rs,
such an event as this should fill their hearts with joy and consolation?

The Burmans are very generally taught to read, though having little that
is attractive in their own literature, and books being scarce and dear,
they could not at the time of which we write, be said to be a reading
people. Still the fact that numbers were able to read, was a strong
encouragement to print tracts and books for them. On the occasion of
printing the tract above-mentioned, and a catechism, Mr. Hough writes
thus:

"These two little tracts are the first printing ever done in Burmah; and
it is a fact grateful to every Christian feeling, that God has reserved
the introduction of this art here, for his own use."

CHAPTER VIII.

MISSIONARY LABORS.--FEMALE INTELLECT IN BURMAH.--DESCRIPTION OF A
PAGODA, OF BURMAN WORSHIP AND OFFERINGS.

A circumstance still more cheering to the hearts of the missionaries
than even the arrival of companions from their beloved native land, was
a visit of a Burman who having read the "two little books" from the
press of Mr. Hough, came to inquire further into the new religion. When
Mr. Judson first heard from the lips of an idolater the confession that
"God is a Being without beginning or end, not subject to old age or
death, but who always is,"--his feelings were indescribable and
overpowering. Here at length was a germination of that seed they had so
long been sowing in tears! For if one heathen heart could be thus led by
the Spirit to investigate the truth, why not more.--Why not many? and
why might not the same Spirit lead them to him who is not only the
truth, but the way,--the way to Heaven?

They soon received visits from other Burmans who had seen the tracts
issued by them; and who seemed desirous of learning the truth, but still
very fearful of being known as inquirers. It became necessary therefore
to seek the patronage of the government, and Mr. Judson determined, so
soon as he should have finished his dictionary of the language, to
proceed to Ava, the residence of the emperor.

Mrs. Judson met every Sabbath a society of fifteen or twenty females, to
whom she read the Scriptures, and talked about God. They were attentive,
and willing to ask and answer questions, but for a long time experienced
no abiding convictions of sin or of duty. Some were willing to serve
Christ if they could do it without renouncing dependence on their own
merits. Others would serve God, if they might serve G