earlier part of my life, that having much to do with a very great commercial County, there was no part of the world more the object of our jealousy than the Levant, in which we were always dreading the injurious effects of French influence in Turkey. Now is it not a singular circumstance, that, through the means of that French conexion with Turkey, we ourselves are made confederate with France itself in the benevolent work of presenting, for the first time, to that nation, a version of the New-Testament. I apprehend, my Lord, that the Levant Company, whatever benefits it may have conferred upon that part of the world, never made a present to the Turkish Empire, which was half so valuable, and likely to be productive of such important results.

"But of all the labors of this Society, the one upon which my mind dwells with the greatest satisfaction, is that, which, although at present, it is but an infant work, is yet an infant Hercules, and begins to operate with a degree of force and vigor proportioned to the cause which animates it, and the extent of the sphere in which it has to act. I allude to the effects produced in the East Indies by this Society; and I am sure your Lordship will peculiarly feel the force of this observation, for no man was better acquainted than yourself with the nature of the difficulties with which Christianity had there to contend. Undoubtedly it was there that infidelity (to speak the language of Scripture,) the god of this world, seemed to have intrenched himself as if secure on his throne, behind barriers that nothing could force. In this country, and in some other places, infidelity, if I may so express it, has been, upon its good behavior, forced sometimes even to assume the credit of Christian principles; but in the East Indies we have had an opportunity of seeing this baleful principle in all its native hideousness: there infidelity thought itself secure; there the god of this world was not obliged to veil his real occupation, pursuits and tendencies. What was the consequence, and what were the effects? We beheld all around us smeared with blood, and polluted by lust and cruelty, scenes of such detestable barbarity as seemed to be intended for the very purpose of displaying his triumph over all the instincts of human nature, rendering parents the destroyers of their own children,and children of their parents; in short, in every way of horror that can be conceived, mocking and rioting in deadly triumph over all the tender feelings of the human heart, and all the convictions of the human understanding: it was there, I say, that we saw what infidelity is, when left to its own free unobstructed operation. And O! my Lord, let us learn hence, the blessings which we owe to Christianity. Even that barrier has been forced. Forced, did I say? No, even there, that almighty power, which is able alone to enlighten the understanding and to soften the heart, has not so much enabled us to get the better of them, as to make them conscious of their own darkness, credulity, and folly. They have begun to be convinced that all their pretensions to superior light and purity, all their claims to exclusive respect are ill founded:-they are therefore in that state which seems to render them peculiarly accessible to those Holy Scriptures, which we are endeavoring to put into their hands.

"My Lord, it seems of some importance to observe the various striking effects of this union in different parts of the world, and to remark the different sects and nations of men, acting in connexion, and harmonious combination, while, at the same time, each is unconscious of what the other is performing. For, is it possible to see all this and not recognize the operation of that Almighty Providence, which is thus carrying on its own blessed purposes by human means, and is thus leading us in paths we know not, to become the honored instruments of dispensing the greatest benefits to mankind. These are indeed most delightful and cheering views. And, when we see that the operations of the Society are in this way tending to put an end to those distinctions which have almost separated mankind,and to dispel those hostilities which might be thought the least likely to yield to any such influence, is it possible that there can be any persons so in love with the principles of discord and enmity, as not to wish to run to us with open arms, and desire that all our differences may at length be done away, and that we may all join in so good and great a work? Undoubtedly it is to be feared, that, while we continue in this world, there will be differences, and that between nation and nation: and therefore, that the hopes of universal peace, which some have indulged, have been rather the delightful dreams they themselves have encouraged, than the anticipations of a sober judgment, speculating on human affairs. But this at least we may hope, that even nations, if they should be called into hostilities against each other, may not be enemies at heart; that by the operatin

of our Society, and by means of the connexion which it forms with the Societies of other nations, there may be feelings of friendship generated, which will smooth even the aspect of war, while all are joining together in the great and happy work of seeking to promote the universal benefit of mankind. There is no view whatever in which our Society appears to me more delightful than this, that it not merely gives that elixir of life, that universal medicine, which suiting itself to all conditions, to all circumstances, to all diseases, is the universal remedy and cordial of our common nature; but that it contains also the elements of peace, of love, hope, and joy,the means of bringing something of heaven to earth, before it executes its purposes of carrying us from earth to heaven.

"As for the particular motion I have to make, we well know, as I said at the outset, the benefits we have derived from that Royal patronage which we have received. But there is one idea which has presented itself to my mind, not unnaturally, upon reading the name of a royal and illustrious person, who is now present with us. I am naturally reminded of one subject: and I hope that the peculiar and almost selfish share, which I may perhaps be deemed to have in this subject, may render it not improper for me to make a brief allusion to it.

"I was going, my Lord, to state that there is one point on which I feel peculiar anxiety, that, in foreign countries, and more especially in that country to which our friend belongs who lately addressed us, we should be, in our views and feelings, justly appreciated,

"I cannot help wishing, that it should be distinctly known, how much they who are the promoters of this good work, they who are busying themselves in the circulation of the Scriptures; how much they are of opinion, that the principles of that blessed book should prompt them to use their utmost endeavors, not merely for delivering our unhappy brethren in Africa from the darkness and superstition of paganism, but also for delivering them from that, which, so long as it subsists, must prevent almost the possibility of any communication to them of divine truth:-I mean the continuance of the detestable Slave Trade. We have sometimes, I fear, been misunderstood, upon this subject: it has been imag ined, that our hostility to it, in this country, was founded chiefly on political grounds, or, at the utmost, on grounds of tender feeling and humanity. Now, undoubtedly, it is our great duty, as Christians, to love each other as brethren, and to endeavor, wherever we can, to dry the tear, and ease the pangs, of our common nature; but, my Lord, I do protest to you, that my grand arraignment of this most detestable and guilty practice, the Slave Trade, is, because it is chargeable with holding in bondage, in darkness and in blood, one third of the whole habitable globe; because it erects a barrier along more than three thousand miles of the shores of that vast continent, which shuts out light and truth, humanity and kindness.

"Even when we have been enabled to avail ourselves of a temporary cessation of the traffic, to make a lodgment in that country, so as to give to the wretched Africans a conception of the religion we profess, immediately we are oppressed and overwhelmed by its revival, and are obliged to draw back, and desist from our operations. O, my Lord, it is not an ordinary contest in which we have been engaged: the question is, whether the god of this world is to have the mastery in Africa; whether that part of the world is to be given up to all that is detestable and cruel, to every species of fraud and barbarity; or whether we are to endeavor to rescue it from such a tyranny, and to be occupied for the common benefit of those poor creatures, in endeavoring to heal their wounds, and to assuage their sorrows. Let us remember, that, to abolish the Slave Trade, is the first necessary and indispensable step, to any attempt at moral improvement. No one knows this better than my illustrious friend who sits near me, for no one has acquired that knowledge by more constant attention to the subject, and no one also feels it more deeply than he does: I trust, therefore, I shall be pardoned for appealing to him, and appe tling to this assembly. I am, on this ground, contending, my Lord, for the precepts and doctrines of the Holy Scriptures. I am contending, in the best manner that I am able, for the introduction of them into that part of the world, when I contend for the doing away of that which obstructs their introduction. And I was glad to have the opportunity of pointing out to our friend from Paris, (for I am sure he will report it where it may have its influence) our conviction; that all our efforts in Africa must be useless, unless this reproach to our religion, and this obstruction to our benevolence, be utterly removed."

FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NEW ENGLAND TRACT SOCIETY, MAY 26, 1819.

BRETHREN,

Jr is with much satisfaction, that the executive Committee have this opportunity to submit to the Members and Patrons of the New-England Tract Society, their Fifth Annual Report. In commencing this service, the; would render thanks to the Author of all good, that their efforts have been so far crowned with his blessing. To his gracious providence, their success should be ascribed. By his favor, the operations of the Society were at first commenced with pleasing prospects of extensive usefulness: and these prospects still animate the Committee.

During the past year, the Committee have published 258,000 Tracts. They have added ten new Tracts; so that their whole series now embraces one hundred and two Numbers.

In the four preceding years, there were published 1,613,000 Tracts. The whole amount published in five years 1,871,000.

The Committee feel happy in stating that the establishment is rising. Its concerns are prosperous. The number of Depositaries in different parts of the United States is increasing. New orders for Tracts are received from distant parts of our country. Tract Societies have been formed, and are forming in various places; and many individuals manifest a commendable zeal to purchase and distribute Tracts. By these means, the interest of the Society is promoted; though not to the extent which is desirable. A larger capital is needed to enable the committee to prosecute the business to the best advantage. It must be evident to every Member and Friend of the Society that a large quantity of Tracts must constantly be kept on hand, in order to meet the wishes and expectations of those who would purchase. The series must also be increased by publishing new Tracts, or the interest and operations of the Society cannot continue in the progressive state, which must be desired by every friend to the cause. The funds of the Society must therefore be enlarged. And the Committee entertain no doubt but that this may be easily done. Thousands are ready to afford, in various ways, their aid; as opportunity shall present. And by the requisite support, this establishment may soon perform no inconsiderable part in disseminating Divine knowledge, and promoting good morals. Impressed with these considerations, the Committee would suggest the following measures for aiding this Society. One is a more general and extensive formation of Tract Societies. Cannot this be accomplished with much ease? May not a Tract Society be formed in almost every town, or parish, or village? Would not such a Society be advantageously connected with every Sabbath School? These Societies, with little exertion, might annually collect twice as much money, as they would wish to expend in Tracts for their own use, or to distribute in their immediate vicinity. Having procured a sufficiency for these purposes, they might transmit their surplus monies to the Treasurer of this Society. This would enable the Committee to enlarge the sphere of their operations, and to answer some pressing calls for Tracts, which they have hitherto been obliged to deny. It would also exceedingly facilitate the circulation of Tracts, wherever such Societies are formed.

Another measure, is an increase of the funds of the Society, by donations and legacies. These, of different sums, might be easily made by a great proportion of our fellow citizens. Who cannot contribute something to this Society, without diminishing his contributions to other charitable objects? If necessary, might not a little more economy be practised for this purpose? And would not such charity be profitably bestowed? Without disparaging other charities, may it not be said that peculiar advantages attend the circulation of religious Tracts? Much is here done by small sums. And consequently it is in the power of many to promote this design more effectually than they could some other design. And here the affluent may at once put a mighty engine in motion. With a few thousand dollars, the influence of the New-England Tract Society might soon be extended, with great effect, from Maine to Florida, and from the shores of the Atlantic to unknown limits in the West.

A third measure is the general circulation of Tracts. This must chiefly devolve on the Christian community. To publish Tracts, and superintend the general agency of the business, will sufficiently occupy the time and attention of the

executive Committee. Nor can they so well distribute Tracts, in the various places where they are needed, as persons living in those places. They have neither the knowledge nor the means of doing it so advantageously. But in every district of our country, there are those who can do it. By a little inquiry, they can ascertain what Tracts are most needed, and where they will be most likely to do good; and then distribute accordingly. How many of these "winged messengers," may thus be put in motion in different directions? Who is unable to give them circulation? Even ten cents will purchase 100 pages, or ten Tracts of different sizes. With a dollar, 1,000 pages, or 100 small Tracts may be purchased. A hundred Tracts might be read, or heard read, by more than a thousand persons, and be blessed as a means of their salvation. Let a person devote $100 to this object; and the interest of this sum would annually circulate 600 Tracts among thousands who are perishing for lack of knowledge. This is surely no trifling method of doing good. Who can think it beneath his attention?

In the circulation of Tracts, persons of different occupations may conveniently and successfully engage.

This may be done by ministers of the Gospel. What minister will not find it a pleasant thing to circulate Tracts among his people. It may give more interest to his pastoral visits, to distribute these as he goes from house to house. Impressions made by his conversation may be increased by the perusal of a Tract after he retires. In this way, he may much gain the affection, and promote the improvement of children and young persons. Tracts, in some cases, he may give as presents; and, in others, as small premiums. Some of various kinds, may be loaned and returned; and thus supply the want of other books, among those who are unable to purchase them. How many might thus derive great and lasting benefit from a few dollars worth of Tracts? And how much would a minister feel himself assisted and encouraged in his labors?

In numerous places, destitute of ministers, there are active Christians, and persons of benevolence, who can engage in this business. Every person of this description, by procuring and distributing Tracts, may enjoy the privilege of doing great good to his fellow men. He may be the instrument of reforming the vicious, enlightening the ignorant, and directing the lost and perishing to the Lamb of God for salvation. How much may an active female accomplish in the circle of her acquaintance, and especially among the rising generation, by these means of instruction and improvement? What mode of doing good is more congenial to the female mind; more delightful to the daughters of Zion? By their affectionate kindness, by their familiar and pleasant remarks, they may have more influence than the other sex, in engaging the attention, and impressing the minds of young persons, as they put religious tracts into their hands.

In schools, there is good opportunity to distribute Tracts. Every teacher might well bestow them as rewards for punctual attendance, diligence in study, and good behavior. While this excited a spirit of improvement in youth, it would also convey many Tracts into families, where they would be read with peculiar interest, and be likely to produce very pleasing effects. This mode of distribu ting Tracts claims the attention of Tract Societies, and benevolent individuals. These could easily furnish teachers with a sufficiency for distribution in schools. In prosecuting journies, the pious and benevolent might scatter much of this precious seed; which, by the Divine blessing, would yield an immortal harvest. A Tract given by a stranger, and accompanied with a serious, friendly remark, might excite much attention in the receiver, and be blessed to his everlasting good. Who knows what immense benefit this kind of charity may produce? It is not confined to the individual who receives a Tract from a friendly stranger; but he wishes others to read what has been so useful to him; and he is anxious to fix their attention on the things of their future peace. And thus, by the bles sing of God, the influence of a single Tract is felt through a circle of immortal beings, and extends to generations unborn.

In such benevolent designs, the Committee would not only animate the members of this Society to renewed exertions: but also earnestly solicit the generous and efficient cooperation of the liberal and affluent in different parts of our country.

BRETHREN AND FRIENDS.

The number engaged in this good work is an animating consideration. Among the Tract Societies of the present period, the religious Tract Society in London

holds the foremost rank. This was established in 1799. In 1813 this Society had distributed seventeen millions of Tracts. In each year since, the average number circulated is said to be about three millions. In the year ending May 1817, it was three millions and a half. The whole number of Tracts distributed by this Society is thought to exceed thirty two millions. These Tracts have been printed in fourteen different languages, besides the English, viz. Welsh, Irish, Manks, Gaelick, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Danish, Finnish, Russian, Calmuck, and Chinese. This Society has 124 Auxiliaries within the limits of England. By its influence and aid, it has been instrumental of forming, in various parts of Europe, many Societies on principles similar to its own; i. e. making them fountains, from which small streams might receive a constant supply. Such are the Societies in Stockholm, Hanover, Berlin, Sleswick, Holstein, Elberfield, Stuttgard, Nunenberg, Frankfort, Nauwcid, Koningsfield, Basle, Zurich, Berne, St. Gall, Schaffnausen, Lausanne, and Piedmont among the Waldenses; also at different places in Italy, Russia, and Finland. Some of the smallest of these Societies have published from fifty to one hundred thousand Tracts. Others have done much more. The Society at Stockholm, which was established in 1809, during the four first years of its formation, printed Tracts in the Swedish, Finnish, and Lapanese languages; and circulated in the same period, upwards of 400,000. It has since circulated several times that number.

The Church of England Tract Society, established at Bristol, in 1811, promises much for the cause. It has Auxiliaries in different parts of England aud Ireland, and in several of the British Provinces.

The Liverpool religious Tract Society has distributed, in two years and a half, upwards of 622.000 Tracts.

In the United States, there is a sister Society, whose exertions in the common cause are highly commendable. This is the New York Tract Society. It was formed in 1810. During the year 1815, it distributed 35,600 Tracts, including the number sold to other Societies. According to the sixth annual Report, the whole number of Tracts then published was 493,586. During every succeeding year, the number of Tracts published, has increased; and the prospect is, that in a few years, some hundred thousands will be annually published by this Society. Some of their Tracts are in the Spanish and French languages. Their English series contains 62 numbers; the Spanish four; and the French one. These have, been distributed among the French and Spanish in our own country; in the West Indies; and some in South America.

The Committee believe that many thousands of Tracts have been published, in the United States, by smaller Societies and benevolent individuals; but they are not able to specify the particulars, for want of information.

How many are engaged in this noble enterprize? And how cheering is the prospect of success? Shall not your breast glow with love and zeal; and your hand abound in liberality?

The good effected is another animating consideration. The beneficial effects of circulating Tracts can be known but very imperfectly in this world. The light of eternity must show how many have been converted from the error of their ways; or have been quickened in their Christian course; or edified in the faith of the Gospel, by these silent monitors. They have vast influence, where saving effects are not produced, in ameliorating the condition of families and nations. Mrs, Hannah More, it is supposed, has done more for the preservation of England, by her cheap repository Tracts, than the celebrated Nelson had done as a Naval Commander, by all his splendid achievements. "No works tended more to counteract the delusive and irreligious spirit of the French revolution,” than these above mentioned from her pen. And wherever her Tracts and others of a similar kind are circulated, they must tend to check the progress of eror, to suppress vice and irreligion, and to counteract efforts to destroy civil and religious order. Their influence on the rising generation is incalculable. They take the attention and guide the youthful mind to a profitable course of reading and reflection. They both amuse and instruct. Divine truth, when conveyed by interesting narrative or striking incidents, takes faster hold of the mind, is more easily retained, and has greater effect.

We have many accounts of hopeful conversions, which are to be traced to these small vehicles of truth as the means. A relation of them would much en