The American missionary — volume 42, no. 9, September, 1888

A vivid snapshot of late‑nineteenth‑century reform work, this issue opens with a formal address from the American Missionary Association, outlining its leadership, headquarters, and the modest subscription that sustains its pages. Readers are welcomed into a detailed accounting of the Society’s recent finances, noting both the uptick in collections and the expanding expenses that accompany new buildings and outreach projects. The tone is earnest and transparent, inviting supporters to see exactly how their contributions are being applied across schools, hospitals, and relief efforts.

The magazine then turns to community building, announcing an upcoming annual meeting in Providence and urging practical, thoughtful men to set aside a modest sum for the cause. A concise creed affirms the belief that many congregations already practice disciplined giving, and it calls on listeners to join that tradition. Together, these pages offer a compelling glimpse into the coordinated, faith‑driven activism that shaped a generation of American philanthropy.