Hudson Taylor: In Early Years- The Growth of a Soul

This book is an excellent book to read. You are time and again, encouraged by answers to prayer in Hudson Taylor's life. He was one who gave up much in worldly things, yet gained an eternal weight of glory! I would definitely recommend this to all serious minded Christians.

Hudson Taylor's short autobiography ought to be required reading in any study of missions. Catholic. Protestant. Evangelical. Charismatic. Everyone who is Christian and desires to serve God either through overseas missions, or in their own hometown will be inspiried to read of Taylor's humble heart and gracious service. This could be considered a case study in prayer. Taylor did not send scores of appeal letters, newsletters, refridgerator photos. His practice was to not solicit funds, but to ask God for providence. He endured blisters, lack of medicine, thievery, poverty on every level. He'd wait for months for resources, but the miracle of God was always there. Written with ample selections from his personal journal, we gain insight to a man hailed as one of the greatest missionaries ever, and the foremost in China. That insight is not of a powerful speaker, dynamic personality, or shining star in the pulpit. Instead, we see an ordinary man, not so different than you or I, pressing on in faith, moving forward as God led him. God prevailed to supply him every need, though often in the last moment. Beyond learning about Taylor, we also learn the intimate history of the founding of the China Inland Mission in 1856, and its influential growth in China. We gain a sense of the culture and interpersonal dynamics which existed in China, London, and mission leadership in general. Because of the foundational evangelism by Taylor, China now boasts extraordinary amounts of believers despite China's present oppressive government. I fully recommend "Hudson Taylor" by Hudson Taylor. See also the longer, two-volume Taylor biography by Howard Taylor. Anthony Trendl http://anthonytrendl.blogspot.com

I asked a respected leader in America, "What do you recommend I do, so my life would be spent having the greatest impact for helping people?" He told me to read the two volume book on Hudson Taylor by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor. He was right. Wow, what a book--what a life! This book has given me A LOT to think about and apply. I highly recommend this book to anybody who has a heart to serve people. Don't hesitate to read such a long book, it probably is better than the last five you read put together!

If you are in earnest about walking with God, you will love this book immensely. It will give you a hunger for excellence and a vision of the greatness of self denial. It will increase your love for God and you will find yourself wanting to travel the pathway of purity that Hudson Taylor lived. I can't recommend this book highly enough, it's probably one of the greatest books I've ever read. It inspired, lifted, and encouraged me greatly. It took my heart on a journey that I pray I never forget. This book has been out of print for many years, and to have these copies available is priceless. I refer back to my copy year after year and it continues to refresh and feed my soul in many ways. You will find a treasure and a friend in Hudson Taylor. Then you will gratefully appreciate the anointing that was on his son as he wrote down the account of his father's life. The benefits you reap as you travel through the pages of the this book will bless your life for years to come.

Hudson Taylor was the founder of the China Inland Mission. This book, part of Bethany's "Men of Faith" series, is his autobiography up to the founding of the CIM. In this book, he shares his salvation, and how prayer had such a powerful influence in his conversion, how God led him to begin living by faith in preparation for work in China, and his training in the medical field.He then shares about his first trip to China, and the way his mission let him down, especially in the areas of financial support and encouragement. The book also shares how he was led to dress in Chinese style clothes, much to the consternation of other foreign missionaries. However, this one step gave him more success in talking to the locals than the others had. Taylor also shares how he met up with the Scottish revivalist, William Burns, and their work together in China.The book ends with Taylor back in England and God's leading him to found the CIM, a faith mission where all missionaries must trust God for their finances, with the first "recruits" already on their way.This is an excellent little book, easily read, but very powerful in the demonstration of how God provides for His children. One of Taylor's mottos was, "God's work, done God's way, will never lack God's supply." It was something he and the CIM proved time and time again.Taylor is now considered a giant among missionaries, and this autobiography, along with the many biographies written about him, ought to be read by anyone with a desire to see how God can lead a man, and provide for his every need.