Readability
Original Sources
Devotional Quality
Avoids Hagiography
Biblical Clarity
| Field | China |
| Missionary | J. Hudson Taylor |
| Author | Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor |
| Era | 1840s–1890s |
Overview
During the turbulent colonial era, a sickly British boy, named Hudson Taylor, comes to Christ and hears God’s call to China. Without the backing of the aristocratic society of his day, he turns to God alone for support during his medical studies, leaves for China under an unproven mission, embraces local Chinese dress and diet, and launches into the interior of China with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Along the way, God strengthens his faith and leads him to found the China Inland Mission, the first nondenominational faith mission. By the end of his life, over one thousand missionaries had followed him to serve in every province of China.
God has used this two-volume work on the life and ministry of J. Hudson Taylor to enrich the lives of thousands of believers and call many into missionary work. Quite a few, including Jim and Elizabeth Elliot and Isobel Kuhn, have commented on how the testimony in these books have moved them to serve God. Of all the missionary biographies I have read, this work ranks as probably the most influential in my life.
This comprehensive account of Taylor’s life overflows with original quotes from Taylor’s journals, correspondence, and publications. In his own words, we see Taylor’s heart for God and His work. In addition, the frequent references to and quotations of Scripture by both Taylor and the authors of the book give each chapter a rich devotional aspect that challenges the reader’s own walk with God. We get to see God’s promises and principles in action through the many trials and triumphs of Taylor’s life.
As you start reading these excellent books, I have two suggestions. First, the biography follows an older style. You may want to skip past the lengthy family history at the beginning of the first volume and jump to the start of Taylor’s life. Second, the authors are Taylor’s relatives and were members of the mission he founded. At times, they seem to gloss over some aspects of Taylor’s growing pains. For a more balanced view, especially of Taylor’s first years in China, I recommend pairing this two-volume biography with John Pollock’s Hudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven which provides more insight into Taylor’s early struggles (and gives a wonderful look into the influence of his godly wife, Maria).
Highlights
- How God strengthened Taylor’s faith as he studied medicine in preparation to go to China through providential provision of funds at just the right moment and through unexpected recovery from an infectious disease.
- How relying on God and abiding in Christ leads to God’s strength and producing fruit in the most difficult situations.
- How God led Taylor to go to inland China when nearly all missionaries remained near the coast.
- How God worked during and after the Boxer Rebellion through the miraculous deliverance of some, like the Taylors, and the martyrdom of others in their fledgling mission.
Quotes
- “There are commonly three stages in work for God: first impossible, then difficult, then done.” (vol. 2, p. 276)
- “Abiding, not striving nor struggling; looking off unto Him; trusting Him for present power; trusting Him to subdue all inward corruption; resting in the love of an almighty Saviour . . . this is not new, and yet ‘tis new to me. . . . Christ literally all seems to me now the power, the only power for service; the only ground for unchanging joy.” (vol. 2, p. 169)
- “And shall we learn no lesson from this? Shall we not each one of us determine to labour more in prayer; to cultivate more intimate communion with God by His help; thinking less of our working and more of His working, that He may in very deed be glorified in and through us?” (vol. 2, p. 275)
Other Sources
Hudson Taylor is also highlighted in Daring Devotion, Day 1, and in Daring Dependence, Day 11.
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