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institution, and that an average of 10 cents per member be regarded as the apportionment for each charge.
     We recommend that the Presiding Elders, in their quarterly visitations, speak of the institution to both Preacher and people; and that the Pastors call the attention of the youth in their congregations to the importance of obtaining a Christian education, and especially bringing before them the advantages afforded by our own institution.
     Since W. S. Blackburn declines to continue longer in the Financial Agency, we recommend the appointment of J. C. H. Hobbs as his successor. We further recommend that Edward Thomson be appointed President, and Wm. Peck a Professor in the institution. We will welcome the new agent and other representatives of the institution whenever they can visit the various charges.
     We recommend that the following persons be appointed trustees to fill vacancies made by resignation: Dr. J. F. Neal, of Peru, and F. O. Bell, of York.
     To succeed those whose term expires with this session: W. S. Blackburn, D. F. Rodabaugh, W. G. Miller, G. A. Beck, and C. C. White.
     And if the grade of the institution be raised to that of College, we recommend that the number of Trustees be increased to twenty-one.
     We recommend that the following brothers be appointed a board of visitors for the coming year: R. Pearson, R. G. Adams, R. N. McKaig, S. D. Roberts, W. R. Jones, Geo. S. Miner, and Chas. A. Mastin.
   CENTENNIAL OF 1884.

     We believe that great preparations ought to be made looking to the endowment of our educational institution and to other good purposes, and to this end recommend that T. B. Lemon be appointed to preach a Centenary sermon at the next session, and that W. G. Miller be his alternate. Also that a committee consisting of W. K. Beans, R. N. McKaig, H. W. Warner, C. A. Lewis, E. Thomson, J. F. Neal, C. C. White, Horace Curtiss, W. S. Randall, and J. H. Mickey be appointed to assist the Educational Agent in holding conventions, and in doing such other work as may be thought best to further the cause of education, and to properly celebrate the Centenary of our Church.
  

GARRETT BIBLICAL INSTITUTE.

     We have been delighted with the visit of the President of this institution, and are gratified to learn of its prosperity. We cordially reciprocate the desire expressed by Dr. Ninde to the committee, and by the Trustees and Faculty in their communication to the Conference, for a closer alliance, and we recommend that the Trustees of our Conference institution, in case the Conference orders them to change the Seminary to a College, be also directed to arrange with the Trustees of Garrett Biblical Institute to have it adopted as the Theological department of our proposed College. We recommend that the Ministerial delegates to the General Conference be appointed Official visitors to this institution at its coming commencement.

Respectfully submitted,

R. N. McKAIG,
Chairman.

E. THOMSON, Secretary.

     We, the committee appointed to visit the Nebraska Conference Seminary, respectfully submit the following report for your consideration:
     The school is located at York, the county seat of York county. This is one of the most beautiful and healthful sections of the country in the state. The school is easy of access from all parts of the state.
     The society of the town in which the school is located is excellent. York is decidedly a religious and educational town, free from all places of vice, and hence a safe place to send our children.
     We find that the true idea of education is carried out, viz., the development of the whole man the cultivation of the heart as well as the head. The school has this peculiarity, which makes it different from most any other school that we have ever visited, and that is the students, professors, and patrons of the school seem to be united by sympathy for each other as if they were one family.
     The examination on the whole would be a credit to any institution. The classes in German, Literature, and Intellectual Science were excellent. We call particular attention to the fact that special attention is given to the study of elocution, a branch of study that is really neglected in nearly all our common schools and higher institutions of the state. The Fine Art and Musical departments are two excellent features. Originality of thought seems to be especially, cultivated in all the exercises of the school.
     We understand from the report of the treasurer of the board of trustees that the school is run on a cash basis; nevertheless, the great need of the school is money.

W. K. LOOFBOURROW.
S. H. HENDERSON.   
H. T. DAVIS.     

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CHURCH EXTENSION.

     WHEREAS, Material aid has been rendered by the society to all parts of our growing country, especially in the West,
     Resolved, That we are well pleased with the present managers and management, and are happy to report an increase in the contributions of our people this present year, and we pledge our earnest endeavor in the future in furtherance of the scheme and objects of the society.

W. H. TIBBETS.
J. S. ORR.     

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FREEDMEN'S AID.

     Your committee to whom was referred the cause of education among the Freedmen of the South, and others, present the following report:
     WHEREAS, The freedmen and many of the whites in the southern states are in great need of the means of an education, numbering their millions, who, unless soon cared for from abroad, will be beyond the period when the most successful efforts can avail for their education; and
     WHEREAS, By the blessing of the Great Head of the Church a good and great beginning has been made upon the vast field of usefulness open to us in the South,

inviting our devotion, and demanding our immediate efforts to honor the Master; therefore
     Resolved 1, That we as a Conference heartily endorse the recommendation of the officers of the Freedmen's Aid Society in relation to the centennial collections for educational purposes in the South.
     Resolved 2, That we instruct the Presiding Elders of this Conference to apportion the $650 (apportioned to this Conference) to their districts, and that each Presiding Elder apportion the same to his respective charges.
     Resolved 3, That each pastor in the Conference deliver or cause to be delivered a discourse to each of his congregations on the above subject and take a collection for the said cause in the month of May, 1884. All of which is respectfully submitted.

C. G. LATHROP,  
F. A. CAMPBELL,
P. C. FOLDEN.     

 

     We, your committee on Tracts, respectfully submit the following report:
     WHEREAS, The circulation of tracts has been a great blessing to the people, but has been sadly neglected in the past; therefore
     Resolved 1, That we will increase our diligence in circulating them.
     Resolved 2, That we will try to make a large increase in our collections for this cause during the coming Conference year.

W. J. BARGER, 
C. L. SMITH,   
W. F. MALTBIE,
A. G. WHITE, 
E. J. RANDALL. 

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

     WHEREAS, The ends aimed at, and the success attained by the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society vindicate its right to a cordial recognition; and
     WHEREAS, Its peculiar methods of raising money cultivate systematic giving among our people; and
     WHEREAS, The stimulus given to missionary thought by the circulation of the Heathen Woman's Friend, and other intelligence fresh from the field makes it easier to raise money for the parent society; therefore
     Resolved, That we welcome this agency among us, and will do all we can to forward its interests; and
     Resolved, That we recognize in its secretary, Mrs. M. J. Shelley, an efficient agent, and an untiring friend of the cause.

Respectfully submitted.

H. T. DAVIS, Secretary.               G. A. SMITH, Chairman.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PERIODICALS.

     Your committee would respectfully submit the following report:
     In this age of general intelligence we realize the great need of all--especially of the young--to have a moral and Christian education; and recognizing the press as a most potent agent in determining moral results, therefore

     Resolved 1, That we will urge all our people to banish all pernicious literature from their homes and to provide for their families a plentiful supply of that which is wholesome and of a high moral standard.
     Resolved 2, That the press of our own church is well adapted to promote a broad and true Christian culture, and that we will endeavor to supply all our people with our own periodical publications; and that while we fully recognize the general claims of all our "Advocates," the Central Christian Advocate especially deserves and shall receive our most hearty support as the official journal of the Conference.
     Resolved, That the Methodist Quarterly Review and the Church Manual should be in the hands of all ministers and laymen of our church.

J. A. NICHOLS,  
H. W. WARNER,
G. A. HOBSON, 
G. D. ROBERTS,
Committee.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF BIBLE CAUSE.

     We the committee on the Bible cause respectfully submit the following report for your consideration:
     WHEREAS, The Bible is the Book of books and contains the way of eternal life, therefore be it
     Resolved, 1, That the Bible should be placed in every house in our land.
     Resolved, 2, That we are in hearty sympathy with the work of the American Bible Society.
     Resolved, 3, That we consider it the duty of each minister to take the disciplinary collection for the support of the American Bible Society.
     Received this year, $100.90. Last year, $85.54. Increase, $15.36.

W. K. LOOFBOURROW,
DAVID FETZ,          
H. BURCH.           
  

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TEMPERANCE.

     DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN: We, your committee, to whom is referred the subject of temperance, having considered the same, offer the following report:
     That we regard this subject one of vital, vast, and momentous concern to all Christians and philanthropists, involving as it does the best interests and highest destinies of mankind.
     That we regard intemperance the greatest evil financially, socially, and morally of the age, and for this reason standing more stubbornly and defiantly in the way of Christian work and progress than any other, for which reason we think and feel that we ought as Christians-both ministers and people--to give our best thoughts and efforts in aid and for the triumph of the most stringent legal prohibition of the liquor traffic in intoxicating drinks.
     That as ministers we will earnestly and consistently make the best possible endeavor in this direction, exerting all the influence we can for this end.
     That we regard the practice, so common, of chewing and smoking tobacco, an unprofitable and expensive one, deleterious to health and wasteful of resources that

might and ought otherwise to go into the treasury of the Lord's house and for the furtherance of His kingdom of righteousness.
     That these being our honest convictions, we, the preachers of the Nebraska Conference, earnestly appeal to all friends of order, peace, and righteousness, that, by sentiment and example and in united action, we all "come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty "in the matter of intemperance, and that to do this most speedily, effectually, and triumphantly, we, as ministers, encourage both by precept and example the discontinuance of the practice of chewing and smoking tobacco. Respectfully submitted,

S. D. ROBERTS, 
G. W. HAWLEY,
J. C. H. HOBBS,
R. COOLEY,    
R. G. ADAMS.   

REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO AUDIT P. E. ACCOUNTS.

     We, the committee to audit the P. E. accounts, report that we found these accounts correct. All the apportionments have been paid over to the proper parties with the exception of $20 apportioned to Wilber and DeWitt, which still remains in the hands of the P. E. of the Beatrice district.

WM. PECK,   
Chairman.

REPORT OF TREASURER OF THE BOARD OF STEWARDS.

A. MADOLE,
Treasurer.

     The basis of claim was fixed at $400.O0.

Sister Hart allowed $1.00.
Sister Roberts, allowed $1.00.
W. D. Gage, allowed full claim.
Z. B. Turman, allowed $1.00.

Sister Goes, allowed full claim.
Sister Pritchard, allowed full claim.
C. G. Lathrop, allowed full claim.
A. J. Coombs' children allowed 1/4 claim.

     As Stewards we find that the Presiding Elders and Pastors have overlooked the important duty of presenting the cases of the Conference claimants to the Quarterly Conference, in their respective charges, and therefore we earnestly request that the Presiding Elders and Pastors bring these cases properly before the Quarterly Conferences.
     Also the Board of Stewards, to which has been referred a Memorial from the N W. Indiana Conference to the General Conference, express as their belief that the time has fully come when our Annual Conference should take efficient action 1n regard to the needs of the Superannuated Preachers and Conference Claimants generally, and ask the Bishop to appoint a committee to daftt (sic) a constitution for a permanent organization, to be called the Preachers' Aid Society of the Nebraska Conference.

C. L. SMITH,
Chairman.

H. A. EWELL, Secretary.
  

REPORT OF SECRETARY.

     Statement of the Secretary in regard to the publication of Conference Minutes for 1882.

Respectfully submitted,

JOHN GALLAGHER.

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ANNIVERSARIES AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

CONFERENCE SERMON.

     Preached by Rev. Hiram Burch, Tuesday evening, September 4, 1883.

CHRIST THE ONLY HOPE OF A LOST WORLD.

     "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Acts iv. 12.
     Jesus Christ is the only Savior.

     I. NOT MERELY BECAUSE HE GAVE TO THE WORLD A PERFECT CODE OF MORALS.

     The incarnation was not at all necessary for this; the principal part of revealed truth was given before and after the life of Christ.

     II. HE IS NOT THE ONLY SAVIOR SIMPLY BECAUSE OF HIS SPOTLESS LIFE AND PERFECT EXAMPLE.
     His own chosen Apostles hold up the example of holy men, and even their own several times, where they hold up that of Christ once.

     III. HE IS THE ONLY SAVIOR BECAUSE OF HIS SACRIFICIAL DEATH--BECAUSE OF THE ATONEMENT HE MADE FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD.
     And there is no other adequate cause for the incarnation.
     His birth has significance merely because it prepares the way for his death, and his death is significant, not because of the moral effect of this great exhibition of love. Takeout of the death of Christ the mental sufferings-the soul agony he endured in expiating the guilt of our race, and what is left is not equal to the sufferings of some others. The Apostle Paul suffered more in his life than Jesus did, and the sufferings of some of the martyrs were greater than the physical sufferings of Christ upon the cross; and it is only when we connect with the death of Christ the thought that he suffered for our sins, that we have an exhibition of infinite love, or love greater than that of Paul and some others.

  

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MISSIONARY SERMON.

     Preached by Rev. Edward Thompson, Ph.D., Wednesday P.M., September 5th.
     "The desire of all nations shall come."-Haggai ii. 7.

     I. JESUS CHRIST, NOT ONLY THE GREAT THEME OF JEWISH PROPHECY, BUT ALSO A DESIRE, AN EXPECTATION OF HIS APPEARANCE PREVALENT AMONG THE MORE INTELLIGENT OF HEATHEN NATIONS.
     1. Tacitus' History, Book V., Chap. 13.
     2. Suetonius' Life of Vespasian, Chap. IV.
     3. Virgil in Eclogue Pollio.
     4. History of Sibylline verses.
     5. The longing of Socrates for a heavenly teacher.

     II. ALL NATIONS HAVE DESIRED DEFINITE INFORMATION CONCERNING CERTAIN QUESTIONS, such as
     1. Whence came this world around us?
     2. In whose hands are these forces playing upon matter?
     3. Whence came these wondrous powers of soul?
     4. What is the path of duty in this life?
     5. Is there a life beyond?
     The answer to these questions in other religions is unsatisfactory.

     III. ALL NATIONS DESIRE A PERFECT HUMAN MODEL.
     Diogenes and others. None to be found except Jesus Christ.

     IV. ALL NATIONS DESIRE A PERFECT GOD.
     Yet no God of all past nations has such attributes as Omnipresence, Omniscience, Omnipotence, and Love Supreme.

     V. THE FACTS OF HISTORY SHOW THIS TO BE TRUE.
     1. Rapid growth of Christianity in the early centuries, notwithstanding the great and terrible persecutions.
     2. The wonderful spread of Christianity in these later years.

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