The translations of both the Old and New Testaments had been made in the Western, or Macedonian dialect; but the Eastern, or Slavic, was now taking the lead, and the language was evidently to be mainly moulded after that model.
It is an interesting fact, stated by Dr.Riggs, that the government censor for Bulgarian publications called on him, the day after Mr.
Photinoff's death, and expressed his hearty interest in the work of translating the Scriptures, and his hope that it would not be delayed.
In the preparation of this work, Dr.Riggs was aided by two of the best Bulgarian scholars, the one trained in the use of the Western, and the other of the Eastern dialect.

In the revision of the New Testament, he was also aided by the Rev.A.L.Long, D.D., of the Methodist Bulgarian mission.

With such assistance, it is believed that this translation of the Bible will become a standard work.

The first edition was printed in an imperial octavo volume of one thousand and sixty pages, with the references of our English Bible, which will be of special value to a people having as yet no Concordances, Bible Dictionaries, or Commentaries.

Dr.Riggs brought to the annual meeting of the newly organized mission, in 1871, the first copy received from the binders.
It should be borne in mind, that only preliminary work has been done as yet in this most inviting field.