Discovered in the Stacks: Abolitionist Serial
Even after inventories and barcoding projects, we still discover materials that have eluded cataloging. This short run (possibly unrecorded until now!) was found with a call number label, but without any record in the online catalog.
The Christian Reformer (renamed The Christian Reformer and Workingmen's Advocate early in the run) was an abolitionist and labor reform serial published at least in 1849-1850. The publisher, editor, and primary author is a Boston area abolitionist named Charles Stearns. Slavery is the prominent topic, and the journal provides accounts of meetings around the region to discuss the cause. The periodical also advocates for improved conditions for the working class (an “extra” insert calls for support of a Boston strike), and also insists on the need for reform of organized Christian religion. On the last point, the author seems particularly bothered by the profession of ministry, where people are paid to preach.
We invite scholars and interested researchers to visit and investigate this long-hidden resource!
The Christian reformer. Boston : [Charles Stearns], -[1849]
The Christian reformer and workingmen's advocate. Boston : [Charles Stearns], [1849]-
