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   We find the accounts of the Presiding Elders and Secretaries correct.
Signed: J. Q. A. Fleharty, J. T. Knuckey,
        G. A. Luce, R. C. McReynolds.
   

   WHEREAS, The American Bible Society proposes to place the word of God in the homes where it is not, even without price where it cannot be paid for; and
   WHEREAS, In these scriptures is found the great plan of redemption that not only seeks to save man from sin, but also to elevate man in his entire nature, and
   WHEREAS, Some charges report no collection for this cause this year, Therefore
   Resolved, We do earnestly implore our brethren to not neglect this great cause, and while we are glad to report a slight increase in collections this year. Let us try to make another advance the ensuing year that this great cause may be more efficient.
Signed: F. M. Wright, W. A. Wilson, A. M. Molesworth.

   WHEREAS, The North Nebraska Conference is in the midst of the most practical results of the work of the Board of Church Extension and nearly all of us are worshiping (sic) in churches which have been made possible by this society, we recommend for adoption the following resolutions:
   1st. That we appreciate the assistance we have already received.
   2d. We heartily congratulate the Board of Church Extension and the church at large on the remarkable success or this work through a period of thirty years.
   3d. That our country being new with rapidly increasing population and unlimited resources, 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 power to promote all forms of Christian and benevolent activity.
   4th. 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."
   5th. That our Presiding Elders be requested to apportion with care the

$1,000 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 Ernest" and Glad Tidings, we will present this cause in all our charges and endeavor to secure, at least, the amount asked in accordance with the plans of our dicipline (sic).
   6th. That we esteem the visit of Dr. Spencer and endorse his earnest words in behalf of this society.
Committee: C. N. Dawson, Chm.; J. Crews, Sec.;
          H. W. Conley, N. A. Martin.

   The Book Concern and its various publishing interests is an agency of invaluable power in sending abroad the "Leaves of the Tree of Life" for the healing of the nations. It is also a most valuable source of income to what may be termed the pension department of our church, the several Conferences having received for this purpose this year $125,000, of which amount our own Conference received this year $777. Therefore
   Resolved, That we consider our obligations to maintain and promote the interests of our Book Concern to be as sacred as any obligation appealing to our loyalty and demanding our faithful support. We urge each pastor to impress upon all our people the important work of our publishing interests and the further fact that it is not a corporation organized for private gain, but is the property of the whole Methodist Episcopal Church and is one of the greatest co-operative associations in the world.
Signed: G. H. Main, J. M. Bothwell, J. W. Jennings.

   We have examined the records of Neligh and Grand Island Districts and find them correct. There is no District Conference on Omaha District. The minutes of Norfolk District have not been furnished for examination.
Signed: E. R. Adriance, F. M. Sisson,
          A. L. Mickel, H. H. St. Louis.

   Through the blessing of God, the Methodist Episcopal Church marches onward in victory, and this victory, by the aid of the Holy Spirit comes largely from the consecrated devotion of the church to the great work of Christian education. The success of the work of education is the evidence of the mission of our book or discipline and of our church educational system. Our Board of Education gives favorable report in behalf of the University senate and the plans of educational confederation of increased collection for our Children's Day fund, and especially urges that

the general collection be taken separate from the Children's Day collection. The society feels honored in the general use of the programmes for Children's Day and the collection envelopes. The increased attendance of students at our institutions of learning, and especially of the young men who are preparing for the ministry is a cause for special rejoicing.
   The high standing and important work of the Nebraska Wesleyan University gives the state of Nebraska and the North Nebraska Conference high rank among the states of the Union and Conferences of our connection. We also recognize that the responsibility for the highest efficiency of our school rests to a great degree upon the heart of the North Nebraska Conference, and this Conference may worthily rejoice in the great triumphs of this institution in the measure that we bear our share in heroic work necessary to success.
   Our debt has been reduced from $50,000, by the receipt or $20,000 in cash and of $10,000 in notes. This achievement is recognized by the trustees as being largely the result of the earnest efforts of Rev. T. O. Clendening, D. D., financial agent, and the joint committee recommends the thanks of the Conference for his arduous labors. We recognize with sincere thanks the generous donation made to the University by Rev. O. J. Nave, S. T. D., D. D., of the proceeds from the sale of his great work. "The Bible Index." We commend the mission and prudential action of the Board of Trustees in the administration by which $5,000 yearly has been saved to the school and yet, as we believe without subtracting from the worthy management of our school. We are glad to give highest praise to the work of Chancellor Isaac Crook, D. D. He will ever have our highest regard, and the effect of his excellent services will ever remain for his honor. We welcome Chancellor C. M. Ellinwood as the man for the time and place. We will welcome him to our pulpits in the interest of the school, and assure him of our support. We have 400 students and 15 instructors for their training, and we especially rejoice in the high moral and spiritual tone of the school as the chief recommendation in behalf of its support and future success. May this spirit ever continue and increase. In accordance with the request of the trustees we recommend that the Sunday preceding Thanksgiving Day be observed as the day for the special collection for the University. We recommend the election of Rev. J. B. Maxfield and Rev. O. J. Nave as trustees for the term ending in 1900, and Rev. J. W. Robinson for the unexpired term of C. F. Weller. We recommend as visitors to the Nebraska Weleyan (sic) University, F. H. Sanderson, J. B. Priest, N. A. Martin.
   To Iliff school of Theology, T. C. Webster, H. H. Millard.
   Garrett Biblical Institute, G. H. Main, E. W. Erickson.
J. H. Brooks, J. W. Robinson,
Secretary. President.

EPISCOPAL FUND.

   Recognizing in our chief officers those who are among the hardest worked of any in the church, that the amount raised for the Episcopal Fund was only $220.00, which was $35.00 below that of last year.
   Resolved, That we feel humiliated in the face of this fact, and that we urgently request all of our preachers to do their utmost to raise their full apportionment.
        Signed: E. E. Hunt, T. Bithel, W. H. Carter, C. F. Heywood.

   That the Epworth League has been a potent factor in the success of the church is a happy and evident fact. Its power for good to the church and pastor is acknowledged everywhere, and by all. How often a good, active, spiritual League has infused new life and impetus to a church. What an agency it has been to the pastor of revival meetings. But what may be said of the Epworth League is just as true or the Junior League. We are exceedingly pleased and gratified to hear of the blessed conventions that have been held on all the Districts this year, and especially with the success of the Conference Epworth League convention. We heartily approve of the selection of Rev. F. M. Sisson as president of the Conference League, and we urge upon our pastors to encourage a better attendance at the convention to be held at Grand Island. We would recommend every pastor, if possible, to take up the Epworth League reading course in each chapter on his charge. The Epworth Herald should find its way to every Leaguer's home, as it is by far the best paper published for young people. We should also give it our liberal support.
   Resolved, That we highly appreciate the Epworth League department of the Omaha Christian Advocate and request that such be continued it possible. We do not deem it advisable to add another department to our Epworth League constitution, but urge upon our Leaguers to co-operate with the committee on missions appointed by our Quarterly Conferences.
          Signed: E. W. Erickson, P. M. Sisson, A. Bishop, F. W. Bross.

   We rejoice in the continued success and prosperity of this society. The cause is dear to our hearts, by reason of the work it has accomplished. It deserves and demands the attention of the church and especially of this Conference. It well deserves the commendation both of church and nation. As a Conference we were asked to raise $684 this year. Our collections amounted to $209, a shortage of $475. For this we are exceedingly sorry, but by God's help we promise to do better the coming year. In view of the great indebtedness of the society, we would request that the apportionment to this Conference for the coming year be raised it possible, and that the helps furnished by the society be used by all our charges.
        Signed: J. Charles, J. E. More, B. Blain, F. M. Clark.

HOSPITAL AND DEACONESS HOME.

STATISTICS.

   Recognizing the magnificent work done by the Omaha Hospital and Deaconess Home throughout the state and especially within the bounds of the North Nebraska Conference, therefore,
   Resolved, That we pledge ourselves anew to all the interests of this important branch of our church work.
   The Methodist Hospital and Deaconess Home at Omaha being in need of more commodious quarters, both for the accommodation of patients and for the convenience and comfort of the Deaconesses, we pledge ourselves to cordially receive any agent appointed by the trustees to solicit funds from our charges for this purpose. That we recommend that the trustees lay plans for early and heroic action and in co-operation with the Presiding Bishop, push the enterprise to a speedy completion. We further recommend that selection be made of such physicians to serve on the Hospital Staff as are in sympathy with us in maintaining a religious influences and Godly deportment in the Hospital.
   We recommend the following persons to serve on the Conference Board: Rev. D. K. Tindall, T. C. Webster, John Dale, Mrs. D. Cole, Miss Mattie Mason, L. H. Rogers, Mrs. F. M. Sisson, J. B. Priest, John McQuoid.
            Signed: T. W. Mathews, T. Bithel, E. E. Hunt.

   Recognizing the importance of the work of the Missionary Society, we hereby pledge our hearty support and continued prayers. Believing, as we do, in the conversion of the world, we think it fitting and proper that we should set a suitable example before those whose belief is less firmly fixed than our own. We believe that if each pastor will set the example of proportionate giving and judiciously urge the people in this direction, they will not be slow in emulating his example. We deplore the fact that of our apportionment to the Missionary Society of $6410, but little more than $1000 has been realized. We believe a pastor's love for the Missionary Society will find its appropriate mode of expression in fully meeting his apportionment to it. Any love short or this is as "Sounding brass or a tinkling symbol." By the payment of 50 cents per member in our Conference, we can pay more than $7000 into the treasury of our beloved Missionary Society. Our people will do this it our pastor's will faithfully present its claims and follow their own advice to the people. We believe that this world will not be converted to Christ until the last command of our blessed Lord shall have been implicitly obeyed. To go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature implies much more than appears upon the surface. We believe an era of temporal and spiritual prosperity will sweep over the church, the like of which has never been

   WHEREAS, There is a growing tendency to desecration of the Sabbath by Sunday excursions, picnics, drives and other forms of amusement, and the day is too often associated in the public mind with pleasure seeking instead of worship; therefore,
   Resolved, That we condemn all these forms of amusements upon the Sabbath day and we will earnestly exhort our people to keep sacred the Sabbath; and further, that each pastor preach at least one sermon during the year upon the proper observance of the Sabbath day.
   Signed: C. O. Larrison, John McQuoid

   During the year we have had to pass through the throes of a General Conference, and are now in the midst of the bitter acrimony of a Presidential election. From the first we have emerged satisfactorily but are still in turmoil and uncertainty. So that it is exceedingly difficult to present a true report on the state or the church. Everywhere, almost everything is disturbed in its relation to other things. In the church, retrenchment is the order of the day, from the missionary society to the sexton who cares for the village church. The question naturally arises, whereunto shall this come? or what shall the end be? Shall the church become absorbed or dominated by the world? Or shall she arise, shake herself from the dust and put on her beautiful garments? We believe that Zion shall yet come forth out of the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. For God still lives. He sitteth upon the circle of the heavens, be the earth ever so unquiet. The very disputations of the church shall brighten the truth, and make the jewel more resplendent. Out of the turmoil and strife of tongues shall come forth a greater perfection of government, and more perfect equality in law. From the financial depression of poverty shall arise temperance, industry and frugality. While the same spirit of giving which is now manifested in our church will under more prosperous circumstances put $3,000,000 in our missionary treasury, with all other benevolences increased in proportion. Many have heard and heeded the Divine law of tithing all increase for the Lord, and when the whole church shall fall into line and bring the tithes into the store-house, God will "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." There are many tokens that this glad day

is coming. The standard of ministerial efficiency is rising. Our preachers believe in our doctrines, practice and enjoy them. Our people are coming to know more of our doctrines and love them. The vexed question of amusements is being rapidly solved by the faithful loyalty of the Epworth League. There have been at least one thousand more converts at our altars, than during any previous year. The spirit of unrest so evident last year appears to have subsided. All these things give promise of still greater and more rapid advancement.
   Some from our ranks have passed over, and as of old our people die well. So that while our ranks are depleted the volume of melody is increased around the throne. Our consecrated youth are crowding our schools for equipment for more efficient service. Causes for encouragement multiply on every side, to that extent that nothing short of a long meter doxology can give expression to our gratitude. While last but not least, the wonderful outpouring Of the Holy Spirit in heathen lands resulting in multiplied converts to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, fulfill the prophecy, that Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God, and that "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."
          Signed: John P. Roe, T. C. Webster, E. E. E. Rorick, L. K. McNiel.

   The Sunday School is the nursery of the church and the agency by which thousands are started in the path of righteousness. We rejoice in the achievements of our 30,259 Sunday Schools under the leadership of 352,696 officers and teachers, with an enrollment of 2,585,178 scholars. There remains a great demand for a more liberal spirit toward this society.
   Resolved, That we ask that the Presiding Elders apportion the amount asked by this society to their several charges. And that we recognize our Methodist Sunday School literature as second to none. Therefore, we recommend the use of our literature in all our schools to the exclusion of others.
           Signed: E. T. Antrim, A. Bishop, W. D. Stambaugh, J. A. Roades.

   WHEREAS, Intemperance is a recognized, widespread evil, striking at the heart of the nation, the home and the individual,
   Resolved, That this Conference continue to place itself upon record as the uncompromising foe of the drink habit and of the liquor traffic in every form. We stand, not only for state and national prohibition, but for the total annihilation of this giant sin.
   As ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, avowed advocates of purity and morality, and always and everywhere champions of temperance

and prohibition, we pledge ourselves to increased efforts for the suppression of the liquor traffic, and will do everything within our power to secure the consummation devoutly to be wished. While we do not deem it within the province of the Conference to dictate to its members as to the depositing of their votes as individual citizens -- thus interfering with their most sovereign prerogative -- we nevertheless propose to stand always for the right. And we will remember the saying of Edmund Burke: "When bad men conspire, good men must combine." We also promise to preach on the subject of temperance, through the year, as frequently as would be consistent with the demands of other necessary pulpit presentments. And in public and private we will be true and loyal to the great prohibition cause and fight its defiant and audacious foe 'till we conquer.
F. H. Sanderson, Clyde C. Cissell.

   Since our Tract Society furnishes a vast assortment of tract literature, which is an efficient instrumentality for evangelization,
   Resolved, That we recommend their liberal use, and would call the attention of our pastors to the offer of this society to give to each charge one-half the amount contributed last year in tracts.
   We are pleased to announce the aid which this society has rendered to our missionary cause by giving $7,000 per annum for the circulation of religious literature. We recommend that the Conference instruct the Presiding Elders to apportion pro rata to their charges the amount of $210, the amount asked by this society from the Conference.
            Signed: E. T. Antrim, J. A. Roades, A. Bishop, W. D. Stambaugh.

   Believing in the command given by the Great Head of the Church to go forth and disciple all nations, we hail with delight all the instruments raised up of God for this purpose; principle among these we recognize the Woman's Home and Woman's Foreign Missionary. Societies. We review, with gratitude to God, the good already accomplished in home and foreign fields. We shall, as far as possible in accordance with the rules of our church, stand ready to obey the command of God through Paul to the Philippians, and help "Those women which labor together with us in the gospel," giving them our prayers, help and sympathy, and trusting that God will abundantly bless them in their institutions and labors.
                 Signed: D. C. Worts, T. C. Clendening, Elmer E. Shafer.

CONFERENCE EXAMINATOINS (sic).

Examiners and undergraduates will please study carefully the new Discipline, Appendix, ¶ 56 to ¶ 60 inclusive, and be guided strictly thereby. Undergraduates who were conditioned will find it to their advantage to clear up the conditions at once, then take up the books of the course systematically and persistently, remembering the saying of Bishop Janes quoted by Bishop McCabe: "The fore-part of time enough yet is the best part." D. C. WINSHIP, Chairman.
   H. A. BARTON, Secretary.

   In Conference Roll and Directory read A. L. Mickel, Columbus, instead of Wood River. Also in Disciplinary Questions, under Triers of Appeals, omit last two names in list, according to instructions from the Bishop, as we are not entitled to so many.
   Please correspond with C. N. Dawson, Omaha, as to all matters pertaining to publishing and distributing the minutes. D. C. WINSHIP.

@ 1999 by Ted & Carole Miller for the NEGenWeb Project