There are encouraging features in the work of our church on Beatrice District. Among these may be mentioned the diligence of the pastors in their work during the year, which as a whole has been very commendable, and the degree of harmony which has existed between pastors and the churches which they have served. The salaries of the preachers have been small, in some instances severely small, but we think they have been more nearly paid than during the last two years.

    The contributions to the benevolences of the church have, we are sure, been increased over last year; especially will this appear in the amounts contributed to the cause of missions. Our district secretary, Rev. Duke Siavens, has done excellent service in that department of our work.

    There has also been a movement begun looking towards the liquidation of church debts throughout the district. At the beginning of the year twenty-one of the forty-six churches within the district were encumbered with indebtedness to the Board of Church Extension, in sums ranging from $70 to nearly $2,500. Three others were in debt as the result of unpaid loans from individuals or insurance companies, and two others owed both the Church Extension Board and individuals in their respective localities. Six of the eighteen parsonages were also under mortgage, and as, during the last few years, with a few exceptions, no interest had been paid upon these obligations, they had in some instances increased to the point of danger. Early in the year, Wilber set a good example to the other churches of the district by paying off the debt on both church and parsonage. These debts were not large, but, considering the numerical and financial weakness of our church there, they had been exceedingly burdensome, and no small effort was required in order to secure their payment. Vesta has nearly paid off the debt upon one of its churches, and the balance will be paid within a few weeks. Liberty is about to close out the debt upon the church in that place, and at Barneston on the same circuit the debt has been reduced to the amount required by the papers. Swanton has secured the amount necessary to meet the balance of indebtedness there, all of which will be paid by October 1. Ellis, on the La Selle St. charge in Beatrice, has reduced its indebtedness by something more than $350 and has commenced payment on the debt of LaSelle St. church also.

    Du Bois has paid $10 on church indebtedness, and Holmesvilie has raised and paid off the entire indebtedness upon the parsonage at that place. Wymore is in the midst of a heroic struggle to remove a debt which had

become nearly $4,700, and under which the church was both burdened and imperiled. This effort has severely taxed the energy and liberality of both pastor and people, but nearly $2,800 are already raised, and we are confident that during the near October the first $2,800 of this humiliating indebtedness will be discharged. Something of old indebtedness has been paid off at Belvidere, and the church property has been substantially improved on the Odell, Strang, Filley, and Reynolds charges.

    Two months since the health of the pastor's wife at Liberty gave way, and by the advice of physicians he has removed to University Park, Colorado, and while seeking the health of his wife, he is taking the course of study in the Iliff School of Theology. Since that time his place has been supplied by W. W. Bowers, a student in Drew Theological Seminary, who has thus spent his vacation in circuit work, much to the satisfaction of the people of the charge. For the most part health has been granted to the families of the pastors during the year, though death entered the homes of R. L. Wolfe and C. H. Dalrymple, taking from each a beloved child, the former under circumstances well known, but peculiarly afflicting. Our greatly esteemed brother, Duke Slavens, for the last few weeks has been entirely unable to labor, suffering a prostration induced by an amount of work quite beyond his strength.

    For some cause the year has not been marked by extensive revivals of religion. Among the reasons for this fact may possibly be the want of a consecration of life and a sufficient spirit of self sacrifice upon the part of both preachers and people. It is not improbable that the cyclonic political excitement which swept over the state at the beginning of the year, and which has continued for "a time and times and half a time," absorbing as it has public attention, awakening, in many instances, prejudice and passion, leading even good men into courses of action which at once wounded their own confidence and destroyed in others the respect due to real piety, may have had something to do with this fact. Possibly our methods, need revising. It may be that we have become stereotyped, and that we are often seeking to extract extraordinary results from ordinary conditions. And possibly we have trusted too much to ways and means, and have not honored as fully as we should Him who alone can convince men "of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment." It is certain that a genuine revival is never made; it is not imported; it is not gotten up; it is born, spirit-born, minister-born, church-born.

    For such revivals, and for such only, let us labor, hope, and pray.

    There have been, however, conversions on many of the charges, and accessions inconsiderable number upon some. Those most favored in this respect have been the churches in Beatrice, and the Reynolds, Odell, Du Bois, and Steele City charges. Early in the year the Tobias charge was divided, by setting off Ellison by itself. This place was supplied at once by W. H. Stanley, then, a student in the Nebraska Wesleyan University. During the winter vacation, and since his graduation, he has spent his time upon the field; some twenty-five or more have been received into class; other appointments

in the vicinity have been taken up, and Ellison, which at one time or another has been connected with some eight different charges, is now intent upon becoming a charge itself.

    During the year the district has been enlarged by the addition to the Liberty charge of Bookwalter, an appointment hitherto supplied from the Kansas Conference, though within the territory of our own. This appointment has been supplied since March last by S. T. Walker, a local preacher and principal of the public schools at Liberty, aided occasionally by the preacher in charge and the pastor at Du Bois. A score and more have been converted at that point, and brought into the church, and Bookwalter now becomes a part of a circuit, bringing about forty members, a vigorous Epworth League, a petition signed by the church and community generally asking for the return of their preacher, and a handsome subscription towards his support for the coming year.

    There are forty-one Epworth League chapters organized upon the district reporting a total membership of about 1,800. For the most part these are doing good work; some of them are exceedingly well managed; a few are superficial, and another few have been allowed to fall under unwise and incompetent leadership. There are also twenty-one Junior Leagues, including an aggregate membership of about 800.

    We need more Methodist Hymnals in our public worship in place of the miscellaneous song books which are crowded into our churches. The reasons are too obvious to need comment, and with our Hymnals at present prices, even our poorer churches have little need to sing into themselves a type of piety below the plane and void of the vigor of real Methodism. We need Methodist church papers in all our Methodist families. The interests of the home and the church alike demand this. But aside from the literature used in our Sunday schools, the number of our Advocates taken by the families of the district does not equal the number of church officers, though many of these are taken by those not connected with the official boards. The present number, however, is reported as an increase over former years. The number of Epworth Heralds taken averages about five to a chapter, though nearly one-third of the whole number is taken by the League at Pawnee City alone.

    While we have many active and faithful church officers, we need a greater number who will consecrate time and substance to church interests, and who treat their official position as a trust from Christ and His church. We need more stewards who "both know and love Methodist doctrine and discipline," and who will not allow either the lodge or a social hour with neighbors to keep them from the weekly prayer meeting. The work of our church upon the district is at that stage which brings to pastors, more perhaps than in some other localities, something of hardship, not a little trial of faith, and constant self-sacrifice. We believe the preachers of the district do not in

this think that some strange thing has happened unto them, but by common consent accept all these as the inevitable inheritance of men called of God to preach the Gospel in our place and time.

D. W. C. HUNTINGTON.   

    DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN -- In submitting to you my third annual report, I do so with profound gratitude to Almighty God for His great goodness, and with thankfulness to my brethren, both ministers and laymen, for their patience and uniform forbearance.

    The work of this year began immediately on the adjournment of the last session of Conference. The preachers went at once to the charges assigned them, and with commendable devotion and zeal they have persevered in the work committed to their care.

    The year has not been entirely free from hardships, but no such privations have been experienced this year as in the two previous years. The abundant crops of last year have made it very much easier to live, and although money has been very scarce most of the year and salaries in arrears, yet the preachers and their families have had much more of the comforts of life this year than last.

    Good health has prevailed in general among the preachers and their families. There have been a few exceptions: Sister Pearson, the wife of our pastor at Superior, has been in poor health during a great part of the year, and has been compelled to desist from active work in the church and Sunday school.

    Death has visited one family. Early in the year a beautiful babe came in to the home of Brother and Sister Colony at Kenesaw, but it remained only a little while and then passed on. Their sorrow was great, but to their hearts the ministry of grace was precious and they found comfort in Him who hath said: "My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness," and in the hope of a heavenly reunion.

    I have endeavored with the aid of the pastors carefully to look after all the interests of the church in the district, and while there is much that remains undone, and perhaps much more that has been poorly done, yet I think that the reports of the pastors will show some progress over last year in almost every department of our work.

    In regard to salaries, the estimates of this year exceed to some extent those of last year in the aggregate, and the receipts will probably show a like or even better increase. In most of the charges the people have labored hard and contributed liberally to support their pastors, and they deserve very much credit for the showing that will be made. Hastings District has a host of noble, godly men and women who love God and His church.

     The benevolent collections will show a very good increase over last year.

The missionary collections will be almost doubled, while all will show some gain. If the preachers had pressed the collections to the full extent of their ability we might have had a much better showing, but owing to the depressed state of the finances of the country and the burden of debt which rested on so many they could hardly be expected to do more than they have done.

    Something has been done in the way of building and improving church property. The improvements on the church at Prosser, on the Kenesaw charge, have been completed, and they have now a very commodious and pleasant church in which to worship. The church at Hastings has been completed and all the money provided with which to meet all obligations against it as they come due, and we have now a beautiful new church all our own. Too much cannot be said in commendation of the pastor and the people of Hastings for their courage and devotion.

    The churches of Bromfield, Geneva, Epworth, Eckly, Cowles, and perhaps one or two others have been newly papered, painted, and otherwise improved, adding much to their beauty and comfort.

    Several of the parsonages have been improved at considerable expense, an account of which will appear in the reports of the pastors.

    We have bought two churches from other denominations during the year, one at Angus from the Evangelical church, the other at Hardy from the Presbyterians. The former has been transferred to us, and the deed is in our hands and we are in undisputed possession. In the other case we are in possession but have not as yet the ownership. Owing to difficulties rising from the fact that the trustees are all dead or lost, our Presbyterian brethren have been somewhat at a loss to know how to let go, and we have not been able to give them the desired information. Nevertheless we are determined to persevere until we either secure that church or a better one.

    Very little has been done in regard to paying debts this year. The conditions have not been favorable for that kind of work, but with returning prosperity we hope to do more another year. Yet even this has not been entirely overlooked. More than. $873 have been paid either on interest or principal. Most of our indebtedness is to the Board of Church Extension, and while possibly there is an inclination in some cases to take advantage of that fact and delay payments, yet there is no thought of repudiation, and we will begin a debt-paying campaign in the near future.

    Revivals have been quite general through the district, almost every charge sharing to some extent in the results. Superior, Red Cloud, and Doniphan have been the storm centers of revival influence. Conversions have not been as numerous as last year, but a large number of the probationers from last year's revivals have been brought into the church, and on the whole we have no cause to be ashamed of the record of the year. The membership of the district including the probationers now numbers more than 6,000.

    Our Sunday school work is in a flourishing condition. It is well organized and in the hands of competent leaders, is doing good service for the Master.

    The same may be said of the Epworth League. Rev. W. T. Cline is now the district president and is proving a wise and efficient leader in this great work. The increase in numbers has not been large in this department, but the advance has been in the spirit and methods of work. The League is more and more showing its right to exist, and its capability of doing valiant service in the cause of God. The annual convention which was held at Geneva in the latter part of June was a very satisfactory and successful meeting. The district has no District Conference but holds annually a ministerial association which this year, as in the past, has proved an occasion of both pleasure and profit. Nearly all the pastors and some of the laymen of the district were present.

    Our annual campmeeting was again an occasion of great spiritual benefit to the large number who attended it, and no doubt its influence has gone out to the ends of the district. We did not have many conversions, but we believe forces were set to work by which hundreds, and possibly thousands, will be brought to Christ. We had our Missionary day, and although the rules of the Association forbid taking collections on the grounds, the people broke over the rule and gave $100 for special missionary work in India. Sixty dollars of this amount was given for the support of two native ministers, and $40 to the Women's Foreign Missionary Society for work in their department. The good work did not stop here, but the Association by vote provided for an annual contribution of $30 from its proceeds for the support of a native preacher in India. The movement appeared to be of the Lord, and great was the rejoicing of God's people.

    The departments of work under the control of the women of the district are in good condition, and their reports will show encouraging results.

    About the middle of the year charges were presented against Rev. A. M. Perry, and in my judgment they were of such a nature as to demand an investigation. A committtee (sic) was called consisting of nine effective elders, and the case was tried according to our form of discipline. The committee, after a very careful investigation, reported the charges not sustained. Notice was given later that the charges would be renewed at the Annual Conference and supplemental charges were also filed, and the case now comes to you for disposal.

    There have been some difficulties along the pathway of the year, but the Lord has brought us through them all. To him be all the glory.

W. B. ALEXANDER.   

    We are grateful to Almighty God that we can report for the Lincoln district a year of great prosperity in all departments of the church.

    Eight charges were left to be supplied. Arbor was supplied by S. D. Fitchie. Some time after Conference he resigned the charge, and we appointed R. E. Howard to supply the place in connection with his work at

Asbury. Ceresco was supplied by Samuel Keiser. He has had a year of remarkable prosperity. Gracious revivals prevailed at every point, and all departments of the church have been greatly strengthened.

    Weston was supplied by J. W. Warfield. At the end of the first quarter he resigned. Brother Edwards supplied the work during the second quarter, and the last half of the year the work was supplied by J. W. Swan.

    Davey was supplied by J. W. Windel. Before the year was half gone he resigned, and the latter part of the year it was supplied by J. W. Warfield.

    Avoca, Asbury, Bethel, and Mead, have all been supplied by students of the Nebraska Wesleyan University, and all have been successful on their charges.

    It will be observed that many changes have taken place among the supplies, but no charge has been without a pastor any great length of time. As one pastor has dropped out we have been able to put another in his place and the work has gone on as smoothly as though no change had occurred. This illustrates the excellency of our economy' especially its superintendency.

    The financial stress that had been upon the people for so long a time was more severe during the first three months of the Conference year than ever before.

    On some parts of the district the people were more depressed and despondent than we have ever known them, and we have been in the state thirty-nine years.

    In 1860 the outlook was gloomy, the people were discouraged and many went away. In '74-5 the grasshoppers swept the state clean. There was, however, one redeeming feature: while the people had lost their crops they were not in debt. But at this time the people were not only without money, but were greatly involved, and large debts were pressing sorely upon them. These claims weighing heavily upon them, in addition to their losses, had a very depressing influence upon the people, and to some extent militated against the spiritual prosperity of the church.

    Early in the spring there was a decided change for the better. Corn began to move, cattle and hogs were marketed, quite a financial relief came to many, and the future outlook becomes more hopeful every day. The splendid crops of the season will put the people on their feet, and our beloved state is again on the highway of prosperity.

    As times were at the beginning of the year, none but a hero of the highest type would dare undertake anything in the way of church building, repairing, or paying off old debts.

    I am glad to say, however, that the year has been a church-improvement and church-debt-paying year.

    The church at Greenwood was replastered, repainted, and beautified, giving it an air of neatness and attractiveness that should always characterize the house of God.

    The Epworth church, Lincoln, stood on a lot 25x150 feet. This lot was

purchased ... n pric... were very mu... for. The ..ty from...hom the lot.. . had the trust ...if they ..ld deed back th...they did ... A corner ... 50x150 feet wa.. locatio... ch a muc... more commanding inf...r Va...ble impro...ments have been made of p...ering, pain..ng, making new sidewalks ... hav...ome pulpit...osting in all about $400. ...e church at Wahoo has been papered, pain... a ...stantial side..walk laid.

    Similar improvements have been made on the ch... in ad...on to ...se improvements a debt of $375 on the .... age, ....d. A most interesting ....age burn....8th..and ...e people of Dorchester are...than ...ther... It does make people feel good to be ....... O... year ago ...heavy hail storm swept over ...distric...on church and parsonage, and smashing all the windows on the church. The buildings were re-roofed, new windows put....ge done by the hail storm repaired. ...ese, improvements were paid for during the year just closed. ..n addition to this heavy expense, an old church debt of $400 has b....ved, and Ashland is free. On thee Ithaca charge, the church at Ithaca and Iliff chapel were both papered, painted and otherwise improved at an expence of $300. An old debt on the Elmwood church of some $450 has been paid.

    Bethel church, Lincoln, has been painted and improved so that it looks like a new church.

    In the Capital City, all our churches have been usually active and prosherons. St. Paul, which stands at the head of the Conference, has had a grand year, and her future outlook was never more hopeful. Gracious revivals have prevailed in St. Paul, Trinity, Grace, Emmanuel, Bethel, North Lincoln, and University Place. In fact, the revival spirit has prevailed in nearly all the charges on the district and between eight and nine hundred souls are reported to have been converted.

    The reports of the Sunday school superintendents show that the Sunday schools are in a healthy condition.

    The interest in the Epworth League is unabated. The chapters are all doing excellent work for God. The Epworth Herald is more widely circulated among the young people than ever.

    Our church papers are qhite well patronized; still we are not quite up to what we ought to be in this matter. One of the greatest helps a pastor can have is a church paper in every family.

    We are glad to say that our benevolent collections are far in advance of last year. As near as we can ascertain at presents our missionary collections will be fifty per cent greater than ever before.

... was great... at fault on the subject .... hing was part of the Mosaic law, and this is a great ....stake. Tithe paying ... It existed long ...fore the law of Moses ...m...ve tithes hu...eds of years before a... ob. In giving thelaw Moses simply re- ...ching tithing from the beginning. He says: ... shall be, bu...is, and has been all along the.... has been repea.... Christ reiterated that law ... sees, who bo..sted of their having tithed everything: ...done:--this is your dut... This is the law, and h.....ng. And Paul reiterates the law of tithing...when he ....ore on the fi...day of the week as God hat...prospered...ng. And ....ws of old did whe... they tithed. It was ...... just what every Christian today should do. ... me, A.....risostom, and, in fact, all the fatheres declare ...y Christians for hundreds of years after Christ's resurrection ...thing. They did not consider that the law of tithing had ever shed. This practice fell into disuse in the church during the dark ... it is a strange fact that during all the great reformations since ... ages, the law of tithing has never, to any great extent, been revived. ... his point we think the church greatly in error.

    According to the United States bureau of statistics the average income of every man, woman, and child is $200 per annum. One-tenth of that would be $20.

    The Nebraska Conference gave, during the conference year of 1896, for benevolent purposes, $124,341.

    If it had tithed its income it would have given $468,280, or $348,939, more than it did give.

    If it had done this and had turned this surplus over to the Nebraska Wesleyan University, and would do the same for three years in succession, it could, in the short space of three years, endow our university with about one million dollars.

    Here we see what might be done if we kept this part of God's law, and tithed our income.

    It would be a grand thing for God and our church, if the "Tenth Legion" of the Christian Endeavor society were pushed in every Epworth League chapter and every church in Methodism.

    If we as a church had kept this law of God, our Missionary Society would not be groaning under a debt of nearly $200,000; our other benevolent societies would not be weighted down with debts that are crushing the very life out of them; our church treasuries would not be depleted as they now are. But instead of burdens, every society would be free, every church debt paid, every minister would have his salary, and prosperity, financial and spiritual, in every department of the church, would be the result.

    A district Epworth League convention was held at Emmanuel church, Lincoln in November. It was a revival convention. The topics all related to the importance and methods of revivals in the leagues and the churches.

    The spirit of revival prevailed throughout the entire convention, and an inspiration was imparted to the delegated which was carried to all the chapters on the district.

    A district ministerial association was held at Raymond in April.

    The most important topics discussed were: education, missions, and tithing. The discussions on missions and tithing were the most enthusiastic, and an impetus was given to these that has been wonderfully helpful all over the district. Many went from the association determined to tithe their income and get as many others as possible to do the same. The association was the best and most profitable we have attended for years.

    The Nebraska Wesleyan University has had a prosperous and successful year, and her future never was so bright as at the present. The report of the treasurer will show the condition of the finances of the institution.

    The Nebraska Conference Epworth League Assembly was held in Lincoln Park, Lincoln, in August. It was a success in every respect, even beyond the most sanguine expectations of its friends.

    Under the efficient leadership of the president, L. O. Jones, the most perfect satisfaction was given to all parties. Some of the best talent and music of the nation was given in the Assembly program.

    As in all other respects, it was also a great financial success. After paying all expenses there was a surplus in the treasury of about $1,500.

    In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to Almighty God for the excellent health I have been permitted to enjoy. My health has been much better during the year than for many years previous. I wish also to tender to the preachers, their families, and the members of the church on the district, my sincere thanks for their many kind acts and the loyal support they have given me in m work.

    Lincoln district has a faithful band of ministers, ready to do. and dare anything for God! They have made a record for eternity during the past year of which they will be proud when the world is on fire.

    A nobler band of heroines never stood by their husbands in toil, sacrifice, and victory, than the wives of the preachers of the Lincoln district.

    It is an honor, as well as a great privilege, to be associated with such a royal company of followers of the Lord Jesus, and to join in their shouts of victory and songs of triumph.

H. T. DAVIS.   

     Through the favor of our Heavenly Father we have closed the labors of the second year on the Nebraska City District. With gratitude we record the fact that peace and harmony prevails, and though the visible results are

not as great as we in the beginning of the year expected, yet we praise Him who has called us to work in His vineyard for the success He has, given.

    With but a single exception the health of the ministers and their families, has been so preserved that the district has not suffered or been neglected on account of sickness. The preachers have labored earnestly for the kingdom of Christ, and have been instrumental in the salvation of many souls.

    During the year two of our superannuates, Bros. Z. B. Turman and A. L. Brigham, have passed from labor to reward. Perhaps a word at this time with reference to these heroes might not be amiss. Brother Turman has been a striking character at the Annual Conference for many years. We shall miss him. He was distinguished for the soundness of his conversion and sanctification, for the steadiness and strength of his faith, the cheerfulness of his disposition, and his rigid conscientiousness. He professed to hold his commission directly from the great Head of the church. Having faithfully served his generation, he rests from his labors and his works do follow him.

    Brother Brigham was a man of unquestioned piety--a man adapted to the time in which he lived. He knew when to begin and when to close his labors. He asked for the Superannuated relation some years ago, saying, "I want this relation before I become so old that I will not have enough sense to ask for it." The memory of his precious life remains with us, and will long be cherished by those who knew him.

    Our church met with a great loss in the death of Hon. Andrew Cook, of Tecumseh. His faithful service to the church for nearly half a century will not soon be forgotten. One of his last benevolent acts was to clear our church at Cook of all indebtedness. The church and the parsonage stand a monument to the generosity of this good man.

    The statistics will show that the past year on the district is noted for sweeping away $18,000 of annoying church debts; for a blessed revival of religion that saved and added hundreds to our church; for an increase of benevolent collection; and for the loyal support given to our Nebraska Wesleyan University.

    It will also appear that the salaries of our ministers have been larger than last year and have been paid more promptly. Some boards, however, advocated the reduction of salaries, but in nearly every case the more liberal spirit has prevailed.

    Our Epworth League Convention at Syracuse, in the early part of June, was well attended and proved an uplift to our people.

    The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of our district held a meeting in May which has added to the missionary zeal of our people.

    The Nebraska City District has twenty-six stations and circuits, fifty churches, and twenty-four parsonages.

    Weeping Water is one of our best charges. The church has been repaired and beautified. All the interests of church work have been carefully looked

after by the pastor, and though quite a number of prominent workers have gone to the church Triumphant, and some have gone to other fields of labor, yet the future of this church is full of promise.

    Union is one of our oldest circuits. Here we have three good churches and a good parsonage. This people have been faithfully served.

    Tecumseh is moving on under the able leadership of the pastor and his wife. Many souls have been brought to the Lord through their personal influence. Every department of church work has been looked after.

    Table Rock has suffered during the past year from removals and the war which has been waged against the saloon, but under an able ministry the people are led to Christ, and the prospects are brighter for another year.

    Syracuse and Turlington have enjoyed another year of prosperity. Souls have been converted, and about fifty persons have come into church fellowship during the year. Three months ago Brother George H. Wehn and Brother D. B. Lake made, by the Bishop's consent, a satisfactory exchange. Brother Lake has taken up the work with great energy, stirring the hearts of the people with renewed love for the cause of Christ. Here we have a united people desiring the continuation of good things.

    Sterling is a most desirable town on the B. & M. R. R. We have here a beautiful church and parsonage. With a strong man who is able to unite the people, this would be a desirable place.

    Stella needs a genuine revival of religion. A new parsonage, long needed, must be built in the near future. Here there are too many churches. The good people are too changeable, making success in any enterprise very difficult. At Howe we have the whole field and the prospect is good.

    South Bend, Murdock, and Wabash have had a year of prosperity. Many persons have been led to Christ. The pastor is greatly beloved by the people. All the interests of the church are safe in his hands.

    Shubert is a circuit of four appointments. B. E. Jacobs was assigned to this place. Early in the year his health failed. Hard work in the university and sickness before graduation had poorly fitted him for the ministry. It would be well to pass men through a physical as well as mental examination before we send them to represent our church. We need strong men in these weak charges, men with the power to bring things to pass.

    Rulo is beautifully situated near the Missouri river. This place needs a resident pastor who will give close attention to her needs. The people belonging to our church are very loyal. Salem belonging to the same charge has become a place of importance. Our people are very hopeful of the future. The pastor has labored faithfully.

    Plattsmouth has come up through great tribulations and through the power of God's grace she has freed herself of an indebtednes (sic) of $11,000. Too much cannot be said in praise of the pastor, F. A. Campbell, who was willing to give his all to the cause of the church. He was able to enlist the sympathy of men of means living in other cities who have given abundantly to save the credit of our church. A gracious revival in which 250 souls were

converted visited this place during the winter months. Under the leadership of Bro. C. S. Polk we have here the largest Sunday school in the district.

    Peru, the seat of the State Normal School, is taking on new life. A wave of prosperity has reached her. Many new buildings are in the process of erection. The church is in a prosperous condition while the school is in session. The students come from all parts of this state, Missouri, and Kansas. As a general thing these students are poor, and cannot help the church financially, making it very difficult to meet the obligations of the church. We need for Peru a missionary appropriation of $150.

    The pastor has served the people faithfully, and is loved by all.

    Palmyra has taken on a good spiritual growth this year. Many of her young people were converted last winter and many backsliders were reclaimed. At Unadilla, on the same charge, we have suffered on account of some difficulties growing out of the war against rum; but we believe the right will prevail and God will raise up a people in Unadilla.

    Nebraska City is considered by our ministers as a desirable appointment.

    Nehawka has had a good year. All her interests are carefully guarded by the faithful pastor.

    Louisville is a weak station, but desires the best and purest talent in the Conference. She has had strong men in the past and must have them in the future. The church is growing in membership. The parsonage has been enlarged, and the coming pastor will find this a delightful field of labor.

    Johnson is beautifully situated. Pastor and people see the work of the Lord prospering in their hands. At Glen Rock we have a very annoying church debt which has given us much concern.

    Humboldt has had a year full of blessings. A precious revival of religion, the repair of churches, looking after all things pertaining to the good of the church, has filled the heart and hands of our faithful brother, the pastor.

    Falls City, with its magnificent church property, all out of debt, is making a great record. Men of business qualifications flock to it. Souls that need help look to it, and the Gospel ably preached by its pastor lifts them to the blessed cross; while the pure, simple life of devotion to God and the people, as illustrated in the parsonage, brings additions to the church nearly every Sabbath. You may look for a good report on missions and all other benevolences.

    Elk Creek has suffered on account of the removal of Brother George E. Price from this charge in the middle of the year. We succeeded in getting Rev. S. Goldsmith, of the Central Illinois Conference, who has rendered faithful service during part of the year.

    Douglas is the seat of the Douglas Seminary, which has been closed during the past three years, greatly to the discouragement of our people, making success very difficult for our brother, the pastor of this church.

    Cook has been waging a war against rum in which the church is victorious. Heroic efforts have been made in every department of church work.

The town is growing in wealth. Here we have a desirable church and parsonage.

    Brownville, Bethel and Nemaha are coming to realize how much a first class preacher is worth to them. Steadily they grow in membership and church property.

    Brock and Talmage have been faithfully served by McKendree De Mott during a full term of five years. The Lord has given to this brother not only preaching ability, but power to bring success out of seeming defeat. All debts against the church have been canceled, churches repaired and beautified, souls converted and brought into the church. This has become one of our strong charges.

    Adams and Trinity have had another good year under an able ministry. A new church building in Adams is looked for during the coming year.

    Auburn continues to enjoy the scholarly efferts (sic) of her pastor. The church is growing in numbers and influence. Nothing mars the happy relationship existing between pastor and people. This is one of the strong centers.

    Personally the year has been rich in blessings and experience. While traveling over the district more than a thousand hearts and homes have opened to me. The ministers and their families did all they could to make my work pleasant, though sometimes I felt sad when I thought of poor salaries, of the great need of our missionary society and all other benevolent institutions of our church. Through the grace of Him who hath called us into this great ministry, we have been able to lead some souls to Christ, to edify and comfort God's people. With great gratitude toward my brethren who have borne with me in my weakness, and have rejoiced with me in my success, I close this report.

P. VAN FLEET.   

    Dear Fathers and Brethren:

    Toilers thirty-one were appointed to this field one year ago. "We are all here" to render our account, except four. Two, Brother Calfee at Aurora, and Gates, at Beaver Crossing, finished the year, but are now on school grounds. Their reports will delight you. They tell of success. The other two, Brothers Cole and McKinley, were soon enticed to greener pastures in other conferences. They departed with our love and blessing. We hear good news from them. New men were secured for the vacancies.

    The health of all in the main has been good. For a while Brother Presson, of Stromsburg, was seriously out of repair. He closes well.

    All of our parsonages have been spared the visitation of death. Those, however, of David City, Milford, Osceola, Phillips, and Rising City were gladdened with the arrival of additional cares. May they all prove blessings indeed to the parents.

    What of the work done? The immediate visible results do not measure to our desires. The success is below our expectations and prayers.

    First -- REVIVALS have been greatest on the Surprise, Bellwood, Beaver Crossing, Linwood, York, and Ulysses charges. Other charges have shared in less degree. A few have had no revival spirit, but good effective work has been done. I desire to say a few words respecting

    (a) SURPRISE. Here preacher and membership and people were surprised. The preacher said, "We can do nothing; we are overshadowed,we have no hold on this community." The meeting began, continued for weeks, and the ingathering was large. We are not overshadowed. Brother Morey, of Ulysses, rendered most efficient aid. Pleasant Lawn and Gresham, two other points on this charge, had gracious revivals. One hundred and twenty-six reported conversions for the charge. Brother Abern, the blind evangelist, was a power in those meetings. This charge is too heavy for one man to do all the work required. Gresham should be the head of a new charge. Here is quite a good town, two good church edifices, and not a pastor of any denomination living nearer than ten miles to it.

    (b) BELLWOOD is a glorious charge. The meetings in town and country were of great power. The man who becomes pastor here will have great responsibility. A blessed band of converts to train. The meeting in the Savannah church--you have heard of this church before-- closed just before wheat harvest. It touched nearly every Protestant family in the entire neighborhood, The pastor closes five years of work with a shout of victory. Every apportionment is full, except the missionary collection which is the greatest in the district, $105-$5 over the $1,500,000 line. I record this charge class 1, number 1, in every particular.

    (c) LINWOOD. -- This field had abandonment seemingly in store for it. A brighter experience has reached it. It is on the highway of victory. At a point about eight miles southeast, known as Rescue, Brother Lillie, the pastor, sought for an open door, found it. A class is organized and a new church enterprise instituted. Octavia, the other point of this charge, I fear, unless God somehow in his "mysterious ways" soon comes to help, will have to be forsaken by Methodism. We have practically nothing left but a church with a debt on it, and a few members. The Baptists and the Dunkards have nearly everything. My judgment is, we ought to try and sell our church to the Dunkards. I understand they are going to build.

    We are disappointed here. We had hoped on the average per member to reach first rank in the Conference. We fear we have failed. Forgive us and give us another opportunity. Our thankfulness, on the other hand, is great at the progress we have made. Our increase over last year we note: Missionary collection, $505. Church Extension, $59. Sunday School Union, $15. Tract, $14. Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education, $93. Conference Claimants, $107. The only decrease we have is for the Nebraska Wesleyan; this is $77, leaving our contribution yet $308.

    All the charges paid their pastors as well or better than last year, except three. The presiding eider is also better paid, and the increase for the Episcopal Fund is $70.

    The churches of Benedict, Bradshaw, Wesley Chapel on Shelby, and Goehner on Beaver Crossing charges have all been beautifully papered, the latter wainscotted and painted on the inside.

    We have suffered at Ulysses for years for want of proper ventilation.

    Thank God and Pastor Morey that defect has been remedied. The congregations can now listen and not sleep; the preacher can speak with comfort; the congregations are growing larger, and we are on the eve of a good revival.

    Aurora has had, for three years, a pastor who cannot rest, nor can he, let others within his reach rest. On his return from Conference last year he proceeded to enlarge the church by placing on the east side an additition (sic) of 20 x 40 feet. This improvement cost about $1,000 and is paid. The pastor's study is fitted up in the south end of the new room. The ladies, just a few weeks ago, had the audience and lecture rooms beautifully papered. In its large capacity it is still, at times, too small for the crowds attending our worship. Happy the pastor that goes to Aurora.

    Arrangements are made for painting the churches at Linwood and Brainard. "Thomas Ware Memorial," Brainard charge, has made a marked improvement in placing about the premises a good woven-wire fence.

    Some little has been done towards reducing and wiping out church debts. The coming year we predict very much activity in this particular.

    We grieve to record the burning of our church at Farmer's Valley Stockham charge. Lightning. No insurance. I wish there was a penalty that could be placed on trustees who wilfully (sic) neglect to insure and keep insured our church property.

    This magnificent house of God in which we are assembled is the one to which you were invited last year with the pledge that it would be paid for last October, just one year from date of the awful destruction of its predecessor, we dedicated this edifice. Bishop McCabe was with us on that memorable occasion. The pledge is kept. Not one dollar of indebtedness remains on this structure. We give great praise for this achievement to Pastor Stewart, who now closes his fourth year; and to the noble sacrificing board of trustees and membership of this York Methodism. None better found anywhere.

    Our Epworth and Junior Leagues are doing well and will do better. The same is true of the Sunday schools.

    We are praying and working for the day when no official member will be found in our ranks who is not a subscriber and a reader of one of our Ad-

vocates. The canvass for subscribers will be pushed with vigor this coming year.

    Please all go and visit it. Open your eyes. Take in the situation. Become interested in the work. Help all you can. I wish every parent could or would or did train their one, two, or three children, as the case may be, to be as regular, as attentive, and as orderly in church service as the band from that "Home" is, Sabbath after Sabbath. God bless Brother and Sister Spurlock in their labor of love for God's jewels.

    Personally this has been for me a year of vigorous health, great toil, and many blessings. My relations with pastors and people have been cordial pleasant, and profitable. I am thankful.

A. C. CROSTHWAITE.   

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