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It Is Not Death to Die
Hudson Taylors philosophy was simple there is a living God, he has spoken in the Bible. He means what he says, and will do all that he is promised. Motivated by a love for God and for his fellow man, his desire was to see Christ glorified in people coming to faith, particularly the Chinese. This honest account will capture your imagination!
512 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 2, 2016
Hudson Taylor ranks high on my list of spiritual heroes, and I have made it a point to read every work associated with him and his ministry that I have been able to obtain. I have read the classic biographies of his life multiple times. This book falls short of them. First, it is not particularly well written. The prose doesn't flow, and the author does a better job of retelling facts for the most part well known than he does of engaging the reader with the life of Hudson Taylor. Many of the sentences and paragraphs read like a much older work, reminiscent of biographies written a hundred years ago, but in a stilted, unnatural way. If you are looking to read about Hudson Taylor for the first time, I would recommend reading his own autobiography first, and then any of the editions authored by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.
May 21, 2014
I had the privilege of finishing this biography of Hudson Taylor on his 182nd birthday!
April 15, 2018
It took me quite some time to work through this book.
A very detailed account, sometimes laborious in its stilted prose, that revealed the remarkable deeds worked through this remarkable man by his faithful and almighty God.
The inclusion of excerpts from personal correspondence between Hudson & co. reveal a compelling faith and trust in God.
A good, although sometimes slow, read.
A very detailed account, sometimes laborious in its stilted prose, that revealed the remarkable deeds worked through this remarkable man by his faithful and almighty God.
The inclusion of excerpts from personal correspondence between Hudson & co. reveal a compelling faith and trust in God.
A good, although sometimes slow, read.
February 22, 2025
Hallelujah, I’m finished with this book! The life of Hudson Taylor is interesting but this very looong book (475 pages) is poorly written. Lots of minutia and then only a sentence or two devoted to very significant events. There were times I was confused about how events took place, which is just not necessary when your book is this long.
January 5, 2018
This is the most thorough biography of Hudson Taylor.
February 22, 2026
The best biography on Taylor
November 28, 2016
This book is definitely going in my top 10 favorite books of 2016 and will probably make it into the top five, as well. I've known about Hudson Taylor for quite some time and knew he was a missionary to China, but I was eager to delve into this lengthy biography by the very talented author, Jim Cromarty. If you were to take a look at my copy post-read, then you would notice several passages that I wanted to remember underlined in pencil. That's how much I loved this book. And believe me, I don't mark in my books with either pencil or pen very often!
What I Liked: This was a VERY extensive look at the life of Hudson Taylor, pretty much from birth (and even before then, as the author took a look at his grandparents), until his death. As I read through this book, I realized what a truly great man of God Mr. Taylor was and can't wait to meet him someday in heaven. He and his family have inspired me so much as a believer in Christ.
It was really neat to read of his younger years and the events leading up to his deciding to become a missionary to China. I was also very encouraged by his trust in the Lord; it was clear that it was not easy, but it was always the road he chose and this area was especially evident in the search for a wife, and finances. Hudson desired to marry before leaving for the mission field, but when that desire did not come to fruition, he did not know how God was going to give him a spouse. In his mind, it was impossible, but nothing is impossible with God and He provides above and beyond. Hudson also trusted God with his finances, literally when he did not have any money in the bank, God continued to provide and it was inspiring to read of the stories where God provided again....and again...and again! I'm afraid that you will just have to read the book to discover how God worked amazingly in the life of His servant.
Hudson seemed to serve endlessly, even when he was so tired and sick. I am resolved to live my life more selflessly for God.
The women in this story were also very encouraging. They worked selflessly alongside their husbands, (and some as single women). Both of the Mrs. Taylors served alongside Hudson amazingly, even when circumstances were horrible and their respect, care, and love for their spouse showed throughout the pages of this book. I was sad to hear of Maria's early death, but was happy that Hudson found joy in Jennie after some time grieving the loss of his first wife.
I could really go on and on about this book, but I shall soon end this review. Was Mr. Taylor and his family perfect? Of course not. But these heroes of the faith have been such an inspiration and have encouraged me in my walk with Christ.
What I Didn't Like: I will say that a few passages in this book were kind of difficult to understand in the way it was written. I found myself having to re-read a few parts because I did not quite understand what was going on and felt things could be clarified a bit more. But I think that is the only negative thing I have to say about this book, and others might not even find this an issue. Perhaps it is just me. :)
I give this book 5 stars for an excellent biography. This is definitely a new favorite of mine.
What I Liked: This was a VERY extensive look at the life of Hudson Taylor, pretty much from birth (and even before then, as the author took a look at his grandparents), until his death. As I read through this book, I realized what a truly great man of God Mr. Taylor was and can't wait to meet him someday in heaven. He and his family have inspired me so much as a believer in Christ.
It was really neat to read of his younger years and the events leading up to his deciding to become a missionary to China. I was also very encouraged by his trust in the Lord; it was clear that it was not easy, but it was always the road he chose and this area was especially evident in the search for a wife, and finances. Hudson desired to marry before leaving for the mission field, but when that desire did not come to fruition, he did not know how God was going to give him a spouse. In his mind, it was impossible, but nothing is impossible with God and He provides above and beyond. Hudson also trusted God with his finances, literally when he did not have any money in the bank, God continued to provide and it was inspiring to read of the stories where God provided again....and again...and again! I'm afraid that you will just have to read the book to discover how God worked amazingly in the life of His servant.
Hudson seemed to serve endlessly, even when he was so tired and sick. I am resolved to live my life more selflessly for God.
The women in this story were also very encouraging. They worked selflessly alongside their husbands, (and some as single women). Both of the Mrs. Taylors served alongside Hudson amazingly, even when circumstances were horrible and their respect, care, and love for their spouse showed throughout the pages of this book. I was sad to hear of Maria's early death, but was happy that Hudson found joy in Jennie after some time grieving the loss of his first wife.
I could really go on and on about this book, but I shall soon end this review. Was Mr. Taylor and his family perfect? Of course not. But these heroes of the faith have been such an inspiration and have encouraged me in my walk with Christ.
What I Didn't Like: I will say that a few passages in this book were kind of difficult to understand in the way it was written. I found myself having to re-read a few parts because I did not quite understand what was going on and felt things could be clarified a bit more. But I think that is the only negative thing I have to say about this book, and others might not even find this an issue. Perhaps it is just me. :)
I give this book 5 stars for an excellent biography. This is definitely a new favorite of mine.
March 6, 2017
What a wonderful man! What an amazing life he lived. While the story was interesting it was very long. It contains a lot of information about who was who in the CIM and what China's political situation was at the time. If you are looking for a more personal biography on Taylor alone I would direct you to another one, but this was well researched I thought.
February 17, 2015
Really enjoying this book. I am trying to read a few pages a day in my daily devotions and usually can manage a chapter as they are fairly short. Informative, encouraging and challenging. Have read about his early life, his conversion and his training in the medical field. He has just reached China. Will add more as time goes by.
It is a book I really look forward to reading and I decided to do something different in my life after reading something in this book. Can't say that about many books.
It is a book I really look forward to reading and I decided to do something different in my life after reading something in this book. Can't say that about many books.
August 15, 2014
It was so great to learn more about Hudson Taylor's life. His faith and reliance on God is inspiring to read about. I won't lie and say that this lengthy book held my attention from beginning to end - it definitely did take me a while to get through! But it was worth it, and I'm so glad that I read it.
Jim Cromarty did a great job on this. Even though this book is about Hudson Taylor, the true focus is on God. And I know that's how Hudson Taylor would want it to be.
March 4, 2014
Very long and dry, but informative. Severely lacking in citations, but again, informative.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews