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     The Eighteenth Session of the Nebraska Annual Conference was held in the M. E. Church in the city of Beatrice, beginning on Thursday, October 10th, 1878, and continuing till the 14th.

     Bishop E. G. Andrews being absent at the opening of the session, the Secretary called the conference to order, and T. B. Lemon conducted the opening religious services, after which a ballot was taken for President, and T. B. Lemon was elected.

     The roll was called and the following members answered to their names

     J. M. Adair, J. Adriance, D. Andrus, J. Armstrong, W. S. Blackburn, L. F. Britt, H. Burch, W. J. Barger, H. T. Davis, G. W. DeLamatyr, J. W. Dobbs, G. W. Elwood, F. M. Esterbrook, A. L. Folden, Josiah Fowler, J. Q. A. Fleharty, W. D. Gage, J. Gallagher, S. H. Henderson, O. A. Hobson, P. C. Johnson, C. G. Lathrop, T. B. Lemon, J. B. Leedom, L. W. B. Long, J. B. Maxfield, D. Marquett, J. Marsh, J. G. Miller, J. S. Orr, R. Pearson, Wm. Peck, J. H. Presson, H. Presson, J. R. Reed, C. Reilly, J. M. Richards, D. F. Rodabaugh, S. D. Roberts, W. B. Slaughter, C. L. Smith, J. W. Stewart, J. W. Taylor, E. Thompson, W. H. Tibbits, S. P. Vandoozer, P. Vanfleet, G. H. Wehn, A. G. White, S. P. Wilson, E. J. Willis, E. Wilkinson, W. Worley, J. R. Wolfe, H. D. Fisher, A. C. Crossthwaite, J. Gray, W. R. Jones, J. W. Shank.

     The ballot was taken for Secretary, and L. F. Britt was elected, and he was instructed to select his assistants. The following brethren were chosen: S. D. Roberts and Wm. Peck, Assistants, J. M. Richards, Statistical Secretary.

      The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by W. B. Slaughter, D. D., assisted by the Presiding Elders, and C. G. Lathrop, Wm. McCandlish, J. W. Taylor, and J. G Miller.

     Rev. Wm. McCandlish, agent for the American Bible Society, made his Annual Report to the Conference, and the report was referred to the Committee on Bible Cause.

     Brother Pye, of the Book Concern, presented his claims to the Conference.

     On motion the Presiding Elders were appointed a Committee on Nominations of the Standing Committees.

     Brother Cooper addressed the Conference in reference to a Conference picture he is arranging to complete.

     On motion S. P. Wilson was appointed a committee to receive the benevolent collections of the Conference.

     On motion the time for opening the Conference Sessions was fixed at 8 o'clock A. M., the first half hour to be devoted to devotional exercises; the time for closing, 12 M.

     Brother Brigham, a transfer from the Wyoming Conference, was introduced.

     The Presiding Elders made their report on nominations, and it was adopted, as follows:

     ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.--The Presiding Elder of the Beatrice District, and the Preacher in charge of Beatrice Station.

     ON EDUCATION.--E. Thompson, H. Burch, J. W. Shank, H. D. Fisher, J. W. Stewart, P. C. Johnson.

     ON TRACTS.--L. F. Britt, J. Marsh, W. D, Gage, Wm. Worley, D. Marquett, J. M. Adair.

     ON TEMPERANCE.--H. D. Fisher, J. G. Miller, L. W. B. Long, J. H. Presson, J. Armstrong, J. B. Leedom.

     ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.--Peter Vanfleet, H. Pearson, F. M. Esterbrook, A. L. Folden, W. R. Jones, J. M. Richards.

     ON CHURCH EXTENSION.--Wm. Peck, J. Gallagher, H. Pressen, A. C. Crossthwaite, E. J. Hancock, E. Thompson, C. L. Brockway.

     ON PERIODICALS.--L. W. B. Long, S. H. Henderson, J. R. Leedom, H. D. Fisher, E. Thompson, C. L. Brockway.

     ON POST OFFICES.--Geo. A. Hobson.

     AUDITING COMMITTEE.--D. Marquett, W. H. Tibbits, C. Reilly, E. J. Willis G. W. DeLamatyr, J. B. Reed.

     ON MISSIONS.--The Presiding Elders.

     ON MISSIONARY CAUSE.--J. Fowler, S. P. Vandoozer, C. G. Lathrop, S. D. Roberts, J. S. Orr, C. C. Smith.

     ON PUBLICATION OF THE MINUTES.--The Secretaries.

     ON BIBLE CAUSE.--T. H. Worley, J. W. Dobbs, E. J. Hancock, S. P. Wilson, D. S. Davis, W. J. Barger.

     CONFERENCE STEWARDS.--S. H. Henderson, J. R. Wolf, E. J. Willis, F, M. Esterbrook, Charles Reilly, J. Adriance.

     ON NEW YORK BOOK ACCOUNTS.--S. P. Wilson.

     ON CURRENT BOOK ACCOUNTS.--E. Wilkinson, W. S. Blackburn, R. Pearson, J. M. Richards, J. S. Orr, L. F. Britt.

     ON WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.--J. Armstrong, J. G. Miller, J. W. Stewart, G. W. DeLamatyr.

     ON MEMOIRS.-- H. Burch, H. A. L. King, D. S. Davis, W. H. Tibbits.

     Bishop Andrews having arrived, took the chair on the morning of October 11th.

     1st Question--Have any entered the Conference by re-admission or transfer

     Horace A. Ewell, W. F. Warren, R. C. Johnson, Alfred Brigham, Henry Hill, on Credentials; John L. St. Clair from the Church of United Brethren.

     The Bishop announced the following as transferred to this Conference: A. C. Crossthwaite and Joseph Gray from Central Pennsylvania Conference; W. R. Jones from the Wisconsin Conference; J. W. Shank from the Troy; Thomas Thompson from the Upper Iowa, and W. K. Beans from Rock River Conference.

     2d Question--Who are admitted on trial?

     Oscar P. Sheldon, John A. Chapin, Francis A. Burdick, Alfred Hodgetts.

     3d Question--Who remain on trial?

     H. A. L. King, Jabez Charles, Cyrus A. Lewis.

     4th Question--Who are admitted into full connection?

     Thomas H. Worley, Frederick B. Donisthorpe, Charles L. Brockway, Samuel A. Bear were admitted.

     5th Question--Who are the Deacons of the First Class?

     Thomas H. Worley, Frederick B. Donisthorpe, Charles L. Brockway, Samuel A. Bear, Horace A. Ewell, Samuel W. Johnson, Geo. A. Hobson, Wm. J. Barger, Edward J. Hancock, W. H. Tibbitts.

     6th Question--Who are the Deacons of the Second Class?

     John Q. A. Fleharty, Peter Vanfleet, and Albert L. Goss were continued.

     7th Question--Who have been elected and ordained Elders?

     Dayton Andrus, John Armstrong, Joseph R Wolfe.

     8th Question--Who are the Supernumerary Preachers?

     G. B. Crippin, J. L. Fort, R. Rowbotham, S. H. Manley, W. E. Morgan, H. P. Mann, D. C. Brannon, J. G. Miller, C. W. Wells, G. A. Hobson.

     9th Question--Who are the Superannuated Preachers?

     L. W. Smith, C. W. Giddings, Z. B. Turman, L. Janey, A. L. Goss, J. W. Taylor, J. Adriance, W. D. Gage, D. H. May, J. C. Cannon were continued in their relation.

     10th Question--Was the character of each Preacher examined?

     The following members were reported, and character passed:

     W. B. Slaughter, H. D. Fisher, P. C. Johnson, W. S. Blackburn, G. W. DeLamatyr, D. S. Davis, J. Adriance, J. M. Adair, Wm. Peek, H. T. Davis, D. F. Rodabaugh, H. Burch, H. Presson, S. P. Wilson, G. H. Wehn, L. F. Britt, F. M. Esterbrook, J. H. Presson, S. D. Roberts, J. R. Reed, A. G. White, S. H. Henderson, S. P. Vandoozer, Wm. Worley, E. Wilkinson, A. L. Folden, J. Gallagher, C. G. Lathrop, J. G. Miller, T. B. Lemon, J. Marsh, R. Pearson, A. C. Crossthwaite, E. Thompson, C. L. Smith, J. W. Dobbs, C. Reilly, G. W. Elwood, J. W. Stewart, J. S. Orr, L. W. B. Long, E. J. Willis, W. D. Gage, S. W. Johnson, J. B. Maxfleld, J. B. Leedom, D. Marquett, J. Fowler, J. M. Richards.

     11th Question--Have any of the preachers located this year?

     W. P. Grantham was granted a location at his own request.

     12th Question--Have any of our Preachers withdrawn from the Church?

     George Scott was announced as gone to the Congregational Church.

     13th Question--Have any been transferred to other Conferences during the year?

     D. A. Crowell to the Oregon, and John Armstrong to the Montana Conference.

     14th Question--Have any been expelled from the Church and Ministry?

     Edwin Buck.

     15th Question--Have any died this year?

     David Hart, T. A. Hull, A. J. Combs.

     Conference was authorized to draw an order on the charter fund for $30.00.

     A committee of six was appointed on Freedman's Aid Society as follows: S. P. Vandoozer, S. P. Wilson. A. L. Folden, C. L. Smith, E. J. Hancock, E. J. Barger.

     J. C. Cannon was given a Superannuated relation.

     D. A. Crowell was announced by the Bishop as transferred to the Oregon Conference.

     The case of W. E. Morgan was taken up, and he was continued a supernumerary with the request to locate at the next Annual Conference, or take a work.

     Information having been received by this Conference that George Scott has united himself with the Congregational Church; therefore

     Resolved, That by this act Bro. Scott is understood to have withdrawn from the M. E. Church, and this Conference hereby recognize his withdrawal, and order that it be so entered in the minutes.

     The case of Edwin Buck was referred to a select number of thirteen for trial under charges, and all the papers in the case were referred to this committee.

     The following Brethren were introduced to the Conference: Mr. Jones, of the Episcopal Church; Spencer, Winterbone, and See of the Kansas Conference.

     The following brethren were appointed as the select number in the case of Edwin Buck: H. Burch, J. G. Miller, L. W. B. Long, J. H. Presson, P. C. Johnson, J. R. Reed, E. Thompson, D. Marquett, E. Wilkinson, J. W. Dobbs, S. P. Vandoozer, W. S. Blackburn, G. H. Wehn. G. W. DeLamatyr was appointed chairman: S. H. Henderson and D. F. Rodabaugh were appointed counsel for the church.

     The following were appointed by the Bishop as a Committee on the Observance of the Sabbath: J. M. Adair, H. Presson, A. L. Folden.

     E. Thompson was excused from the Committee on Church Extension and Periodicals, and C. L. Smith appointed on Church Extension, and J. Armstrong on Periodicals.

     The Ladies of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society were invited to unite with the Parent Society in observing the Missionary Anniversary.

     21st Question--Have any Local Preachers been ordained?

     G. W. Selby, Ezra Wilkinson, J. A. Chapin, W. R. Ream, and J. M. Dressier.

      J. S. Orr and S. P. Wilson were added to the Committee to Examine Candidates for Admission on Trial.

     Dr. Fry addressed the Conference in the interest of the Central Christian Advocate.

     The following resolution was adopted:

     Resolved, That we will use our utmost efforts to double the circulation of the Central Christian. Advocate on our respective charges during the ensuing year, and we will recommend it to our people as first of all our religious journals.

     Mrs. Angie F. Newman addressed the Conference in the interest 0f the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, and called upon Mrs. Shelly, of Tecumseh, to make the Annual report to the Conference. The Bishop followed with some remarks, complimenting the ladies of this society, but urging brethren in behalf of the Parent Society to do their own work, and not let any of the interests of the Parent Society suffer.

     Brother Wharton, of the Baptist Church, was introduced to the Conference.

     The chairman of the select members in the case of Edwin Buck, by their Secretary, W. Peck, made their report, and announced the said Edwin Buck guilty of immorality, and pronounced him as expelled from the Ministry and the Church.

     The counsel for defense, H. D. Fisher, gave notice of appeal.

     20th Question--Where shall the next Conference be held? was taken up and Lincoln was selected.

     J. G. Miller, at his own request, was granted a supernumerary relation.

     Conference Stewards made their report, and it was adopted.

     The Committee on Temperance and Tobacco reported. All other Committees reported. (See Reports in full.)

     The following amounts were delivered by the Conference Stewards to the following persons:

     To the orphans of Bro. Combs, $67.09, to be carried by S. P. VanDoozer; to Sisters Pritchard and Hull, each $39.56, to be carried by Bro. Burch; to Sister Roberts, $13.18, to be carried by Bro. Henderson; to Sister Hart, $10, paid to herself.

     The following resolution was adopted

     Resolved, That we cordially invite our beloved brother J. P. Roe, if it shall suit his convenience, to transfer to this Conference.

     The following resolution was offered and adopted:

     WHEREAS, Rev. John Armstrong has been transferred to the Montana Conference, we hereby express our appreciation of him as a christian minister, and assure him of our continued respect.

     Resolved, That should he desire at any future day to return to this Conference, and obtain the consent of the proper authorities, we will most cordially receive him.

     Presiding Elders' reports and the Missionary Sermon were ordered to be published in the Minutes.

     S. H. Henderson was appointed publishing agent for the Minutes, and he was instructed to get advertisements.

     Resolutions of thanks to the citizens of Beatrice, to Bishop Andrews, and to the different Railroads which have extended courtesies to the members of the Conference.

     S. H. Henderson and D. F. Rodabaugh were appointed counsel to appear for the Church in the case of the appeal of Edwin Buck.

     The Presiding Elders and the Secretary were appointed to draft a Constitution for a Preachers' Aid Society, and report at the next Annual Conference.

     The order for the publication of last year's Minutes was adopted.

     The following Memoirs were read: David Hart, T. A. Hull, A. J. Combs. (See Memoirs.)

     19th Question--Where are the Preachers stationed? (See Appointments.)

     20th Question--Where and when shall the next Conference be held?

     Lincoln and Nebraska City were nominated, and Lincoln was selected.

     22d Question--Who are the Conference board of Church Extension?

     W. B. Slaughter, President; E. H. Rogers, Vice President; .J. B. Maxfield, Recording Secretary; W. J. Ollinger, Treasurer; T. B. Lemon, Corresponding Secretary. Additional members, A. G. White, G. W. Elwood, H. T. Davis, E. J. Major, G. P. Hall, G. Black, Levi Snell.

     The following were elected officers of the Conference Missionary Society:

     H. D. Fisher, President; J. R. Wolfe, Secretary; D. F. Rodabaugh, Treasurer.

     Resolved, That the Committee on the Publication of the Minutes be requested to procure blanks to he used by the members of the Conference to furnish dates of interest to the Conference, and that each Brother be requested to furnish data of nativity, conversion, and call to the ministry.

      A collection was taken for Bro. W. D. Gage as a testimonial of regard for him and his work with us.

     Conference Trustees for the third year were appointed.

     Samuel Wood was announced as transferred from the Central Illinois Conference.

     This certifies that at Beatrice, Nebraska, on the thirteenth day of October, 1878, the following persons were ordained Deacons in the Church of God, by the Bishop, viz.: Frederick B. Donisthorpe, Charles L. Brockway, Samuel A. Bear, Green W. Selby, Ezra Williamson, John A. Chapin, William K. Ream, and John M. Dressler; and the following persons, viz.: Dayton Andrus, John Armstrong, Joseph R. Wolf, William F. Warren, and Philander W. Howe, were ordained Elders in the Church of God, by the undersigned, assisted by several Elders.

EDWARD G. ANDREWS.     

     Beatrice, Neb, Oct. 14th, 1878.

     Appointments were read, and Conference adjourned with benediction by Bishop Andrews.

     We, the Committee who had the subject matter of the Sunday-school referred to us, having had the same under advisement, are fully persuaded that we as a Conference do not give that attention to the Sunday-school work that we might and that we ought to. The Sunday-school is the church at work, and the pastor that does not work in the Sunday-school loses the first and the best opportunity of doing good, and will be under condemnation of our Lord and Master. Therefore be it

     Resolved, 1, That we the preachers of the Nebraska Conference will give special attention to the Sunday-school work; and will give not only our influence to the work, but we will engage heartily in the work ourselves Be it farther

     Resolved, 2, That we will urge our Sunday-schools to adopt the Berean lesson series, and further we will urge the officers and teachers to take the Sunday-school Journal and Berean Quarterly. And we will further urge our schools to take the Sunday-school Advocate Classmate and Picture Lesson Paper.

     Resolved, That the interests of our Church demand a more careful and prayerful attention to the rule of discipline relating to the religious instruction of our children,

     Your Committee to whom was committed for consideration the interest of the Tract Society,

     Resolved, Inasmuch as the Tract Society has been a means of carrying forward the great interests of the Church, in the spread of the gospel and conversion of sinners, that we will order tracts from the Tract Society and distribute the same on our charges, and further will take collections on all our charges for the tract cause.

     Edward Thompson presented the

     We deprecate the neglect of religious culture in our state institutions of learning and consider that to be a means of making infidels and sceptics (sic). We believe that to be the only true education which aims at the development of all man's immortal powers.

     It is the duty of the instructor of youth to impress upon his pupils the necessity of cultivating all the graces of the heart as well as all the powers of the mind.

     Our State is rapidly growing in population; there is nothing that seems to prevent long continued prosperity; a bountiful harvest has just been gathered by our people; an increase of membership is reported from all quarters; and this we think to be the auspicious time when we should take measures to establish an institution of learning under the especial patronage of our religious denomination. We do not consider it wise to talk of a university before we have the means for a competent endowment. But we do consider it proper, during the present year, to seek a charter from the State for a Conference Academy--a place where our youth may obtain a higher education than at the High School, and be prepared for the Sophomore and junior classes in the University, and where those, whose limited means will not permit them to take a complete classical education, may pursue, in the elective system, the various sciences embraced in a liberal education.

     We believe that this should be a year of investigation and solicitation, and think that a committee should be appointed whose duty it shall be to find out all that is possible, and report at the next Annual Conference what, in their judgment, is the best location for this institution.

      We call the attention of the Board of Regents of the State University to the fact that we are the largest denomination in the State; that there are to be found in our denomination men of classical education and scholarly attainments, competent to fill any chair in that institution, and respectfully ask that the next chair created, or made vacant, shall be filled with a Methodist Professor.

     We desire to recognize the importance of a theological education, and we recommend all candidates for the ministry to try and arrange to pursue a course of study in Garrett Biblical Institute, and do hereby suggest to the Conference the propriety of appointing a visitor to that school of theology for the present year.

     We submit the following:

     Resolved, That the Presiding Elders be appointed a committee to obtain a charter for a Conference Academy, and to act in their respective districts according to the third paragraph of this report.

     Resolved, That it shall be the duty of all the other preachers to gather information and render all possible assistance to their Presiding Elders in this important matter.

     Resolved, That the Rev. W. B. Slaughter, D.D., be appointed an official visitor from this Conference to Garrett Biblical Institute during the present year.

     The Committee on Bible Cause would report as follows:

     1. That we commend the American Bible Society for its industry and zeal in circulating the Bible in all our States and territories; and for its co-operation with the Bristish (sic) and Foreign Bible Society in giving the Book of God to the different nations of the earth.

      2. We would earnestly commend the action of the American Bible Society by which the already low prices of Bibles and Testaments have been greatly reduced; and further, in view of the general depression and reduction of salaries, we would respectfully recommend the Society to economize in its work by making a corresponding reduction in the salaries of its paid agents.

     3. We commend the zeal of the District Superintendent Rev. Wm. McKandlish, in circulating of the word God in the waste places of the large district over which he has supervision.

     We entreat all our ministers to state fairly the claims of the Society to their respective churches: and urge their people to increased liberality towards this important branch of Christian benevolence.

     5. We would recommend that the Preachers of our Conference take the collection for the American Bible Society in their respective congregations.

     WHEREAS, Christianity, and especially our beloved Methodism is more effectively maintained by the erection of churches, and since it is the object of the church extension society to aid in this needed work, therefore,

     Resolved, That we are thankful to Almighty God for its grand achievements, and pledge ourselves to urge its claims upon our several charges for their support.

     Resolved, That because of the rapid peopling of the state by immigration, we called attention of the Parent Beard to our present pressing needs.

WM. PECK, Chairman.     

     A. C. CROSTHWAITE, Secretary.

     The Missionary Cause is the cause of Christ. Every Church to be in harmony with the spirit of Christ, and with the great commission "Go ye into all the world," must be emphatically a missionary church and organized with direct reference to the conquest of the world.

     Every soul touched by the life-giving power of the gospel receives the conviction that he is called to take part in this great work either by the sacrifice of personal labor or a portion of the substance with which the Head of the Church has entrusted him. If there is a failure to comply with this conviction he becomes unworthy of the high trusts and precious gifts of the gospel. The light put under a bushel not only ceases to shine but is quickly extinguished.

     The Missionary Society embodies the activities of the church, to which it is

moved by the baptism of the Holy Ghost reaching out after the lost to save them from sin and death. And the gifts and labors bestowed are the measure of its Christ-like spirit

     Recognizing as we do our church missionary society as the child of Providence and sanctioned by the blessing of Christ, we, as members of the Nebraska conference, are deeply pained that we have so poorly responded to its call for collections, knowing the great work it is doing both at home and abroad, Therefore

     Resoleed (sic), 1st, That we will more faithfully follow out the plan of our excellent discipline for raising collections, believing that this will most effectually educate our people to systematic giving.

     2d, That we will most earnestly endeavor to raise the amounts apportioned to our several charges, and more if practicable.

     3d, That we recommend holding special missionary meetings on all our charges, and that the preachers interchange and assist each other as far as practicable.

     4th, That while we heartily commend our sisters for their zeal and devotion in the prosecution of their work, we will not allow our work for the parent Society to be neglected, but will endeavor to keep it in the front where we believe it should be, trusting that while these interests are pushed harmoniously the blessing of the Master will insure abundant success.

J. FOWLER, Chairman of Corn.     

     We, the Committee who had the cause of our Christian Sabbath observance referred to us, having had the same under consideration, find that the desecration of the Sabbath is increasing to an alarming extent, and as we are fully persuaded that no safe popular government can exist without the observance of the Sabbath, and as Goldwin Smith very truly says, that it is free religion and hallowed Sundays which explains the average moral prosperity of America, and as the religious sentiment always controls the political, therefore the pulpit is largely responsible for the desecration of the Sabbath,

      Resolved, 1st, That we the preachers of Nebraska Conference will preach more frequently upon the observance of the Lord's day, and further we will talk more frequently upon the great necessity of the observance of the Sabbath, that we owe both to the church and state.

     2d, That we will set the example, and will discountenance the desecration of the Sabbath by gentle reproof upon every fitting occasion.

     3d, That we will let the people know, whom we serve, that we do not approve, but most emphatically disapprove, of this Sabbath visiting, or going to our friend's or neighbor's upon the Sabbath merely to have a good time after the manner of the world.

     4th, That we are in perfect spmpathy (sic) with the International Sabbath Association, and will most heartily unite in the work with them to enforce the observance of our blessed Sabbath.

     Your Committee on the Western Current Book Account, after gleaning information from every available source, report

     1st, That large sums of money are due the concern amounting to hundreds of dollars.

     2d, That in a large number of cases delinquents have paid no attention to the call of former committees, and some of these delinquents are members of other Conferences and communions.

     Wherefore your committee suggests that this Conference instruct the Presiding Elders to deal wilth (sic) all delinquents of two years and over on their respective districts as provided by discipline.

J. S. ORR, Chairman.     

     J. M. RICHARDS, Secretary.

     Your Committee on Church Periodicals, believing that the periodcal (sic) literature of the ht. E. Church is equal to, if not superior to, that of any other church or publishing association, do most cordially endorse the same as cheaper and better for our people than any other, being specially adapted to educate and indoctrinate our children, membership, and officials in church work and life, and would present the following resolutions:

     Resolved, 1, That we recommend and urge that the preachers and official boards of our church seek by all laudable effort to put at least one of our church papers in each family connected with our societies.

     Resolved, 2, That we recognize the Central Christian Advocate as an organ peculiarly adapted to promote the growth of our various church interests in the West; that it is the duty of the preachers of this Conference to recommend that every official member take the Central as a family paper; and that no man should be licensed to preach who does not take a church paper.

     Resolved, 3, That our Sabbath-school literature (books and papers) is of superior quality and cheaper, all things considered, than any other, and that we insist that our Sabbath-schools be supplied from our Methodist Book Concern, and that our families should secure a good supply of our books for the use of our children. Our literature first, last, and all the time.

     Resolved, 4, That we appreciate the aid which the publishers have extended to us, not only in carrying on the canvass for our periodicals, but also in the influence of the papers in the development of intelligence, piety, and benevolence.

     Resolved, 5, That every preacher should subscribe for the Quarterly Review, and recommend the National Repository as a first-class family magazine.

H. D. FISHER, Chairman     

     CHAS. L. BROCKWAY, Secretary.

      WHEREAS, The Freedmen of the South are in great need of means for their elevation and education, therefore

      Resolved, That as a Conference we are as much as ever interested in their behalf, and will take collections in all our charges for their benefit.

To the Nebraska Annual Conference:

       DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN--We the members of your Committee considered the subjects referred to us of vast moment to all christians and philanthropists, demanding the best thought, the most active christian and reformatory means and agencies, as well as the most stringent legal prohibitions, to restrain the vicious and reform the inebriate and fallen, and to protect all from the greatest social evil of the age, an evil which stands in the way of christian work more stubbornly than any other of our day, an evil whose associations and profits make friends of the most dangerous character and brings sorrow and blighting mildew and death to every home into which it comes.

       The liquor traffic is the crime of crimes, the fruitful source of pauperism, ignorance, and Sabbath desecration, of excessive taxation, dangerous to our civil, social, financial, and religious liberties. Therefore

       Resolved, 1st, That all laws legalizing the sale of this destructive evil are wrong, and to favor such laws is only forming an alliance with bad men that they may do evil; that all such laws are a blot on our statute book, a delusion, and ought to be repealed.

       Resolved, 2d, That we as a Conference demand in the name and for the sake of common humanity, the outlawing of the traffic and making the sale of intoxicating drinks a crime.

       Resolved, 3d, That it is the duty of all christians, especially the members of our own communion, to identify themselves with the present temperance movement, and to try and secure by petition and otherwise universal legal prohibition of the importation, manufacture, and sale as a beverage all intoxicating liquors.

       Resolved, 4th, That we will continue to preach and lecture on the subject of temperance at least once during the year in all our congregations.

       Resolved, 5th, That we will organize our Sunday-schools into juvenile temperance societies as far as practical and by word and example teach the children to abstain from liquors of all kinds.

       Resolved, 6th, That we recognize in Hon. John B. Finch, an eloquent, energetic, ic (sic), and successful worker in the cause of temperance, and we commend him to the confidence of all good men and women, and we hereby pledge him our sympathies and prayers.

       Resolved, 7th, That we regard the use of tobacco as a practice which is not only deleterious to health, and a disgusting habit, and a general nuisance, which ought to be abated, but also an expensive luxury, and consumes what ought to he given to christian and benevolent purposes, impairing the usefulness of all those professing godliness, especially ministers.

       Resolved, 8th, That we request all our members and ministers who use it to desist at once and cleanse themselves from this filthy habit.

       Resolved, 9th, That we request the Bishops not to transfer any minister to this Conference who uses it, and that we will not admit to membership or on probation, or elect to Elders' or Deacons' orders any man who uses it.

       This committee, having examined the accounts of the Presiding Elder presented to them for inspection find them, correct.

     2

      FIRST CLASS.--J. H. Presson, J. G. Miller, T. B. Lemon, H. T. Davis, George Black.

     SECOND CLASS.--W. B. Slaughter, Edward Thompson, T. L. Griffey, E. H. Rogers, W. G. Olinger.

     THIRD CLASS.--J. B. Maxfield, A. G. White, H. W. Hardy, W. E. Hill, W. J. Nelson.

     1. FOR ADMISSION ON TRIAL.--W. Peck, J. Fowler, A. L. Folden.

     2. FIRST YEAR.--H. Burch, L. W. B. Long, J. Marsh.

     3. SECOND YEAR.--J. B. Leedom, C. G. Lathrop, D. F. Rodabaugh.

     4. THIRD YEAR.--W. R. Jones, R. Pearson, P. C. Johnson.

     5. FOURTH YEAR.--S. H. Henderson, L. F. Britt, S. D. Roberts.

     6. FOR LOCAL DEACONS.--E. Thomson, S. P. Vandoozer, D. Marquett.

     7. FOR LOCAL ELDERS.--T. H. Worley, S. P. Wilson, W. F. Warren.

     8. To PREACH THE MISSIONARY SERMON.--J. W. Stewart.

       ALTERNATE.--J. W. Shank.

     9. TRIERS OF APPEAL.--H. D. Fisher, J. R. Wolf , G. W. De La Matyr, J. H. Presson, J. S. Orr, A. C. Crossthwaite, W. S. Blackburn

     10. BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION.--President, W. B. Slaughter; Vice-president, E. H. Rogers; Recording Secretary, J. B. Maxfield; Treasurer, W. G. Olinger; Corresponding Secretary, T. B. Lemon.

     ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.--A. G. White, G. W. Elwood, H. T. Davis, E. J. Major, G. P. Hall, G Black, and Levi Snell.

            The Committee on Missions met, and organized by choosing H. T. Davis, President, and W. B. Slaughter, Secretary, and after deliberation agreed upon the following appropriations, viz:

H. T. DAVIS,
President,     

     W. B. SLAUGHTER,
          Secretary.

     I concur in the foregoing appropriations.

E. G. ANDREWS.     

     REV. DAVID HART was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 2d, 1821. He was deprived of his father while quite young, but was blessed with the example and instruction of a godly mother. He was converted at the early age of nine years, and was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church, of which his mother was a member, but afterwards with his mother united with the Wesleyan Methodists. When nineteen years of age he was appointed class-leader and engaged earnestly in the active duties of the Church. At the age of twenty-one he was licensed to preach, and a year later was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dagget, with whom in 1851 he came to America, and settled at Jacksonville, Illinois. He engaged in business, but by the death of his wife and two youngest children his plans were thwarted, and in deep affliction he turned his attention wholly to the ministry.

     He came to Nebraska in the spring of 1855 and was immediately employed on a mission embracing Richardson and Pawnee counties, and entered upon his duties as an itinerant with that earnestness and energy which so signally characterized his whole ministry. The following year he was united in marriage with his now bereaved wife, and in the spring of 1858 he joined the Kansas and Nebraska Conference and was appointed to Plattsmouth mission, which he served one year with ability and success, his labors being blessed with a gracious revival of religion. He was then appointed successively to Brownville, Fontenelle, and De Soto. In the latter charge he remained but three months, when he was changed to Omaha where he remained two years. While here he was newly empowered for his work by receiving the blessing of perfect love, which he ever afterward retained, and which became sweeter, richer, and more glorious as life passed away; and with this new endowment of power came increased usefulness.

     After a very successful pastorate at Omaha, he was appointed successively to Bellevue, Plattsmouth, and Brownville. At the latter place under excessive revival labors his health failed and he was compelled to take a superannuated relation, in which he continued four years, when recovering his health he was again made effective and served successively Table Rock, Tecumseh, and Beatrice. In all these charges he made full proof of his ministry, especially at Beatrice, where his memory is still cherished by a grateful people who were greatly profited by his able ministry and truly christian life.

     Closing his pastorate at Beatrice, he was appointed a third time to Plattsmouth. Here his labors in connection with Conference commenced and here with failing health, prostrated by his pulpit efforts, his labors closed. Often with his countenance all aglow with heavenly transport, he would exclaim, "I am ready now this moment to depart if it be the Lord's will."

     He preached his last sermon from 2 Tim., iv. 6, 7, 8. The text and the sermon were a fitting close to his ministerial life. He attended Conference at Omaha last October, took a superannuated relation, and in company with his wife went to Utah hoping that a change of climate might so restore health as to enable him to resume labor in that dark and difficult field. He had no desire to live only to be useful, and his zeal in the cause of God could only be quenched by the waters of death. While at Salt Lake City he took part in the services of the church as far as he was able, greatly to the edification of its members. Leaving there he went to American Fork to spend the winter with his brother-in-law, where on the

14th of January, 1578, he passed away from earth in holy triumph, exclaiming "Glory!" and saying, "They are waiting. I see them--a great company. Let us go."

     Brother Hart was a man of strong faith and full of the Holy Ghost, and his preaching was in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. He possessed great energy of character and was unswerving in his adherence to the right, He was ardent in his affections and faithful in all the relations of life. Abundant in labors he gathered many sheaves into the garner of the Lord and will doubtless  have many stars in the crown of his rejoicing.

     REV. T. A. HULL was born in Brokenstraw township, Warren Co., Pa., Feb. 9th, 1821, and died March 1st, 1878.

     Of the incidents and opportunities of his early years we have but little information. He was converted at about twelve years of age, and soon united with the M. E. Church. At sixteen he was appointed class-leader, and filled this office with great credit to himself and satisfaction and profit to the church. He subsequently filled the office of steward and exhibited rare business talent. Although often pressed by friends to preach he repeatedly declined until about forty years of age when he was licensed to exhort, One year later he was licensed a local preacher and immediately began the itinerant work. He was frequently employed as a "supply" by different Presiding Elders in Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska, and rendered efficient service. About six years ago he was admitted on trial in this Conference and continued a member of the same until his death.

      In all his relations to the church he was a faithful and an indefatigable laborer. His ministrations were earliest and successful in leading souls to Christ. With but limited advantages in early life, he was not known as a scholar. He however understood well the doctrines of our Church, and often defended them with zeal, and at times with surprising acuteness against all assailants. He was generally regarded strict, if not rigid, as a disciplinarian, yet he was cordial, cheerful, and generous.

     His religious experience was deep and clear--always evincing a hope well grounded and a faith immovable. His preaching partook of the character of his experience, and was thoroughly Methodistic. He was fervent and devout. His moral sky seldom saw a cloud. His oft repeated wish was "to die at his post;" hence no difficulties cooled his ardor, no affliction moved his purpose, no sorrows blighted his faith in God. He met the responsibilities of life and all the demands of the church with Christian fortitude and patience, until the Good Shepherd said, "It is enough, come up higher."

     As a citizen, he was loyal and patriotic; as a friend, trustworthy and reliable; as a brother, true and amiable; as a father, kind and affectionate, and as a husband, faithful and considerate. He was much esteemed by all who knew him.

     His death is a great loss to the church.

     While engaged in a protracted meeting at one of his appointments, he died while in the pulpit. Robust and healthy at sunset, at nine he had ceased to work and live. So sudden was his departure and so unexpected that he could leave no dying testimony; but a life of such earnest work and a faith so steadfast need no closing shout of triumph to tell us that the victor's crown is his. Thus has

another veteran in the army of our Israel departed. He has passed from earth's sorrows to the joys of Heaven. Many are the stars in the crown of his rejoicing s seals to his ministry. His life active, his death peaceful, his rest glorious.

     Sister Hull, with four of the children, live at Peru, awaiting the call that shall summon her to a happy meeting in the world above. May God bless them all.

H. A. L. KING.   

     Rev. A. J. Combs was born in Indiana November 12, 1845, and lived successively in Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska,

     He was converted in 1865, and to the end of his life continued a true examplar (sic) of the religion of our Lord. In 1869 he was married to Miss Mary Robinson, and three years later was licensed a preacher in the M. E. Church.

     He was admitted into the Conference on trial in 1875. and was appointed to David City.

     In 1877 he was received into full connection, and was appointed to the Osceola charge.

     Notwithstanding his failing health, he went heroically to his work, saying" I will fall at my post." When advised to cease from labor, he replied: "The Master sought not rest, and I do not seek it." He won the affection of all who knew him, and found a home in every heart. He was an earnest, faithful worker for God.

     During his illness he was a patient sufferer. He left as his dying word to his brethren in the ministry these words: "Tell them, Holy Triumph," and in a few moments fell asleep in Jesus the battle fought, the victory won.

     The life and death of sister Combs is so identified with that of her husband that we shall not separate their memoirs. Sister Combs was a faithful and loving wife, and an earnest Christian mother. Her health fast declining at her husband's death but a few months followed when, she, too, departed this life, and entered into the rest above. Three little boys, aged respectively four, six, and eight, are left to the care of this Conference, May God bless and save the children.

D. S. DAVIS.   

     JENNIE HOWARD KIRTLAND DONISTHORPE was born in Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, England, January 30th, 1844.

     In early life she embraced religion, and was confirmed by a Bishop of the Church of England. Last May Elder A. G. White received her into the membership of the M. E. Church. She was an earnest, consistent christian, a good wife, and a loving mother. Her last illness was long, her sufferings extreme; yet patiently she bore them all, and as her natural strength was fast failing, her spiritual strength was increasing. Her last words were: "My rest is a sanctified rest." On the 24th of last September she passed from the labors of the church militant to the joys of the church triumphant, earnestly expecting to meet her Lord. Blessed are the redeemed of God.

     Superannuated preacher of North-west Indiana Conference. Born in Mercer county, Pa., August 31st, 1808. Died in Merrick county, Neb., May 11th, 1878.

     Converted at ten years of age. Appointed to Mucietown, Ind., in 1840. Ordained Deacon by Bishop Roberts in 1841, and appointed to Pandleton, Conn.; in 1842 to Marion, Conn., and ordained Elder by Bishop Andrews and appointed to Knightstown. To Greenfield in 1844; to Noblesville in 1845; to Granvilie in 1846; to Peru in 1847. In 1849 to Independence; to Athca in 1850; Covington in 1851; to Union in 1852-3; to Sumption Prairie in 1844-5; to Dayton in 1856-7; Fillmore in 1858. Superannuated for two years, and then appointed to Terre Haute and Chilton in 1861-2. In 1863-4 he was chaplain in the army. In 1865 in Argas, Conn.; in 1866, Rochester; in 1867, Warkerton, Conn. In 1868-9 superannuated for two years. In 1870 agent for Bible Society. Covington and State Line in 1871. In 1872 superannuated and removed to Merrick county, Neb. Here he continued to labor in the vineyard of the Master until called from labor to reward. The family suffer the loss of a loving father and devoted husband, and the church has lost a faithful and earnest worker; though our loss is his gain, for he fell at his post, nobly contending for the faith.

     The funeral sermon was preached by his Presiding Elder, Rev. T. B. Lemon, from 2 Timothy, 4th chapter, and 7th verse. Blessed memory, peace to his ashes.

W. H. TIBBITS. Com.     

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