The American Missionary — Volume 42, No. 05, May, 1888

The American Missionary offers a vivid snapshot of a late‑19th‑century reform effort, opening with a straightforward editorial that blends a modest financial ledger with a call for renewed vigor. Readers hear the association’s treasurer report a $6,250 increase in collections, yet stress that true progress depends on “life” and the spread of schools and churches rather than sheer dollars. The tone is earnest, urging supporters to see missionary work as both a national duty and a spiritual imperative.

Beyond the numbers, the issue brings together reports on Native‑American vernacular schools, the “Southern problem” of post‑war reconstruction, and early outreach to Chinese communities, while a dedicated women’s department argues for better teacher support. Short, lively essays and personal testimonies reveal how missionaries of the era imagined growth, compassion, and the promise of “saving those to whom Providence has called.” Listeners will experience the blend of practical concerns and hopeful ambition that animated a generation of American volunteers.