Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-11-23
Err the Montgomery Mai.
Letter from Hon. h. w. billiard.

i Letter from Hon. h. w. billiard.
The discourse delvere by me On Friday,
was based on King DaV rs recorded senti-
ment, uttered when the elements OF grea t
war threatened his kingdom Some trus
in chariots, and some in horses but we will |
remember the name Of the Lord our God"
Its object was to show that reliance upon
human wisdom, and human strength, in
great struggles involving the Heil-being OF q
nation, was utterly unsafe, and that there
was no sure trust, save in that superintend-
ing Providence which interposes alike to
punish the guilty and Iebellious, and to pro-
tect those who acknowledge the authority Of
God and humble themselves before his
Throne.
Napoleon was referred 10, NOT as an iufidel
in The popular acceptation of the term. but
as a man of extraordinary intellectual power
and will self-reliaat, looking to his own re-
sources, and ignoring the direct control of
God in the disposal of human events. Ris-
ing TO the highest seat of Imperial power, by
the force of his own genius and will, he had
no reference to the principles os the Divine
government in inaugurating his gigantic
enterprises, nor to the aid of the high aud
mighty Ruler of the Universe, in conducting
ttl,.tl- Selfpoised. he swayed the vast ele-
zmenis which be- had gathered about him with
resistiess energy, until the stupendous fabric
which he had reared, crlmbled and fell with
q crash that shook the world. Conducting bis
militaryoperations purely upon principles of
human skill; constructing his vast Empire ina
ton under the Inspiration of his own ambition;
placing the crown upon his own brow, and
upon that of the Empress with his own hands
in Notre. Dame, in the very presence OF the
Pope, the recognized head of the Church; he
was the grandest impersonation of self-reliant
genius and power which has appeared IN mo
dern tiunes-the NebuchadneZzar of our day.
Unforeseen events brought disaster and ruin
upon him; the eoBfiagration OF Moscow; the
closing in of "a unusually intense winter, at
an earlier time than had been known for fifty
successive years, destroyed the greatest army
which had been mustered in modern Europe.
The sentiment that Providence is always on
the side of the heaviest battaiions," it was
remarked had been attributed to him, aud
those who doubt its authenticity, must admit
that he had no reference to Divine Providence
in his plans or enterprises. This is practical
infidelity; aud it Is TOO often found in the
highest seats OF power even IN Christian ma
tions. 1t is time that il should be rebuked.
As to Frederick the Great, he was an infdel
/ I'm the worst sense-ihe friend OF NOltaire--
who carried with him hab tually vial Of
poison, that he might not survive an irretrie-
Fable disaster.
NV own admiration of Napoleon has al
ways been great his career captiyates by
its splendor. and daZZles if it does Eot mis-
lead rs. One in surveying Waterloo-the
fatal field where he made the last stand for
his Crown; in tracing the lines where the
two Armies stood, and pausing upon the spot
from which he saw the last charge of the
Imperial Guard, finds it impossible to repress
his sympathy with the falling Monarch, or not
to regret his overthrow. Still he is a bril-
liant illustration OF the truth, that be who
trusts in human policy or strength, only for
success. cannot rear or maintain stable
structure.
In his exile the high moral qualities of
Napoleon STONE OFT ; NJ recognized til
existence aud authority OF God the Divine
nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the
efficacy Of the services Of the Church. He
said to Gen. Bertrand. =, kGoW men and
tell YOU that Jesus Christ is not a man"
To Count Mouihoiou lac remarked that
even when on the Throne, If he had been
. qut stioned directly, be would have replied
| Yes I am Christian He added, Il de-
! sire the communion of the Lords Supper.
and to confess what | belle We
He assured Las Gases that he was not a
/ Professionalism. observing, such doctrine
/ il not TO be maintained.
But these conversations were held when he
| was in exile; the great battles were all over;
/ the opportunity for inaugurating he schemes
/ of ambition had gone by forever. In the
| plenitude of his power he ignored Divine
/ Providence, and trusted to his proud batta-
lions.
! We are invited by the President of these
! Confederate States, while not disregarding
/ human resources. TO seek the blessing of God
/ upon cur cause. and trust that We shall con
/ tfnue to administer the affairs Of orr young
/ Republic upon Christian principles. In thii
sentiment, I know gentlemen. that you
( heartily concur.
Very respectfully.
.---g= Your ob't seTV I, s1..-.as
HENRY w. HTELIARD.