at first to devote their energies more
especially to the printing and circulation of Christian literature. In
Burmah almost every man could read, and it would be possible to reach
far more through the printed page than by public speaking. A portion of
a gospel had been translated by Mr. Felix Carey, but this was lost in a
wreck, so Mr. Judson started a fresh translation of the New Testament,
and prepared one or two tracts. In 1815 he wrote to Dr. Carey, asking if
he could print some Burmese tracts at the Serampore press; the doctor
replied that it would be far better for Judson to start a press of his
own in Rangoon, and in order that he might do so he sent him a complete
outfit, including a press, a supply of type, and other necessary stock.

When the printing press reached Rangoon, there came with it two new
helpers, Mr. and Mrs. Hough, sent out by the American Baptist Missionary
Society. Mr. Hough had been a printer before leaving America, and so he
was able to render practical assistance almost from the day of his
arrival, by taking charge of the printing department. Two small tracts
were issued as quickly as possible, one a Summary of Christian Doctrine,
and the other a catechism; and Mr. Judson hurried on with his
translation of the New Testament. The printing of these was the first
thing of the kind that had ever been done in Burmah, and the
missionaries rejoiced that the art of printing should be introduced into
the country directly through Christianity.

Their first serious inquirer was brought to them through these tracts.
One day in March, 1817, a man, evidently of good position, came to the
mission-house and astonished Mr. Judson with the question, "How long a
time will it take me to learn the religion of Jesus?" The surprised
missionary replied that it all depended on whether God gave him light
and wisdom, and asked how he came to know anything of Jesus. Had he been
there before? "No." Had he seen any writings concerning Jesus? "I have
seen two little books." "Who is Jesus?" Judson asked, to test his
knowledge. "He is the son of God who, pitying creatures, came into the
world and suffered death in their stead." "Who is God?" "He is a being
without beginning or end, who is not subject to old age or death, but
always is."

Mr. Judson was delighted beyond measure to hear these words proceed
from the lips of a Burman. He handed him a tract and catechism, but
these the man had read, and specially wanted anoth