Bridgman and Abeel studied Chinese and Elijah soon began the literary labors to which he devoted much of his life. In 1832 Bridgman started a mission press and began publication of "The Chinese Repository", which he edited until 1847.
Elijah and Bridgman delved into the study of Chinese, after which Elijah dedicated himself to literary endeavors that would dominate his existence. In 1832, Bridgman launched a missionary printing press and began publishing "The Chinese Repository", a position he held until 1847.