superintend such measures as might be adopted previous to the time specified for the formal organization of the Society. In the mean time contributions were made; and the first Tract, containing addresses recommending the distribution of Religious Tracts, and testimonies to their usefulness, was published and circulated. This excited a deeper and more extensive interest. The work was indeed begun; and many seemed anxious to take a part in it. A large number of individuals advanced a sum sufficient to print each a Tract of his own choice-and such was the blessing of God upon their efforts, that, though bound together by scarcely any thing but christian affection, in less than three months previous to the formation of the Society, in May, 1814, fifty Tracts were printed, comprising two volumes of the Society's publications, and amounting, in all, to about three hundred thousand copies. Such was the origin of the Society, of whose proceedings for the first ten years, the Committee, in obedience to the call of friends and patrons, now present a brief outline. They have supposed it expedient to record the doings of the Society, so far as practicable, in the order of time; and to present, in succession, the ten Annual Reports, with such alterations as the nature of this publication seemed to require. The Committee trust that the brief view of similar Societies in various parts of the world, which they have added, will not be unacceptable to those whose interest in Religious Tracts as an instrument of promoting the Redeemer's cause in the earth, has occasioned the publication of this little volume.—To them it is affectionately commended; with humble reliance on the aids of the Holy Spirit, without whose blessing the Committee wish ever to feel that all their efforts will be in vain. FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY. At a meeting held in Boston, May 23, 1814, after the due appointment of a Chairman, IT WAS RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, That the members of this meeting learn, with much pleasure, the measures which have been adopted with reference to the formation of a Society for the purpose of printing and distributing Religious Tracts; and that it appears desirable to form such a Society. The Constitution, previously framed, was then presented; and having been adopted, the following gentlemen were elected as Officers for the year ensuing, viz: WILLIAM BARTLET, Esq. Newburyport, President. REV. JEDEDIAH MORSE, D. D. Charlestown, V. Pres. REV. JOHN CODMAN, Dorchester, Corresp. Secretary. REV. JOSHUA HUNTINGTON, Boston, Rec. Secretary. HENRY GRAY, Esq.* Boston, Treasurer. MR. SAMUEL T. ARMSTRONG, Boston, Assistant Treas. REV. LEONARD WOODS, D. D. Andover, SAMUEL FARRAR, Esq. Andover, Executive * MR. GRAY declining to act as Treasurer, the office was transferred to JEREMIAH EVARTS, Esa. Boston. 1* THE CONSTITUTION. DURING the last twenty years, many millions of Religious Tracts have been distributed by Christians, in Europe and America; and during the last twelve years the religious public in the United States have taken an active part in this labour of love. The experience of the past affords abundant encouragement to continue and extend efforts of this description. For the purpose of directing and combining all the energy and activity which can be brought into operation, in this cause, a number of individuals, in different parts of New England, have agreed to form themselves into a Society, and have adopted the following Constitution. Art. 1. The Society shall be styled THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY.* Art. 2. The object of this Society is to promote the interests of vital godliness and good morals, by the distribution of such Tracts, as shall be calculated to receive the approbation of serious Christians of all denominations. Art. 3. Any person, who shall pay twenty dollars, or more, into the Treasury of the Society, at any one time, shall be a member for life; and any person, who shall engage to pay two dollars, or more, annually, shall be a member so long as his subscription shall be paid. Art. 4. Every member shall be entitled to receive three fourths of the amount of his subscription, in Tracts, at cost. And any person, who shall engage to pay a less sum, annu * In June, 1823, the name of this Society was changed from the -“6 New EnglanD, " to the "AMERICAN,” Tract Society. ally, than is sufficient to constitute him a member, shall be entitled to receive Tracts in the same proportion and at the same rate. Art. 5. There shall be an annual meeting of the Society in Boston, on the Monday preceding the General Election, at 6 o'clock, P. M. when a President, a Vice President, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, a Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, an Auditor, and an Executive Committee, shall be appointed by ballot. Art. 6. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to superintend the publication and distribution of Tracts; to procure a place of deposit in Boston; to appoint corresponding committees; to appoint a general agent, who shall conduct the sales; and to make report of their doings at each annual meeting. Art. 7. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to make an annual Report to the Society. Art. 8. Any Religious or Charitable Society, or any Association of persons for the reformation of morals, or the suppression of vice, shall be entitled to receive Tracts at cost. Art. 9. No assessment shall be laid upon the members in addition to the annual subscription. Art. 10. Every meeting of the Society shall be opened and closed with prayer. Art. 11. At any annual meeting, such amendments of the Constitution may be made, as shall be recommended by the Executive Committee, and approved by two thirds of the members present. See plan of an Auxiliary Society, page 38. TO THE FRIENDS OF RELIGION, IN NEW ENGLAND. THAT the extensive distribution of cheap Tracts, must have an important influence upon the community, cannot be doubted. This influence will be good, or bad, according to the nature of the Tracts distributed. The splendid talents of Voltaire were never employed against Christianity with so much effect, as when they were devoted to the writing of small tracts, of licentious tendency, for gratuitous dispersion among common people. A respectable writer, who had ample means of information, affirms, that the industry and efforts of a few infidels, directed to this object, was a prime instrument of producing those terrible convulsions, which have since shaken the civilized world. The British Christians, taught by the zeal and enterprise of infidels, resolved to foil the enemy at his own weapons.' A Society was formed, whose design was to print Religious Tracts, in so great quantities, and at so cheap a rate, that good men of small means might be able to give them away; and that all the hawkers and little pamphlet shops in the kingdom,might be enlisted, from the ordinary love of gain, to aid their circulation. The success of this undertaking surpassed the most sanguine expectations of its friends. From the last Report of this Society, it appears that its Tracts have circulated "from the shores of the Baltic to the Cape of Good Hope, through the whole of Europe and India, and were pressing upon the inhabitants of China; and that within the short period since the Institution commenced its operations, upwards of THIRTEEN MILLIONS of Tracts have been distributed by its agency." Within the same period, similar Societies have been established in various countries of Europe, particularly in Denmark and Sweden. By one parish in the latter kingdom 600,000 Tracts have been distributed; and 500,000 |