The American Missionary — Volume 32, No. 04, April 1878

A slice of post‑Civil War America comes alive in this April 1878 issue of a nationwide missionary magazine. Its pages open with a modest declaration—“To the poor the Gospel is preached”—and quickly reveal a bustling network of clergy, reformers, and civic leaders who coordinate relief, education, and moral outreach across the country. Listeners will hear the formal tone of the association’s reports, the practical details of subscriptions and donations, and the earnest hope that faith can bridge the nation’s deep wounds.

Among the standout pieces is a candid speech by former Confederate Vice‑President Alexander H. Stephens, who reflects on the Emancipation Proclamation and the moral complexities of slavery’s end. His words, set against a broader discussion of race, duty, and nation‑building, capture the uneasy optimism and lingering tensions of the era. The edition also includes brief notices of committee work, regional correspondence, and the everyday bustle of an organization striving to turn belief into tangible aid.