly spirit. 1 dearly
loved the man and cannot realize he
has left us forever, and that I shall
never again look upon his bodily form,
feel his genial presence, and listen to
his words of cheer. l recall now his
last visit to the minister's meeting
when 1 was present. He showed the
infrmities of age, the inroads disease
had made upon that once hardy consti-
tuition, and gave evidence that he had
not long to remain with us. The sub
ject under consideration was the rela-
tion of the church to the Sunday school,
and DR.. Balch spoke feelingly regarding
the little children, and the necessity of
giving them good advantages and early
religious training, admonishing the
brethren to care for the little ones.
We mourn, but not as those without
hope, for life is continuous, and there
is restitution of all things" and we
believe that this man so richly endowed
with native and acquired gifts, so
faithful in his friendship, so illustrious
in citizenship, so true and sincere in
religion, and eminent in the Christian
virtues is not dead, and that we shall
meet again. Farewell, my dear and
venerable friend, having passed the
stormy period of life, rest thou in peacel
Thou hast passed to thy reward ripe in
years and experience, respected by all
men, and with the priceless gift of an
untarnished name, bright as the stars.
Thy life hath enriched the world, which
will hold thee in loving remembrance.
l.. w. BRIGHAM.
Chicago, Jan. 2, 1888.
The Albany Journal complains that