The Story of the Religious Tract Society. By Samuel G.
Green, D.D. (R.T.S. ls. 6d.)—This volume commemorates yet another centenary. The Religious Tract Society was founded by the Rev. G. Burder of Coventry in 1799. Among his early associates were Rowland Hill and Alexander Waugh In its first year were published thirty-four tracts, of which twenty-three were original. Its operations soon grew, and in the course of a short time showed considerable totals. Early in its history came the foundation of a great offshoot, the British and Foreign Bible Society. Later on the important step was taken of giving a general literary character to the operations of the Society. This was in every way a wise proceeding. The publications of the Religious Tract Society now hold a high rank. Its two magazines, the Leisure Hour and the Sunday at Home, both of them now approaching their jubilee, may fairly claim to be ranked with the best. The " story " is full of vicissitudes. It is noticeable that the most decided experience of oppression has taken place in Russia. where the Procurator of the Holy Synod put an abrupt end to the proceedings of the Society and confiscated its property.—With this may be mentioned The Spiritual Expansion of the Empire (S.P.G.), "a Sketch of Two Centuries of Work done for the Church and Nation by the S.P.G.," a brief risumd of the bicentenary history of the Society.
Previous page
