We have examined the accounts of the Missionary Moneys distributed by the Presiding Elders and the accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer, also those of the Publisher of the Minutes, and we find them all correct. The reports of the Treasurer and Statistical Secretary do not agree, due to the fact that varied collections under other benevolences were mixed in the reports by the pastors with the Hospital collections, also that some vouchers' reported to the Statistical Secretaries were not turned in to the Treasurer.

   In view of the special opportunities before the Society at this time, we desire to renew our expression of confidence in its management and work, and urge upon our churches the importance of increased contributions, and that this collection be taken separately upon the merits of the Cause.
   The American Bible Society is in its eighty-third year, and the receipts of the Society from all sources last year were $100,267.97. Of this sum the churches of all denominations gave as such, only $24,545.08. This Society issued nearly one and a half million copies last year, over one-half being sent abroad, the new work of the Society in the Philippines, Porto Rico and Cuba besides Mexico, Central and South America I with the great missionary fields in foreign lands calling loudly for funds in proportion to the imperative needs of the hour.
   Therefore, we fully acknowledge the imperative needs, and also the Bible as the true lamp to the Christian Pilgrims and seeker of Salvation.
   Resolved, That we, as the Methodist ministers, put forth a greater effort to increase the collections for this Cause.

   The Board of Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church makes report of progress and needs in its bi-monthly magazine, Christianity in Earnest. From 1866, when this work begun, to August 1, 1899, the Board collected and disbursed $6,400,000.00

Of this, the General Fund, derived chiefly from collections,
   personal gifts for Frontier Churches, $250 each,
   and Mountain Fund specials of $100 each,
   all for use by donations to churches, has aggregated$4,102,000.00
The Loan Fund has a permanent capital of$1,067,000.00
And churches borrowing have returned$1,231,000.00
Giving for use by loans$2,298,000.00
Making the aggregate above given $6,400,000.00
   With this the Board aided 11,197 churches -- more of the entire number owned by our denomination.
   Our Conference has shared in this work as follows:
The collections taken in our churches, from the beginning to November 1st, 1898, the close of the last fiscal year
of the Board, aggregated$ 6,643.82
To this our Conference adds this year577.00
Making total of 7,220.82
149 churches within our bounds have received aid up to November 1st, 1898,
by donations of 31,018.00
And loans of 43,725.00

   The part our Conference is to take, in both giving and receiving, is definitely fixed, under provisions of Discipline, by the General Committee from year to year. For the ensuing year:
   Our Conference is asked to raise by collections $ 1,000.00
   Our needy churches may, on approved applications receive1,600.00
   The amount of aid granted must depend on the amount of collections taken.
   The Board of Church Extension asks a million for Church Extension. Twentieth Century Thank Offerings.
   To erect a new Methodist Episcopal Church within the ensuing three years for every year in the Christian Era, with one hundred surplus churches to welcome the approaching remnant of years of the twenty centuries.
   To erect one thousand Methodist Episcopal Churches on the Frontier Fund Plan, to cost $1,250 each, and upwards, exclusive of the value of ground, to be aided by the Church Extension Board to the extent of $250 each.
   To erect one thousand Methodist Episcopal Churches on the Mountain Fund Plan, to cost $400 each. and upwards, exclusive of the value of ground, to be aided by the Church Extension Board to the extent of $100 each.
   To secure additions to the Loan Fund by cash donations and benevolent Annuity Fund gifts to the amount af (sic) $300,000.
   To secure funds to cancel debts upon churches, in contributions from the churches and for the churches which have been helped into existence, or which have been protected from peril by the Church Extension Board, and for unforeseen emergency cases, to the amount of $350,000.

   A Twentieth Century Thank Offering to the Loan Fund of $5,000 and upward, will give the name to the donor to the Fund in perpetuity.
   A Twentieth Century Thank Offering of $250 will designate the name of a church as a memorial church, worth $1,250 and upwards, exclusive of the value of ground.
   Church Architecture has been greatly improved, under the advice and direction of the Board. We commend to all who contemplate building, the excellent catalogues and designs furnished by the Board.
   The tenure of church property is a very important matter, which has heretofore been greatly neglected. Valid title requires that the Church, or its trustees, shall have legal existence under the laws of the State: "A local habitation and a name," by which it can be identified in title deeds, and described by the civil courts, as occasion may require. Without all this the tenure of our property is insecure.
   With these requisites in view, the whole matter should be investigated, by careful examination of the official records of the county within which each church is located, that legal defects may be disclosed, and corrected.
   The Board of Church Extension provides all needed helps for its department:
   Christianity in Earnest, with its bi-monthly visits, will furnish to all who receive it, the latest tidings of this work, and its wants. It should find cordial welcome by all pastors and laymen who would know the work of their church.
   Glad Tidings, with facts and figures condensed, and with sweet songs for every voice, will help in public service, and maps showing the work at a glance will be added when desired: and all for the asking for use in presenting the Cause and taking collections as the Discipline requires
   We recommend for adoption, the following resolutions:
   1. We heartily congratulate the Board of Church Extension, and the Church-at-large, on the remarkable success of this work through a period of thirty-two years.
   2. That our country, being new, with rapidly increasing population and new territorial additions, will continue to need Church Extension, in the future as in the past, and that our Church by fostering and strengthening this work will increase its own power to do the large work now thrown upon it.
   3. That we, as a Conference, will not be content with anything less than a full response to the call of the General Committee for our proper share in Church Extension, until, everywhere, in communities now destitute, the people shall have opportunity to "enter His courts with praise."
   4. That we, as a Conference, will co-operate with the Board of Church Extension in securing within the ensuing three years, Twentieth Century Thank Offerings for Church Extension to the amount of $1,000,000.
  

   5. That our Presiding Elders be requested to apportion, with care, the full amount asked for Church Extension, to the several Districts and pastoral charges for collection; and, that, availing ourselves of the helps provided by the Board, and especially Christianity in Earnest and Glad Tidings, we will present this cause in all our churches, and endeavor to secure, at least, the amount asked, in accordance with the plan of our Discipline.

   The insurance of our church, parsonage and school property in a sound and reliable Insurance Company is one of the most important matters in the temporal affairs of our Church. We rejoice that the provisions of the General Conference for a mutual Insurance of our own, have become effective, furnishing us the most reliable protection at actual cost, thereby saving, in the aggregate for our Church, an immense sum of money in the insurance of the $160,00O,000 of church, parsonage and school property belonging to our Church. Therefore be it
   Resolved, 1st, That we hereby express our confidence in the Board of Directors and executive management of the National Mutual Insurance Company, of Chicago.
   Resolved, 2nd, That we, as pastors, will urge our Board of Trustees to place the insurance of all our church, parsonage and school property in our own company.
   Resolved, 3d, That we urge every pastor and Presiding Elder to be diligent in seeing that the provisions of the Discipline regarding this important matter are obeyed.

   Stewards make the following report of Conference Claimants:

   Your committee, in the case of A. J. Markley, recommend him for re-admission into this Conference, upon certificate of location.
   We also recommend the following named brethren for admission on trial: Norman Wood, E. D. Griswold, C. D. Baldwin.

   The Conference Epworth League held a convention at Lincoln, Nebraska, during the month of August. The attendance was not large, but the business required by the constitution was transacted.
   The Cabinet is planing a convention to be held within the bounds of our own Conference during the ensuing year.

   We, your Committee on District Conference Records, desire to submit the following report: Having carefully examined the records of the various districts of the North Nebraska Conference, we find them correct.

   We recognize in the Christian school, an institution of vast importance to the Church and State. And that our own Nebraska Wesleyan University is doing a most excellent work in the training of young men and women under the best of Christian influences, and that the character of the persons coming from her halls of learning bear testimony as to her right to exist.
   The past year has been one of unusual prosperity for the Nebraska Wesleyan. The income has met all the expenses, including the interest on the debt, and $2,250.00 has been paid on the principal.
   Also, a very important and helpful step has been taken in the establishment of a chair of Swedish language and literature, and provision made for instructions in New Testament Greek.
   The people are coming to a better appreciation of the excellent work done at the Wesleyan. As evidence of this fact, more students are now enrolled than in any previous year at this time. The great need of the school is the payment of the debt and a sufficient endowment to meet current expenses.
   We believe that the Methodism of our great State can do no better thing than to give to the Nebraska Wesleyan University $250,000.00 as its share of the Twentieth Century Thank Offering. And so recommend.
   Resolved, That we recognize in Chancellor D. W. C. Huntington, D. D., LL. D., an educator of rare ability, and pledge to him our hearty support.
   Resolved, That F. M. Esterbrook is entitled to the thanks of this Con-
  

ference for his wise and careful management of the financial interests of the University.
   Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the Auditing Committee from this Conference to furnish annually to the Conference a written report as to the condition of the Treasurer's books.
   Resolved, That the Trustees are to be congratulated for the splendid work of the past year.
   We recommend the election of Alfred Hodgetts, D. D., as Trustee of the Nebraska Wesleyan University. And as visitors to the Nebraska Wesleyan, H. A. Barton for two years, and R. J. McKenzie for one. To Garrett Biblical Institute, E. E. Hosman for two years, and W. P. Murray for one. To Drew Theological Seminary, F. H. Sanderson for two years, and H. H. Millard for one. To Iliff School of Theology, Thomas Bithel for two years, and D. C. Winship for one.
   We note with pleasure the good and increasing work of the Board of Education through its "Children's Day fund," and urge our brethren to take the "Children's Day collection" on all of their Charges.

   We rejoice in the continued prosperity of the Epworth League.
   We recommend to all our Chapters the Epworth League Reading Course.
   We appreciate the ably edited Epworth League Departments in our Christian Advocates, but believe that the Epworth Herald should be in the home of every Epworthian.
   We recommend that Missionary Committees be organized in all the local Chapters, in harmony with the plan of the General Cabinet.
   We recommend that the constitution of the North Nebraska Conference Epworth League and the names of the officers be published in the minutes of the Conference.

   Recognizing that the education of the colored and white race of the "New South" is of economic as well as religious importance; therefore be it
   Resolved, That we recommend the work of the "Freedman's Aid and Southern Education Society" to all as the best means in the hands of the Embassadors of Jesus Christ to help lift them out of the darkness of sin into the marvelous light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
   And we rejoice to learn that the "most prominent and leading officials of the Methodist Episcopal Church South have been led to commend our work most highly, and to see in what we are doing the only hope for the adjusting of the races and the solving of the so-called Southern problem.
   And we also rejoice that the secretaries of the Society send us the glad

tidings that all along the lines increased gifts have been made, so that the good work is taking on new life; and we are glad to report that three of our districts have increased their gifts, but regret that one decreased; yet, with the decrease of one district, we are glad to report that our Conference has increased its gifts $110.00 over that of last year, and still we are short $228.00 of the $700.00 apportioned to this Conference; and in view of the fact that there is an increasing demand for opening new fields of work, we pledge ourselves to do our best to raise our full apportionment, the coming year.
   We call attention to the fact that The Christian Educator is given free one year to all who give $1.00 to this cause.

   The closing of another year is marked with increased interest and success in the work of the Omaha Hospital and Deaconess Home of the Methodist Episcopal Church, yet it is to be regretted that there are so many demands that it is an impossibility to meet, from the lack of sufficient room, proving to us the advisability of every effort being made for securing funds to erect the contemplated building. We are greatly encouraged at the success already achieved in this direction; $11,000.00 in cash has been received, also $12,000.00 in subscriptions.
   We trust that every opportunity will be offered the deaconesses and representatives of the Hospital by our pastors throughout the Conference to prosecute this work.
   We appreciate the fact that the work of the Hospital is held in such high esteem by the physicians and people of Omaha.
   We also heartily commend the deaconesses to the pastors for any service they may be able to render in their respective charges.

   WHEREAS, Our dearly beloved Father in Israel and Brother in the "Faith and patience of the gospel" --n Rev. J. B. Maxfield, D. D., has wrought so wisely and faithfully among us for over forty years -- leading the Sacramental Hosts to battle in the conquests for the Master in the new and rising empire of Nebraska, and,
   WHEREAS, During the last few months disease has so impaired his health as to make it impracticable for him to continue his services in the active work of the ministry, therefore
   Resolved, That as a Conference, we greatly appreciate the splendid work that has been done by this Prince in Israel, as he has marshaled the armies of the Lord through great struggles to most glorious victories, causing the 'Deserts to blossom as the rose" and shouts of salvation to be heard in all parts of the land. Also
   Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with him in his affliction, and

   WHEREAS, The Methodist Episcopal Church is blessed with a literature, in her family of advocates, and periodicals, of which any church in all Christendom might well be proud, and
   WHEREAS, The Sunday School literature of our Church, is clean, clear-cut and pure, and as cheap as the cheapest, and as good as the best. Therefore be it
   Resolved, 1, That we call the attention of our people to these facts, and urge them to use our own literature in all of our schools.
   2. That we recommend the Epworth Herald to our young people as the very best young people's paper in the land, with the largest circulation of any church paper in the world, and in price within the reach of all.
   4. That we rejoice in the continued improvement and prosperity of our own Omaha Christian Advocate, now with its six thousand subscribers under the efficient management of the present Editor, Rev. J. W. Shenk, D. D., and that we endeavor to increase the subscription list on an average of at least ten on every charge in the Conference the coming year.

   The Sabbath is a divinely appointed institution, set apart in the infinite wisdom of God as a day of rest and worship. The divine command is, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." We should keep this day because humanity needs it, physically, mentally, morally. Tendencies and influences are at work to undermine the Sabbath. Many ignore its sacredness, and others seek its utter destruction. The extent to which the Sabbath Day is openly desecrated, is a reason for apprehension and fear, lest this institution lose its place in the economy of social and industrial life.
   As pastors, we need to observe the Sabbath law in spirit more closely than ever, and frequently present the phase of the Christian life to our congregations. That we may express in strongest terms our disapproval of all forms of Sabbath desecration, we recommend the adoption of the following resolutions:
   Resolved, First, that, as pastors and people, we give more earnest attention the coming year to the Sabbath question than ever before. Second, that we do all in our power to resist the terrible tide of Sunday amusements, such as bicycle races, base ball, etc. Third, that we appreciate the work of Rev. S. W. Gamble, and recommend that he is a suitable person to invite to our pulpits, and that his literature ought to be in every Methodist home. Fourth, we recommend that our pastors preach at least one sermon a year on "Sabbath Observance."

   We do not believe that the Church is declining. We believe that it is founded on the "Rock of Ages," and "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
   While statistics indicate a falling off in the increase of membership during the past year, while the liquor traffic has seemed to prosper, while Sabbath desecration and other forms of sin are still in evidence, we believe that "Jesus shall reign where'er the sun doth his successive journeys run," and that all the kingdoms of the world shall become kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ. We believe that "where sin abounds, grace shall much more abound," and that the Methodist Church shall, in the future as in the past, have a prominent place and part in the accomplishment of God's plan for the conversion of the world.

   1. We recognize in the Sunday School one of the most important factors in the religious and educational life, not only of our own age, but of the ages to come, since the Sunday School teaches the Bible, and brings the Gospel to vast multitudes in the respective periods of childhood. The total Sunday School population in the United States is more than 12,000,000, of whom there are in the Methodist Episcopal Church over 31,000 Sunday Schools, with 350, 000 officers and teachers, and more than 2,600,000 scholars.
   2. Inasmuch as the education of the young in religion is of the highest importance, great care should be exercised in the selection of teachers. The pastor and superintendent should eventually aid in choosing for the instruction of our children, men and women of earnest Christian character, with a knowledge of the Bible and aptness in teaching. We hope the time is not far distant when every teacher in our Sunday Schools shall be a professed follower of Jesus Christ, with a living experience.
   3. We believe that the literature for the Sunday School supplied by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and published by our own book concern, is the best for the purpose that can be obtained. We urge that our pastors and presiding elders everywhere see that our literature is used in the Sunday Schools. We are confident that this will help to build up an earnest, Christian character, loyal to our Church, among the young people who attend our Sunday Schools.
   4. We recommend that wherever practicable, the Home Department be established in connection with our Sunday Schools. This is a district branch of the school for those who are unable to attend its sessions, but are willing to study the lesson at home.
   5. As accuracy and fullness are very important in the statistical returns of our Sunday Schools, we recommend that every pastor make a complete and careful report of the items named in what is known in the discipline as "Statistics No. 11," in order that our Conference may be

properly represented in statistical table of the report of the Sunday School Union of our Church.
   6. Inasmuch as the Sunday School Union of our Church aids every year about 3,500 needy schools with literature, and has no resources except the collection in the churches, we urge that an offering be given for this cause in all our charges, and especially that the Sunday nearest Christmas be set apart in all our Sunday Schools for a Christmas contribution to the Sunday School Union of our Church.

   WHEREAS, The American saloon has not ceased its ravages, but is the peerless foe of the home, the State and the Church, and
   WHEREAS, Experience, Science and the Word of God are eloquent and persuasive witnesses against the traffic in intoxicating drinks,
   Resolved, 1st, That as a body of ministers of Jesus Christ, we are the relentless foes of the nefarious traffic, and we favor all honest efforts which have for their end total abstinence for the individual, and complete prohibition of the manufacture and sale of liquors as a beverage by the State and Nation.
   Resolved, 2nd, That we not only denounce the saloon from our pulpits and rebuke those who are patronizing the same, but we will endeavor to get within sympathetic touch with all who are suffering from the ruinous traffic, and in the gentle, but persistent spirit of Jesus, plead with the sellers of rum.
   Resolved, 3rd, That we will urge our people to abstain from the use of tobacco, and will endeavor to have the youth given proper scientific temperance instruction in the Sunday School and Public School.
   Resolved, 4th, That we endorse the Anti-Saloon League as an efficient means of destroying the saloon, as a means of agitation and law enforcement, and making a prohibitory sentiment. We hail with delight the victories of this League throughout the country from East to West. We will welcome to our charge the State Superintendent, Dr. Carns.

   1. The Tract Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church aids in the circulation of religious literature, particularly in the form of tracts and leaflets throughout the entire world. It is circulating literature in at least twelve different languages in the United States alone, and in more than twenty languages in foreign lands. Every year it gives away 11,000,000 pages of tracts in the United States alone, besides sending $10,000 annually to our missionary stations for aid in the publication and circulation of religious literature. During the past year it has distributed tracts to the soldiers in nearly all our camps, to the sailors and marines, wherever access could be obtained, to the private and public
  

institutions throughout our land wherever application was made, and. to thousands of pastors for circulation in their charges.
   2. We recommend that the pastors in our Conference avail themselves more generally of the liberal offer of the Tract Society, which provides that every preacher who will make application can receive from the Society free, in the form of tracts, one-half of the last collection of his charge for the Tract Society. If a larger grant is needed, and his church is not able to pay for the tracts, the Society will make generous donations of tracts for distribution.
   3. We recommend that our pastors send to the Book Concern for the catalogue of tracts, which will be sent free to all who apply for it; and that they examine the abundant store of tracts published under the auspices of our Church. Tracts are exceedingly cheap, being sold at the uniform rate of sixteen pages for one cent, so that $1.00 will purchase 1,600 pages of tracts.
   4. Inasmuch as the Tract Society needs the sum of $50,000 per annum in order to carry on its work throughout the Church and the world, we urge that a collection be taken for this Society in all our churches during the coming year, and that our support, both morally and financially, be given to the efforts of this Society to spread a Christian literature throughout the world.

   Realizing that the Women's Home Missionary Society is doing a great, work in assisting to maintain the work of Christ in the home field, and
   WHEREAS, The home field has become greatly enlarged by the addition of Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippine Islands, thereby greatly increasing the need of effort on the part of this Society, therefore be it
   Resolved, That we most earnestly thank God for such a society in our Church; that we fully recognize their untiring efforts in sending out supplies of clothing and other necessaries, thus materially supplementing the meager salaries of the brethren serving the weak charges of this and other Conferences. Further, that we heartily endorse Bro. and Sister Spurlock in their efficient management of the Mother's Jewels Home, and in their parental care of the ever increasing number of children that come to that institution. And lastly, we recommend this Society to our pastors and people as fully worthy of their most cordial sympathy and substantial support.
   Signed by the committee.

   WHEREAS, The W. F. M. S., through her consecrated corps of lady missionaries, is a mighty helper to the Church in carrying forward her mission work in foreign fields; and

   Whereas, In the providence of God, the field is enlarged, therefore be it
   Resolved, That we, the preachers of this Conference, herein pledge to this society a more hearty support in the future than we have given in the past, and invoke the blessing of our Father upon her work.

   WHEREAS, In the providence of God, our lives have been spared, and we are permitted to assemble in this, the eighteenth session of our annual Conference; therefore
   Resolved, That, with hearts filled with gratitude, we render thanks to our Heavenly Father for the benefits of the year.
   Resolved, That we have highly appreciated the devout Christian spirit which has characterized our beloved Bishop, H. W. Warren, D. D., LL.D., and assure him our continued prayers that he may have given to him many years of usefulness; that we have been greatly benefited by his judicious councils, and will be delighted to have him return to us at any time.
   Resolved, That we heartily appreciate the very efficient work done by our Secretaries and Treasurer, and their assistants.
   Resolved, That we have very much enjoyed the splendid entertainment of the Conference by the untiring efforts of Dr. Sisson and the people of Omaha.

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