Its growth constitutes one of the marvels of reforms.

Within a few brief years it multiplied into hundreds and thousands of societies throughout the free States.

But its beginnings were small and humble enough.

"The objects of the society" were according to the second article of the constitution, "to endeavor by all means sanctioned by law, humanity, and religion, to effect the abolition of slavery in the United States, to improve the character and condition of the free people of color, to inform and correct public opinion in relation to their situation and rights, and to obtain for them equal civil and political rights and privileges with the whites." The means which were immediately adopted by the society for the accomplishment of these objects were mainly three, than which none others could have been more effective.

These were petitioning Congress on the subject of slavery.