What do you think?
Rate this book
Hudson Taylor & Maria: A Match Made in Heaven
The story of Hudson Taylor is one of adventure and excitement - of improbable answers to prayer, opposition from the establishment and triumphs of faith. Even more interesting is the story of the relationship at the heart of it all - the story of Hudson and Maria Taylor.There are few love stories as enchanting as that of Hudson Taylor, the pioneering missionary, and Maria Dyer. Their relationship and short marriage flourished in the bitterest of circumstances because their lives were firmly rooted in their devotion to God, as well as to each other.They were a perfect match, (though not perfect people), a couple who show us how to share our lives at the deepest level.John Pollock draws his material extensively from original letters and papers. What unfolds is a picture of courage and adventure in Imperial China, a lost world of pigtails, Mandarins and dragon-roofed temples. It also shows how Maria played a crucial role in shaping the ministry of a Yorkshire lad who, against oriental and western opposition, changed the way that missionaries work.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
26 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
John Charles Pollock
56 books29 followersThe late John Pollock, an award-winning biographer, had a flair for telling a dramatic story. He used this talent to write many biographies including ones on D. L. Moody and Major General Sir Henry Havelock.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 1, 2009
This is a short biography of Hudson Taylor, pioneering missionary to China, and his first wife, Maria. It ends with her death in 1870. He lived another 35 years after that, so I still have much more to learn about this extraordinary man of faith.
It is, in part, a love story. And while it's not "Romeo and Juliet," Hudson and Maria did have to overcome opposition from some of their elders.
I think there's a common perception that the Christian life is dull, and sadly there's some evidence for that belief.
No one could have accused Hudson and Maria Taylor of living dull lives (they were accused of many other things). The same could be said for every missionary I know of. Some have more adventure in their callings than others, but all of them lead lives that are far more exciting than the norm. They aren't missionaries for the sake of adventure, but it does come with the territory.
A number of mental images of Hudson and Maria Taylor will stick with me after reading this book, which was written in 1962.
There is Hudson, during their time back in England, burdened with the vision of the unreached provinces of inland China. He didn't want to go back to the coasts where there were already missionary settlements, but to where Christians hadn't gone before. He thought of the 400 million people in China, and "he imagined them walking past him, hour after hour, day after day, month after month, taking, he reckoned over twenty-three years."
Hudson grieving over the complacency and smug piety of a huge congregation in Brighton Beach. "Unable to bear the sight of a congregation of a thousand or more Christian people rejoicing in their own security, while millions were perishing for lack of knowledge, I wandered out on the sands alone, in great spiritual agony," he wrote.
There's the tiny mission community in Yangchow, China, their complex surrounded by hundreds of rioters who finally battered down their doors (Hudson and another man had gone for help, but their effort was met with disdain by the Chinese authorities); Maria boldly confronting a looter, then all of them having to escape as fire was set to the mission house:
"Escape was impossible until Reid, under increasing hail of stones, dragged away the fire below.
"'Jump!' he cried. 'Jump, and I will catch you.'
"It was twelve to fifteen feet. Maria jumped. He only half caught her and she fell on her side. Emily jumped. At that instant a brickbat struck Reid full in the eye, blinding him and causing a concussion. Emily fell on her back. She did not lose consciousness. The instinct to escape drove her to her feet. She saw Rudland who had jumped by himself and had warded off a murderous attack from a club, helping a shaken, bruised Mrs. Taylor."
And there's the shameful image of a writer for The Times, in his comfortable office in London, writing an editorial condemning the missionaries for the incident in Yangchow.
It is, in part, a love story. And while it's not "Romeo and Juliet," Hudson and Maria did have to overcome opposition from some of their elders.
I think there's a common perception that the Christian life is dull, and sadly there's some evidence for that belief.
No one could have accused Hudson and Maria Taylor of living dull lives (they were accused of many other things). The same could be said for every missionary I know of. Some have more adventure in their callings than others, but all of them lead lives that are far more exciting than the norm. They aren't missionaries for the sake of adventure, but it does come with the territory.
A number of mental images of Hudson and Maria Taylor will stick with me after reading this book, which was written in 1962.
There is Hudson, during their time back in England, burdened with the vision of the unreached provinces of inland China. He didn't want to go back to the coasts where there were already missionary settlements, but to where Christians hadn't gone before. He thought of the 400 million people in China, and "he imagined them walking past him, hour after hour, day after day, month after month, taking, he reckoned over twenty-three years."
Hudson grieving over the complacency and smug piety of a huge congregation in Brighton Beach. "Unable to bear the sight of a congregation of a thousand or more Christian people rejoicing in their own security, while millions were perishing for lack of knowledge, I wandered out on the sands alone, in great spiritual agony," he wrote.
There's the tiny mission community in Yangchow, China, their complex surrounded by hundreds of rioters who finally battered down their doors (Hudson and another man had gone for help, but their effort was met with disdain by the Chinese authorities); Maria boldly confronting a looter, then all of them having to escape as fire was set to the mission house:
"Escape was impossible until Reid, under increasing hail of stones, dragged away the fire below.
"'Jump!' he cried. 'Jump, and I will catch you.'
"It was twelve to fifteen feet. Maria jumped. He only half caught her and she fell on her side. Emily jumped. At that instant a brickbat struck Reid full in the eye, blinding him and causing a concussion. Emily fell on her back. She did not lose consciousness. The instinct to escape drove her to her feet. She saw Rudland who had jumped by himself and had warded off a murderous attack from a club, helping a shaken, bruised Mrs. Taylor."
And there's the shameful image of a writer for The Times, in his comfortable office in London, writing an editorial condemning the missionaries for the incident in Yangchow.
January 31, 2021
Pollock gives us several accounts of Hudson Taylor’s life: how he decided to go to China, how he met his wife Maria, and how he began the China Inland Mission. The best Christian bios are the ones that inspire and move the reader. This one did that. Taylor is a missionary to be remembered and admired. My only complaint is that the writing didn’t always make it easy to understand all the situations the author was trying to describe. I encounter it often with older books as much of the vocabulary is unfamiliar and the language antiquated.
August 22, 2024
“….if we are kept waiting, the spiritual outcome is far more precious than exemption from the trial.” - Hudson Taylor
July 11, 2017
The style of writing is a bit different than what I typically read and that caused me to struggle a bit initially. However, as the book progressed, I was absorbed in the characters of Hudson and Maria Taylor. The sheer simplicity of Hudson's faith is inspirational and challenging. Hudson endured a lot of ridicule and betrayal in order to move forward with the vision and burden that God had given him for inland China. Hudson was not a man with a pedigree. He didn't come loaded with education, credentials, and networks. He didn't have deep money pockets. He didn't have all the answers. He didn't know the ending or even have a grand vision of what his actions could lead to in the future. He simply had faith and a willingness to do what others were not willing to do. His story can be anyone's story. He's a classic example of the impact that one person, surrendered to God, can have on all of mankind. The book only takes you through his life with Maria, so if you want the end of the story, you'll need another resource.
Maria is also a character not to be overlooked. She shouldn't be thought of one who merely served her husband but rather one that helped birth a missionary movement through her steadfast faith, prayer, and hard work. She provided the fuel that kept all going even on the darkest night.
Maria is also a character not to be overlooked. She shouldn't be thought of one who merely served her husband but rather one that helped birth a missionary movement through her steadfast faith, prayer, and hard work. She provided the fuel that kept all going even on the darkest night.
February 26, 2015
Tricky to rate a book like this... The 3 stars aren't my judgement on Hudson & Maria Taylor; I loved learning some of their story! Rather, the stars are for the book itself... It was rather matter-of-fact, which I concede is exactly what I prefer a biography to be, but... It falls into the broad expanse of "3 stars: books I'm glad to have read... once."
Do be warned- this is no more or less than the story of Hudson & Maria... The book ends abruptly after Maria's death. I was left wiping away tears and wondering, "But what happens next?!" An epilogue regarding the fate of the Taylors' children and the mission would have been nice... Even polite.
Do be warned- this is no more or less than the story of Hudson & Maria... The book ends abruptly after Maria's death. I was left wiping away tears and wondering, "But what happens next?!" An epilogue regarding the fate of the Taylors' children and the mission would have been nice... Even polite.
January 25, 2022
An incredibly good book. I expected the book to be more about the romance between Hudson & Maria. But in a way, 90% of the book is about missions, showing that the love they had for God was bigger than they had for each other (like one of the prayers in the book also says that they try to love Him more than each other.) I've written down so many notes from the book that I can use as life lessons. It's a recommendation for people interested in Asia, missions, perseverance in faith, marriage and love.
The book is quite challenging to read when you're not a native English speaker, but there's no shame in reading a sentence multiple times and looking up certain words.
This book has touched my heart and encouraged me in my spiritual life.
The book is quite challenging to read when you're not a native English speaker, but there's no shame in reading a sentence multiple times and looking up certain words.
This book has touched my heart and encouraged me in my spiritual life.
June 26, 2023
There is nothing so beautiful as a love story of a young couple thoroughly devoted to God and to each other. Hudson Taylor went to China without the polish of a formal education, but with a zeal for God and a zeal for reaching the unreached millions of Chinese without the Gospel. He met Maria there in China, and despite real opposition from her "friends" they fell in love and were eventually married.
They formed China Inland Mission on faith, trusting God to supply their needs, and He did. Maria suffered from poor health for years, but after twelve and a half years of marriage, God called her home.
I highly recommend this book.
They formed China Inland Mission on faith, trusting God to supply their needs, and He did. Maria suffered from poor health for years, but after twelve and a half years of marriage, God called her home.
I highly recommend this book.
February 19, 2024
This was a wonderful and clarifying supplemental read to the autobiography of Hudson Taylor’s that I read, given that he references maybe twice his marriage to Maria in the autobiography.
The parts of this book that spoke to their increasing devotion to the Lord due to their marriage were my favorites. As well as their responses to dire circumstances and even war. However, I did feel like the title was misleading when it came to large expanses of heavy political and relational detail that didn’t seem completely necessary all of the time.
Overall I’m glad I read it. An encouraging and lovely book.
The parts of this book that spoke to their increasing devotion to the Lord due to their marriage were my favorites. As well as their responses to dire circumstances and even war. However, I did feel like the title was misleading when it came to large expanses of heavy political and relational detail that didn’t seem completely necessary all of the time.
Overall I’m glad I read it. An encouraging and lovely book.
November 5, 2022
I think my main issue with this book is that is a just a biography of Hudson Taylor from his birth to Maria's death. It has some information about their marriage or Maria's contribution but really it is not a book about their marriage.
Also, it is written in too much praise of the Taylors. Since it is published by China Inland Mission there is really no objective discussion of many questionable discussions Hudson made related to evangelism in China.
It is a good overview but written to promote CIM and Taylor.
Also, it is written in too much praise of the Taylors. Since it is published by China Inland Mission there is really no objective discussion of many questionable discussions Hudson made related to evangelism in China.
It is a good overview but written to promote CIM and Taylor.
May 31, 2021
Strangely written! Was not entirely about Hudson & Maria- seemed to go back and forth from being completely about them to nothing at all, and ended abruptly. But Hudson & Maria were interesting, inspiring people, and I enjoyed the read!
December 31, 2018
One of the best missionary biographies I have read so far. Highly recommended
Want to read
November 24, 2020Recommended by an older version of Honey for a Child's Heart book..krb 11/24/20
July 17, 2021
Reveals more of the reality than other biographies of Hudson Taylor. A slower read at the beginning, but I enjoyed his take on Hudson's life.
March 16, 2021
Imagine a group of expats working in China in the 1850s. Two of the young people fall in love. The young man asks the girl’s guardian for permission to marry her—and receives a resounding “No.”
This was Hudson Taylor’s experience. He had come to China as a missionary in 1854. He had been interested in someone else back in England. After a lot of correspondence and angst, he finally accepted the fact that this woman would never consent to go to China.
A few years later, he met Maria Dyer. She and her sister were orphans under the care of a single lady missionary in China. As Hudson and Maria grew attracted to each other, Hudson sent a letter to Maria’s guardian requesting Maria’s hand in marriage.
The guardian, Miss Aldersey, not only said no: she stood over Maria while requiring her to refuse Hudson and request him to never broach the subject again.
Part of Miss Aldersey’s objection was that Hudson was not a “gentleman” by the standards of rank at that time. But more than that, Hudson was unwittingly and not on purpose a polarizing figure at the time.
Anti-foreign sentiment was high in China then. Just the presence of Europeans could start a riot in some areas. On top of that, their foreign ways were a distraction. Once while Hudson was speaking, a man watched him in rapt attention. Hudson thought the gospel was finally breaking through to someone. But the listener questioned him, not about his message, but his jacket: why in the world did it have decorative buttons that didn’t fasten to anything, and what a silly waste was that.
Hudson decided to dress as a Chinese. He shaved his head except for a patch at the back to have extension woven in for the long queue fashionable at the time. He dressed in the style of a Chinese teacher.
And it worked. He could move about freely, and the Chinese were not immediately put off by him. It didn’t take them long to realize he was a foreigner, but his integration into their way of life went a long way toward furthering his mission. In later years, his dress and demeanor also helped establish the fact that he was not trying to establish an English church or convert people to English ways, but to Christ.
But much of the European community found his actions eccentric or even harmful.
By the Victorian standards at the time, Hudson couldn’t just rush over to Maria’s house to talk things out or ask her to meet him at a coffee shop. But as God arranged things, they found a few moments alone together while at a mutual friend’s house. When he found that Maria did love him, he felt he could pursue their engagement.
John Pollack tells their story in Hudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven. He begins with Hudson’s salvation story and leading to China, then he details their work together until Maria's death twelve years after they were married..
Though this book was originally written in the 1960s, the style of writing seems much older to me. But the book is easily readable and well worth one’s time.
My full review is here: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2021/03/....
This was Hudson Taylor’s experience. He had come to China as a missionary in 1854. He had been interested in someone else back in England. After a lot of correspondence and angst, he finally accepted the fact that this woman would never consent to go to China.
A few years later, he met Maria Dyer. She and her sister were orphans under the care of a single lady missionary in China. As Hudson and Maria grew attracted to each other, Hudson sent a letter to Maria’s guardian requesting Maria’s hand in marriage.
The guardian, Miss Aldersey, not only said no: she stood over Maria while requiring her to refuse Hudson and request him to never broach the subject again.
Part of Miss Aldersey’s objection was that Hudson was not a “gentleman” by the standards of rank at that time. But more than that, Hudson was unwittingly and not on purpose a polarizing figure at the time.
Anti-foreign sentiment was high in China then. Just the presence of Europeans could start a riot in some areas. On top of that, their foreign ways were a distraction. Once while Hudson was speaking, a man watched him in rapt attention. Hudson thought the gospel was finally breaking through to someone. But the listener questioned him, not about his message, but his jacket: why in the world did it have decorative buttons that didn’t fasten to anything, and what a silly waste was that.
Hudson decided to dress as a Chinese. He shaved his head except for a patch at the back to have extension woven in for the long queue fashionable at the time. He dressed in the style of a Chinese teacher.
And it worked. He could move about freely, and the Chinese were not immediately put off by him. It didn’t take them long to realize he was a foreigner, but his integration into their way of life went a long way toward furthering his mission. In later years, his dress and demeanor also helped establish the fact that he was not trying to establish an English church or convert people to English ways, but to Christ.
But much of the European community found his actions eccentric or even harmful.
By the Victorian standards at the time, Hudson couldn’t just rush over to Maria’s house to talk things out or ask her to meet him at a coffee shop. But as God arranged things, they found a few moments alone together while at a mutual friend’s house. When he found that Maria did love him, he felt he could pursue their engagement.
John Pollack tells their story in Hudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven. He begins with Hudson’s salvation story and leading to China, then he details their work together until Maria's death twelve years after they were married..
Though this book was originally written in the 1960s, the style of writing seems much older to me. But the book is easily readable and well worth one’s time.
My full review is here: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2021/03/....
March 6, 2014
Discussion points from our book club meeting notes:
We all admire how Hudson Taylor went against the trends of other missionaries to adopt Chinese dress. His choice eliminated a very visible boundary between him and the Chinese. Those who continued to esteem themselves higher (and remain in Western clothes) created distance and conflict, making their mission less influential and more intrusive because it wasn't just appearances--it was ethnocentrism.
Even in modern-day missions, we tend to bring our culture with our evangelism. Whether this be "worn" by a style of worship or a type of church building, the message shows clear to the natives: Christianity is a foreign religion if it must adhere to foreign customs.
Having this biography written by a non-related, third party gave an excellent perspective of Hudson Taylor. He was described as sickly and frail. Others were surprised that he would lead a mission movement. Yet, he so obviously followed God that others were drawn to him and committed to being on his team.
Maria was an exemplary wife. She was of a higher class and better educated, but she didn't look down on her husband but rather lifted him up (in society and in their own family as head of the household). She also had a peace and stability that was easily noticed; she was strong for Hudson and their children, a reliable and faithful wife and mother.
Hudson let nothing sway him from following God wholeheartedly. Even when his reputation was threatened, he continued his work and didn't fight the rumors. He knew what mattered and what would eventually be sorted out.
Taylor's exposition of the Lord's Prayer can sum up the way he lived: he emphasized "that personal petitions take second place, 'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done' precedes 'Give us...Forgive us...' Christian Britain reverses the order: 'Instead of honouring Him with the first fruits of our time, strength and substance, are we not content to offer Him the fragments that remain after our own supposed need is supplied?'"
Some may view Hudson as a super Christian or as the perfect example of a missionary. In reality, he is a man submissive to Christ's leading and passionate about obedience, righteousness, and compassion. We should all look to him as an example to follow--not just as a hero to praise.
We all admire how Hudson Taylor went against the trends of other missionaries to adopt Chinese dress. His choice eliminated a very visible boundary between him and the Chinese. Those who continued to esteem themselves higher (and remain in Western clothes) created distance and conflict, making their mission less influential and more intrusive because it wasn't just appearances--it was ethnocentrism.
Even in modern-day missions, we tend to bring our culture with our evangelism. Whether this be "worn" by a style of worship or a type of church building, the message shows clear to the natives: Christianity is a foreign religion if it must adhere to foreign customs.
Having this biography written by a non-related, third party gave an excellent perspective of Hudson Taylor. He was described as sickly and frail. Others were surprised that he would lead a mission movement. Yet, he so obviously followed God that others were drawn to him and committed to being on his team.
Maria was an exemplary wife. She was of a higher class and better educated, but she didn't look down on her husband but rather lifted him up (in society and in their own family as head of the household). She also had a peace and stability that was easily noticed; she was strong for Hudson and their children, a reliable and faithful wife and mother.
Hudson let nothing sway him from following God wholeheartedly. Even when his reputation was threatened, he continued his work and didn't fight the rumors. He knew what mattered and what would eventually be sorted out.
Taylor's exposition of the Lord's Prayer can sum up the way he lived: he emphasized "that personal petitions take second place, 'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done' precedes 'Give us...Forgive us...' Christian Britain reverses the order: 'Instead of honouring Him with the first fruits of our time, strength and substance, are we not content to offer Him the fragments that remain after our own supposed need is supplied?'"
Some may view Hudson as a super Christian or as the perfect example of a missionary. In reality, he is a man submissive to Christ's leading and passionate about obedience, righteousness, and compassion. We should all look to him as an example to follow--not just as a hero to praise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2013
A brief biography of James Hudson Taylor, magnanimous British missionary to China in the mid 19th to early 20th century. Taylor was indomitable in his zeal for carrying the gospel to Asia despite many obstacle from an unassuming frame, suspect health and no formal education. Venturing into provinces of China where few or no European had ever been, Hudson narrowly escaped death by violent mobs only to acquire illnesses that so swiftly killed men and women only a century-and-a-half ago.
Living in China as a single missionary, Taylor was engaged to Elizabeth Sisson in England but received a letter confessing that she did not love him and would not marry him. At a time in history when letters took 3 months to reach Europe from Asia, Taylor pleaded but eventually accepted that relationship was not to be. Only some time later, Taylor met 21 year-old Maria Dyer. Bombarded by opposition from her 60 year-old guardian Mrs. Aldersley, Maria is forced to write a false letter turning-down Taylor's marriage proposition.
Taylor doesn't stop his pursuit of Maria and eventually they overcome all obstacles and wed. Their love grows throughout the 12 1/2 years of marriage of which 8 children were born. Maria is a great source of encouragement, support and assistance to Taylor. She helped to bring balance to his naturally impulsive and hasty disposition. Maria was a strong intellect and the two were compatible in this respect. Their passion for the lost and hardy endurance were necessary in a time when traveling conditions were constantly dangerous, children frequently died (Only a few of the 8 children born lived to adulthood) and there was little repose from work.
Maria's life was cut short as she contracted Cholera after giving birth to their eighth child (who died a few days after birth). This marriage, short as it was, was a source of joy and is an inspiration for all Christians who serve in ministry and typically never face the trials of Hudson and Maria Taylor
Living in China as a single missionary, Taylor was engaged to Elizabeth Sisson in England but received a letter confessing that she did not love him and would not marry him. At a time in history when letters took 3 months to reach Europe from Asia, Taylor pleaded but eventually accepted that relationship was not to be. Only some time later, Taylor met 21 year-old Maria Dyer. Bombarded by opposition from her 60 year-old guardian Mrs. Aldersley, Maria is forced to write a false letter turning-down Taylor's marriage proposition.
Taylor doesn't stop his pursuit of Maria and eventually they overcome all obstacles and wed. Their love grows throughout the 12 1/2 years of marriage of which 8 children were born. Maria is a great source of encouragement, support and assistance to Taylor. She helped to bring balance to his naturally impulsive and hasty disposition. Maria was a strong intellect and the two were compatible in this respect. Their passion for the lost and hardy endurance were necessary in a time when traveling conditions were constantly dangerous, children frequently died (Only a few of the 8 children born lived to adulthood) and there was little repose from work.
Maria's life was cut short as she contracted Cholera after giving birth to their eighth child (who died a few days after birth). This marriage, short as it was, was a source of joy and is an inspiration for all Christians who serve in ministry and typically never face the trials of Hudson and Maria Taylor
June 2, 2014
I gleaned two interesting insights from this book. First, Hudson was very much afraid of failing at the role of leadership. I can identify with this, and I think many parents can as well. Hudson did not want to lead his small band to their own deaths and disilusionment. He feared that his followers might denounce Christ under torture, or start wondering if God had really led them into such a dark and dismal failure as the Inland Mission might become. This is one of the big things I have struggled with in recent years, having failed at several things recently and realizing that my whole family had been harmed from it. Pollock made a point of resolving this issue toward the end of this book, which I thought was very interesting because it really didn't deal with Maria at all. I am very thankful for that extra chapter, though, because it has had a positive impact in my own life.
The second insight was into Hudson's understanding of Buddhism. I, myself, don't claim to be an expert, but I have studied enough of it to know that the Buddhism described in this book is a far cry from what the original teacher was trying to pass on to his students. It is, in fact, the product of human understanding applied to a higher truth. The Chinese of Hudson's day worshipped golden statues of Buddha as though he were a god. What once had been a kind of discipleship very similar to that of Plato, Aristotle, and even Jesus, had been taken over by a hierarchy of priests and superstitions. I have used this illustration several times to show how even Christians have slipped into idol worship by not understanding the true teachings of Christ. When Jesus just becomes another statue we pray to, we're no better than those "pagan" Chinese that Taylor was trying to evangelize.
The second insight was into Hudson's understanding of Buddhism. I, myself, don't claim to be an expert, but I have studied enough of it to know that the Buddhism described in this book is a far cry from what the original teacher was trying to pass on to his students. It is, in fact, the product of human understanding applied to a higher truth. The Chinese of Hudson's day worshipped golden statues of Buddha as though he were a god. What once had been a kind of discipleship very similar to that of Plato, Aristotle, and even Jesus, had been taken over by a hierarchy of priests and superstitions. I have used this illustration several times to show how even Christians have slipped into idol worship by not understanding the true teachings of Christ. When Jesus just becomes another statue we pray to, we're no better than those "pagan" Chinese that Taylor was trying to evangelize.
February 6, 2017
After reading It Is Not Death to Die: A New Biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty, I saw an advertisement for this book in the back and I was intrigued. I was already inspired by Hudson Taylor and Maria's love story and the miraculous way God brought them together to serve the Lord, so I was excited to read this biography that covered a little of Hudson's early years and the time leading up to where he met Maria and then their 12 years of God honoring marriage.
What I Liked: Even though there were some stories that I had already heard, I enjoyed a fresh perspective of these events. Every author writes differently and one thing I really enjoyed about this book were the journal and letter snippets provided. It really made both Hudson and Maria, along with a few other missionaries, come alive.
Through this book I have come to an even greater realization of what wonderful, Godly people the Taylor family was. Were they perfect? Oh, no. They were sinners just like the rest of us and learned several painful lessons along the way, but I was inspired by their ever present desire to please and honor their Lord and Savior and to make Him known among the Chinese. I really admire these heroes of the faith and pray that I might be given the courage to make Christ's name known as they did.
What I Didn't Like: There wasn't anything that I disliked in this book.
I give this book 5 stars for an excellent biography on the lives and marriage of Hudson and Maria Taylor. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy biographies and desire to be encouraged in their own walks with the Lord.
What I Liked: Even though there were some stories that I had already heard, I enjoyed a fresh perspective of these events. Every author writes differently and one thing I really enjoyed about this book were the journal and letter snippets provided. It really made both Hudson and Maria, along with a few other missionaries, come alive.
Through this book I have come to an even greater realization of what wonderful, Godly people the Taylor family was. Were they perfect? Oh, no. They were sinners just like the rest of us and learned several painful lessons along the way, but I was inspired by their ever present desire to please and honor their Lord and Savior and to make Him known among the Chinese. I really admire these heroes of the faith and pray that I might be given the courage to make Christ's name known as they did.
What I Didn't Like: There wasn't anything that I disliked in this book.
I give this book 5 stars for an excellent biography on the lives and marriage of Hudson and Maria Taylor. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy biographies and desire to be encouraged in their own walks with the Lord.
February 9, 2014
Excellent book. Hudson Taylor, like George Mueller learned to trust God for all of his needs. Unlike some of the other books I've read this showed a very human man who just wanted and needed to marry and would have done so, had Father God not foiled all well intentions to do so before Maria. She was the perfect partner for this God centered man. To know the issues of bureaucracy involved behind supporting of missions in addition to charting new territory in an area that could be highly dangerous and unfruitful if it were not for the grace and will of God.
October 27, 2016
This book spoke volumes to me. So many things were made clear in my mind. Being a missionary is something the Lord has placed on my heart and Hudson had the same calling. Being able to see how God worked in his life and how he placed all his trust in the Lord was truly amazing.
Even though at times it is hards to understand the situations hudson is in. The book makes it clear that his focus in on the Lord. The only thing I disliked about this book is how sometimes the author rambles on about location when it isn't that important.
Even though at times it is hards to understand the situations hudson is in. The book makes it clear that his focus in on the Lord. The only thing I disliked about this book is how sometimes the author rambles on about location when it isn't that important.
May 3, 2016
I've read several biographies of Hudson Taylor. This one is one of the best I've read. Pollock seems especially sensitive to correcting the record that earlier biographers made, thus portraying a more balanced Christian couple. I appreciated his approach. While the biography only handles a portion of Taylor's life, Pollock's writing is readable and yet complete.
December 11, 2018
I read a new edition of this 1962 classic published by OMF (this edition not on Goodreads). Although heavy going at times, this book provides a fascinating glimpse of their romance and subsequent marriage. Although this book is heartbreaking at times, it is well worth a read; the ending in particular made me very thankful for my own husband and the happiness we share.
May 2, 2008
I *just* finished this book. It's definitely a must-read!!!
May 10, 2012
Encouraging story of a man's faith in God, and the troubles he goes through to live out that faith. The book ends with the death of Maria - I must do more research on the rest of Hudson's life.
July 15, 2012
Had to read this book for school. Maybe it got over-analyzed. From what I remember, I can only give it 2 stars.
March 20, 2017
Great life story of such a humble Godly man, a man of action
November 26, 2010
great history
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews