Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-01-16

We have seen it stated in several of our
exchanges, that the Hon. w. 81. billiard,
of Alabama, had returned to the ministry.
The Tuskegee ALA. True Union, in no
ticing the closing scence of the late confer
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
that town, makes the following allusion to
one which must have been impressive and
thrilling
Mr.. billiard, Qate n. CO. had been alluded to in
connection with proposition which was before
the conference, to establish Methodist newspaper
in the city OF Montgomery, as its probable editor
and the prospects of acquiring him a. a member of
the conference was urged az reason for the es-
adjustment of the paper. The argument was
sponded to by Rev. T. o. Summers, in seeming
spirit OF leviy. Mr.. billiard arose and announced
to the Bishop of the Conference, and the whole
audience, life long purpose to return to the work
of the ministry and, turning to Bishop Pierce,
said. with deep emotion-soemn, moving, and
pathetic emphasis
81 give you my hand, by brother, in this great
work. Heneeforward paths of life shall not die
vergel l come in the maturity of my manhood,
deliberately to lay my heart intellect, and whatev-
er of trophies may have won in other walks Of
life, professionally politically, humbly at the
foot of the Cross, with motives which beft the ser
vice Of my Master.
"Let il be distinctly understood that no vote
which this conference may take upon the pending
propositions can affect my resolution to give my
self TO this great work. At home and abroad, in
my solitary ourneyings, or standing in the palaces
of kings, have never forgotten my early VOWS
have seen the beginning and the end of earthly
greatness
ultimately associated with some of the first liv-
ing statesmen of this age and country, have seen
them pass away from this earth! Sir, kn0c the
vanity of earthly things. | come humbly, but
come preserving that self-respect, without which
should not be meet for the Masters service.
81 ask nothing from this conference on my per-
sonal account. Let the vote have no reference to
| me. No, no, sir l have never lowered my crest
when facing political parties in the day OF battle
| preserve my selfrespect, but desire to achieve
| somewhat that shall enable me, when this world
burns up, to be recognized by the Great Head of
| the Church ae friend of Christ, and to take my
| place. however humble, among the martyrs and
| saints who loved and served him on EARTH"
This, says the Union, is the substance of
his remarks delivered to the spell-bound
audience. 1t was a scene of intense moral
sublimity May he find grace equal to his
noble resolution. Long may he live to
edify the Church, and finally win and wear
the crown of endless joy and glory.
In alluSion to the above, the National
Iatelfgencer says:
"A paragraph which has appeared in several
Southern papers in regard to this geDtleman's pur
pose to change his present relations to his church
is, we have reason to know, premature. The re,
marks made by Mr.. billiard had reference to the
future, and not to the present. 1t is well known
that he has long been connected with the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, and that bis political and
professional engagements have not prevented him
from advocating in this city and elsewhere the
claims of the gospel. 1t is not, we understand, biz
purpose to make any change at this time in his re-
iations to the church, or to relinqush his usua
pursuits, if that should ever take place.