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A Retrospect
Publisher: Toronto: China Inland Mission Subjects: China Inland Mission Missionaries -- China Biography Missions -- China Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there.
72 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1894
162 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
James Hudson Taylor
84 books79 followersJames Hudson Taylor was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China, and founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM) (now OMF International). Taylor spent 51 years in China. The society that he began was responsible for bringing over 800 missionaries to the country who began 125 schools and directly resulted in 18,000 Christian conversions, as well as the establishment of more than 300 stations of work with more than 500 local helpers in all eighteen provinces.
Taylor was known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture and zeal for evangelism. He adopted wearing native Chinese clothing even though this was rare among missionaries of that time. Under his leadership, the CIM was singularly non-denominational in practice and accepted members from all Protestant groups, including individuals from the working class and single women as well as multinational recruits. Primarily because of the CIM's campaign against the Opium trade, Taylor has been referred to as one of the most significant Europeans to visit China in the 19th Century. Historian Ruth Tucker summarises the theme of his life:
No other missionary in the nineteen centuries since the Apostle Paul has had a wider vision and has carried out a more systematised plan of evangelising a broad geographical area than Hudson Taylor.
Taylor was able to preach in several varieties of Chinese, including Mandarin, Chaozhou, and the Wu dialects of Shanghai and Ningbo. The last of these he knew well enough to help prepare a colloquial edition of the New Testament written in it
Taylor was known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture and zeal for evangelism. He adopted wearing native Chinese clothing even though this was rare among missionaries of that time. Under his leadership, the CIM was singularly non-denominational in practice and accepted members from all Protestant groups, including individuals from the working class and single women as well as multinational recruits. Primarily because of the CIM's campaign against the Opium trade, Taylor has been referred to as one of the most significant Europeans to visit China in the 19th Century. Historian Ruth Tucker summarises the theme of his life:
No other missionary in the nineteen centuries since the Apostle Paul has had a wider vision and has carried out a more systematised plan of evangelising a broad geographical area than Hudson Taylor.
Taylor was able to preach in several varieties of Chinese, including Mandarin, Chaozhou, and the Wu dialects of Shanghai and Ningbo. The last of these he knew well enough to help prepare a colloquial edition of the New Testament written in it
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 22, 2018
Brief, which was nice. Not as interesting it impactful as Spiritual Secret, but easier to get through. It also seemed more factual, a little rushed; you don't get to know Hudson Taylor as well, I don't think. But his point in the book is to tell you about the Inland Mission, and a bit about how it started, etc. I just didn't relate to it as much as the last, longer book I read about him, (Spiritual Secret) and didn't feel as inspired or convicted afterward... Part of it could be the difference in that this time half+ the information was already known to me.
But if anyone's looking for a shorter read about HT's life, this might be a good place to start...
But if anyone's looking for a shorter read about HT's life, this might be a good place to start...
October 17, 2024
Encouraging first hand account of the beginning of the China Inland Mission, as told by its founder. Great examples of how God protected and provided for Hudson Taylor and the other missionaries. Not very long either. A quick read and worth it!
October 17, 2015
And unforgettable depiction of a heart surrendered to Christ and the miraculous provision's given
This book will depict the life of how J. Hudson Taylor answered the call of God to minister in China. His mother would pray for his salvation at age 15, and upon reading a tract from his missionary father's library, would accept Christ. Simultaneously to him accepting Christ his mother would be praying 80 miles away. This miracle would just be the beginning of Hudson Taylor's life in which miracles and faithful provision and trust would govern all he did.
The Lord would spare his life and crucial times and it became evident to me that one is immortal until God is finished with all one needs to accomplish. His father's private prayer desire that his son would be a missionary in China came to pass not by human prompting but by the Spirit of God leading Hudson Taylor. In this work much material was taken from notes of addresses given in China during a missionary conference. Prior to his departure to China he would learn to live on bare necessities giving things to others and reaching out to the poor. "… The less I spend on myself and the more I gave away, the fuller my soul became with happiness and blessings".
This determination to test God's power and rest on His faithfulness will prove to be a great read for all to glean from. This book is for every Believer to grasp hold of the fact that when we trust God he deepens our faith by providing often in unlikely ways and timing. If you desire to learn more facets of God while trusting Him more, this is an excellent resource and in almost necessity for everyone and Christian leadership.
Hudson Taylor's missionary work in the 1850s is unparalleled in terms of the rigors and immense suffering he was dealt. The fruit that surfaced from his abiding life in Christ was evident when a Buddhist Priest and others received Christ. His life, you will discover, was filled with Divine appointments.
Though illness would force a return to England that too was used to advance God's purposes. "Little did I realize that the long separation from China was a necessary step towards the formation of the work that God would bless… "The reader will discover how in London he was able to set up a training center where donations would come in worldwide multiple missionaries would be birth as would churches and schools. Today, 150 years later, the work continues.
This is a book to not only read but share with others as it is life-changing. Page by page it is captivating and will humble the Believer into shaking off things and pressing on. The accounts will remain in my heart forever.
This book will depict the life of how J. Hudson Taylor answered the call of God to minister in China. His mother would pray for his salvation at age 15, and upon reading a tract from his missionary father's library, would accept Christ. Simultaneously to him accepting Christ his mother would be praying 80 miles away. This miracle would just be the beginning of Hudson Taylor's life in which miracles and faithful provision and trust would govern all he did.
The Lord would spare his life and crucial times and it became evident to me that one is immortal until God is finished with all one needs to accomplish. His father's private prayer desire that his son would be a missionary in China came to pass not by human prompting but by the Spirit of God leading Hudson Taylor. In this work much material was taken from notes of addresses given in China during a missionary conference. Prior to his departure to China he would learn to live on bare necessities giving things to others and reaching out to the poor. "… The less I spend on myself and the more I gave away, the fuller my soul became with happiness and blessings".
This determination to test God's power and rest on His faithfulness will prove to be a great read for all to glean from. This book is for every Believer to grasp hold of the fact that when we trust God he deepens our faith by providing often in unlikely ways and timing. If you desire to learn more facets of God while trusting Him more, this is an excellent resource and in almost necessity for everyone and Christian leadership.
Hudson Taylor's missionary work in the 1850s is unparalleled in terms of the rigors and immense suffering he was dealt. The fruit that surfaced from his abiding life in Christ was evident when a Buddhist Priest and others received Christ. His life, you will discover, was filled with Divine appointments.
Though illness would force a return to England that too was used to advance God's purposes. "Little did I realize that the long separation from China was a necessary step towards the formation of the work that God would bless… "The reader will discover how in London he was able to set up a training center where donations would come in worldwide multiple missionaries would be birth as would churches and schools. Today, 150 years later, the work continues.
This is a book to not only read but share with others as it is life-changing. Page by page it is captivating and will humble the Believer into shaking off things and pressing on. The accounts will remain in my heart forever.
October 6, 2020
Growing up in the church, I regularly heard legends of Hudson Taylor. Though he was not the first missionary to China, he is by far the most well-known and perhaps the most impactful, as far as increasing western awareness of missions in China is concerned.
Going into this book, then, I expected a somewhat dry read from a hyperspiritual perspective. I was pleasantly surprised, however, with the humor and approachable style in the first section of the book, which deals with Taylor's life pre-20s. The rest of the book--a small collection of (mainly mis-)adventures on the mission field and then Taylor's return to England, read almost like a Wikipedia article rather than an autobiography. The stories are lacking a compelling narrative thread, and Taylor jumps from one story to another without creating much in terms of connection. It's a shame, because I'm his experiences were incredible and would likely be impactful if they were more carefully fleshed out.
In any case, the practical spiritual tips and inspirational lifestyle of Taylor's earlier years makes up for the lack of detail in the second half of the book, and I would still recommend giving this a read.
Going into this book, then, I expected a somewhat dry read from a hyperspiritual perspective. I was pleasantly surprised, however, with the humor and approachable style in the first section of the book, which deals with Taylor's life pre-20s. The rest of the book--a small collection of (mainly mis-)adventures on the mission field and then Taylor's return to England, read almost like a Wikipedia article rather than an autobiography. The stories are lacking a compelling narrative thread, and Taylor jumps from one story to another without creating much in terms of connection. It's a shame, because I'm his experiences were incredible and would likely be impactful if they were more carefully fleshed out.
In any case, the practical spiritual tips and inspirational lifestyle of Taylor's earlier years makes up for the lack of detail in the second half of the book, and I would still recommend giving this a read.
June 3, 2017
Incredibly inspirational
The work of J Hudson Taylor in China is legendary . His dependence on faith in the early years , and his unwillingness to ask for funds was amazing . To trust in prayer alone and refuse to solicit funds was unheard of and yet extremely successful. God proved himself faithful to those who sought him in faith. I would pray that even a portion of Hudson's fervor and faith would permeate my soul and move me to action . I am also inspired by Hudson's commitment to personal sacrifice . He was willing to live on one third of his income in order to give the rest of the poor . And sacrifice was multiplied and blessed .
The work of J Hudson Taylor in China is legendary . His dependence on faith in the early years , and his unwillingness to ask for funds was amazing . To trust in prayer alone and refuse to solicit funds was unheard of and yet extremely successful. God proved himself faithful to those who sought him in faith. I would pray that even a portion of Hudson's fervor and faith would permeate my soul and move me to action . I am also inspired by Hudson's commitment to personal sacrifice . He was willing to live on one third of his income in order to give the rest of the poor . And sacrifice was multiplied and blessed .
May 18, 2018
I grew up hearing about Hudson Taylor, but this was the first time I had read anything by him. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Hudson Taylor’s writing was clear and intimate as he shared deep personal experiences and convictions about his life and mission. I was challenged by this book and look forward to reading more by him. My husband bought a collection of Ebooks by/about him. So I have quite a bit of reading to do.
February 25, 2019
This little book might be my favourite missionary biography of all time! I was amazed by the power of Taylor’s writing, both poetic and informative. I love how he would struggle and struggle, and how each struggle brought him first closer to Jesus and THEN he became more influential. There’s a lot of data in here, yet Jesus is so glorified in it. Hudson Taylor has long been a hero of mine, and this book beyond inspires me.
June 20, 2016
A retrospective challenge
This book was not only a good challenge but a history. Taylor has been taught in Christian schools as a missionary but our reading of how God used is truly remarkable.
This book was not only a good challenge but a history. Taylor has been taught in Christian schools as a missionary but our reading of how God used is truly remarkable.
October 7, 2016
Short, readable, insightful, inspirational. The language is of the time but if you can get past that it's a wonderful book that anyone interested in the mission field would benefit from reading. I only wish it was longer.
October 12, 2016
A clearly written picture of the start, growth, and development of the China Inland Mission (CIM), now Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF). An interesting read for anyone wanting to know what a missionary was expected to face in the past.
December 16, 2019
Essentially journal entries of Hudson Taylor. So sometimes there is just random details that aren’t interesting. But there is great stories of a man who prayed and had much faith as he served the Lord. Encouraging
January 19, 2017
A short (150 to 200 page) autobiography starting at age 15 and extending through much of his ministry. I heartily recommend this book!!
December 27, 2017
Great little autobiography! What stories of faith and missions!!! Must read!!!
April 26, 2018
I’m always inspired by how so many of the “old school” missionaries fully relied on prayer to supply their every need,
February 16, 2019
Absolutely loved this memoir about a life on the mission for Jesus.
January 30, 2020
Good
What made this book most compelling was how Taylor completely trusted to meet his needs, even when there was no money to be had. And yes Taylor's needs were met!
What made this book most compelling was how Taylor completely trusted to meet his needs, even when there was no money to be had. And yes Taylor's needs were met!
March 27, 2020
An amazing witness to the power of prayer!
February 4, 2024
J. Hudson Taylor was a man consumed with a burden for the millions of Chinese people who had no knowledge of Christianity during the mid to late 1800s. Having no desire, whatsoever, to be a Christian, though his family was, Taylor deliberately chose a different lifestyle. One day, around age 17 or so, he was alone and had an encounter with Christ, unexpected and unsolicited. Soon after, he began to feel a pull towards China, to share the Gospel. He spent some time disciplining himself, to the point of minimal food provision to learn endurance for his future missionary life. During this time, he studied in London and became educated in the medical profession, later becoming a practicing physician, with his missions goal ever in sight.
Hudson solicited no financial support, depending on divine provision supplied always by unique ways. At the appropriate time, when he sensed he was mature enough to embark on his life's mission in his Early twenties, he sailed for China.
At this time, Hudson was associated with a missions organization, though his accommodation and itinerary were left to his discretion. The endurance through mistreatment, food shortage, lack of accommodations, and walking miles upon miles proved his early discipline to be wise. Always, though, provision eventually manifested and Hudson's faith increased and thousands received Christ, discipleship, and moved into ministry as native Chinese.
Hudson immediately learned the prominent language and felt led to always dress in Chinese attire. After many years, he returned to England to recuperate his health. During this time the China Inland Mission was formed, without any funds solicited. Still, people sent support abundantly. International headquarters spread to America, Australia and elsewhere. Hundreds of missionaries were trained, yet Hudson had pled with God only for at least two to a region. Over abundance was the answer. Hospitals, opium clinics, and sharing of the spoken Gospel continued through wars and any obstacles. Today the organization is OMF International, Overseas Missions Fellowship, an Evangelical interdenominational organization with headquarters in Singapore.
Having read several accounts of early Christian ministers, besides New Testament, and knowing several African and Asian and other ministers, I can fully attest that we, today, should be convicted as Christians. With our lack of concern for those with no knowledge of Christ and our materialism it is atrocious. It seems we have no real concept of faith, especially in the westernized world. Books such as this should stir us to action. These men and women trusted God and therefore Christ consumed their being. Everything they lived was with the Lord, the Christ, in view. While this wasn't the best of accounts I have read, it was profound in the telling of the passion, giving, trust in God, dedication, faith, and answers to prayer that changed and literally saved lives and gave hope to tens of thousands. Read it.
Hudson solicited no financial support, depending on divine provision supplied always by unique ways. At the appropriate time, when he sensed he was mature enough to embark on his life's mission in his Early twenties, he sailed for China.
At this time, Hudson was associated with a missions organization, though his accommodation and itinerary were left to his discretion. The endurance through mistreatment, food shortage, lack of accommodations, and walking miles upon miles proved his early discipline to be wise. Always, though, provision eventually manifested and Hudson's faith increased and thousands received Christ, discipleship, and moved into ministry as native Chinese.
Hudson immediately learned the prominent language and felt led to always dress in Chinese attire. After many years, he returned to England to recuperate his health. During this time the China Inland Mission was formed, without any funds solicited. Still, people sent support abundantly. International headquarters spread to America, Australia and elsewhere. Hundreds of missionaries were trained, yet Hudson had pled with God only for at least two to a region. Over abundance was the answer. Hospitals, opium clinics, and sharing of the spoken Gospel continued through wars and any obstacles. Today the organization is OMF International, Overseas Missions Fellowship, an Evangelical interdenominational organization with headquarters in Singapore.
Having read several accounts of early Christian ministers, besides New Testament, and knowing several African and Asian and other ministers, I can fully attest that we, today, should be convicted as Christians. With our lack of concern for those with no knowledge of Christ and our materialism it is atrocious. It seems we have no real concept of faith, especially in the westernized world. Books such as this should stir us to action. These men and women trusted God and therefore Christ consumed their being. Everything they lived was with the Lord, the Christ, in view. While this wasn't the best of accounts I have read, it was profound in the telling of the passion, giving, trust in God, dedication, faith, and answers to prayer that changed and literally saved lives and gave hope to tens of thousands. Read it.
December 31, 2023
Hudson Taylor is known as a missionary to China and the founder of the China Inland Mission. But this short autobiographical work, mainly of his younger years, tells so much more about him. His faith and trust in God are absolutely humbling to me, as I sit in my comfortable American house, with food in my pantry, and money in my purse. Story after story – and they’re more than just stories, but would be, I imagine, a mere few instances out of many that were never recorded, true occurrences in his life – Taylor tells of times when he had nothing, and yet God provided in ways that can only shout the praise of God. He wrote near the end, that “when God had supplied the special need, the special supply also ceased, showing that He is the hearer and answerer of prayer.” He also tells of extraordinary escapes for his life, wars, ship voyages, problems with natives, and many other adventures. It’s a quick read – I’d encourage anybody to spend an evening with this book, and come out a little more encouraged, refreshed, and pondering a closer, deeper walk with God.
August 19, 2025
Recently reread, still one of my all-time favorite books. Taylor's story is a beautiful testament to the abundant blessing that springs from a life utterly surrendered to faithful obedience to God. His passion for the missionary work and his gratefulness to God for His provision burst from the pages.
October 23, 2023
A man of faith
Quick interesting read. Tells of how treacherous it was for any missionary activities . Also the personal sacrifices made by this man who persevered through all kinds of circumstances with God's mercy, grace and provision. His faith is incredible.
Quick interesting read. Tells of how treacherous it was for any missionary activities . Also the personal sacrifices made by this man who persevered through all kinds of circumstances with God's mercy, grace and provision. His faith is incredible.
August 5, 2021
Wonderful account of Taylor's life, faith, and ministry. Quite inspirational. A remarkable servant of God, to say the least!
November 4, 2022
a must-read for all with any interest in missions in China. Taylor’s incredible faith/dependence in God and love for the people group is something to admire, be inspired by, and imitate.
June 7, 2012
Not well written but containing some timeless truths on trust, sacrifice, and dedication, this memoir took some discipline to read. While I knew it was good content, the fact-and-date narration was not enjoyable. At about 3/4 finished, Taylor begins to speak more of his convictions and some difficult choices he had to make regarding money and mission work--so the last 1/4 of the book was definitely what I appreciated most.
Here are my favorite quotes:
"Would it not be well if the people of God had always tell-tale faces, evincing the blessings and gladness of salvation so clearly that unconverted people might have to call conversion 'becoming joyful' instead of 'becoming serious'?" (location 117).
"The great need, therefore, of every Christian worker is to know God" (location 480).
"It seemed to me that if there were lack of funds to carry on a work, then to that degree, in that special development, or at that time, it could not be the work of God" (location 1239).
"I thought the tendency of a collection was to leave the impression that the all-important thing was money, whereas no amount of money could convert a single soul; that what was needed was that men and women filled with the Holy Ghost should give themselves to the work: for the support of such there would never be a lack of funds" (location 1550).
The last two quotes deal with Hudson Taylor's convictions on missionary funds in two areas: 1) going into debt and 2) soliciting funds. He was quite adamant about both, and I found his arguments very convincing. They are worth considering, even if you have to skip the majority of his memoir to read these excerpts toward the end.
Here are my favorite quotes:
"Would it not be well if the people of God had always tell-tale faces, evincing the blessings and gladness of salvation so clearly that unconverted people might have to call conversion 'becoming joyful' instead of 'becoming serious'?" (location 117).
"The great need, therefore, of every Christian worker is to know God" (location 480).
"It seemed to me that if there were lack of funds to carry on a work, then to that degree, in that special development, or at that time, it could not be the work of God" (location 1239).
"I thought the tendency of a collection was to leave the impression that the all-important thing was money, whereas no amount of money could convert a single soul; that what was needed was that men and women filled with the Holy Ghost should give themselves to the work: for the support of such there would never be a lack of funds" (location 1550).
The last two quotes deal with Hudson Taylor's convictions on missionary funds in two areas: 1) going into debt and 2) soliciting funds. He was quite adamant about both, and I found his arguments very convincing. They are worth considering, even if you have to skip the majority of his memoir to read these excerpts toward the end.
July 4, 2012
Amazing real life story. I thought Mr. Taylor was making some poor choices but God showed him through.
August 11, 2016
Sort of a thumbnail sketch, but very good!
February 8, 2016
A very inspiring story about Hudson Taylor and the founding of CIM (China Inland Mission), which is now OMF International.
February 23, 2016
Not just a fascinating story, but a real encouragement and a spiritual challenge. A must-read for every Christian, especially those serving in missions or full-time ministry!
February 7, 2016
Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, writes about his experience in this short and informative book.
October 30, 2016
Encouraging accout
Encouraging, true account on trusting God for His leading and provision. He has called and sent us, He keeps His word to provide workers and supplies.
Encouraging, true account on trusting God for His leading and provision. He has called and sent us, He keeps His word to provide workers and supplies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews