This society derived its origin among the Puritans, in England, in 1648. The charter under which it now acts was granted by the legislature of Massachusetts, in 1687. Its list of past and present members in 1840, comprised one hundred and twenty-five names of the most eminent divines, jurists, and laymen in Massachusetts, in which state the operations of the society are chiefly confined. The funds of this society, in 1840, amounted to thirty-six thousand three hundred and eighty-seven dollars, the income of which is annually expended for the "propagation of the gospel" among the needy and destitute.

In conformity with the spirit and design of this ancient and venerable society, all measures in any degree of a party or sectarian character, are scrupulously avoided.