Title: Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
Author: F. Howard Taylor
First published January 1, 1932
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780802400291 (ISBN10: 0802400299)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
Uncover the extraordinary life of Hudson Taylor, the daring missionary who left everything behind to bring the gospel to China. Though he faced countless obstacles, from poverty to persecution, Taylor’s unwavering love for the Chinese people and his deep faith in God sustained him through it all.
In “HUDSON TAYLOR’S SPIRITUAL SECRET,” F. Howard Taylor tells the inspiring story of a man who learned to rely completely on God in the face of hardship and tribulation.
This stirring biography will challenge you to live a life of faith and trust in God’s plan for your life. RUNNING TIME ⇒ 7hrs.
and 16mins. Public Domain (P)2011 christianaudio.com.
About the Author
F. Howard Taylor, also known as Frederick Howard Taylor, was a British missionary, author, and speaker who dedicated his life to spreading the Protestant Christian faith in China.
He was born in London in 1862, just as his father, James Hudson Taylor, was founding the China Inland Mission. At the age of four, Howard traveled with his parents and siblings to China aboard the Lammermuir, enduring a perilous four-month journey during which the ship was nearly wrecked by two typhoons.
Despite the challenges, the family settled in China and Howard’s father established himself as a prominent figure in the missionary community.
However, tragedy struck when Howard’s sister, Grace Dyer Taylor, died of meningitis soon after their arrival in China. The family faced further danger during the Yangzhou riot in 1868, when they were nearly killed by a rioting mob.
Eventually, in 1870, Howard and his surviving siblings were sent back to London to live with a caregiver named Emily Blatchley, while their parents remained in China. Sadly, Howard’s mother passed away soon after their return home.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Howard enrolled in the Royal London Hospital medical college and earned his diploma in 1888. He went on to receive a Doctor of Medicine degree from London University, and was later appointed as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and a Member of the Royal College of Physicians.
Howard was an accomplished student and received high honors in his postgraduate studies.
Throughout his life, Howard maintained a close relationship with his father. In 1888, he accompanied Hudson Taylor on his first tour of North America, during which the elder Taylor shared the needs of the Chinese missionary community.
Howard was deeply moved by his father’s speeches, particularly when Hudson spoke to young students. Howard felt a strong calling to pursue missionary work in China and attended a Missionary Convention organized by the Students Foreign Missionary Union in 1889.
At the convention, over 1500 students attended and 152 pledged to “engage in foreign missionary work.” Howard was the first to sign the pledge, and he wrote his name as “Taylor, F Howard, MD, MRCP, FRCS (England), the London Hospital.”
Editoral Review
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret: A Review
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, published in 1932, is a classic biography of the 19th-century missionary to China written by his son, F. Howard Taylor.
The book is a fascinating insight into the faith and experiences of one of the most influential Christian missionaries of all time, and a testimony to his unwavering dedication to spreading the message of the Gospel in China. The book chronicles the life of Hudson Taylor, from his humble beginnings as a young man in England to his epic travels to China, where he founded the China Inland Mission.
It details his struggles with illness, his financial difficulties, and his personal relationships, as well as the challenges he faced in spreading Christianity in a foreign land. Despite these obstacles, Taylor never wavered in his faith, and his message of love and hope spread throughout China, eventually transforming the country and paving the way for the modern Chinese church.
The book is not only a testament to Taylor’s life and faith; it is also a powerful exploration of the challenges and triumphs of missionary work, and a valuable insight into the history and culture of China. F.
Howard Taylor’s writing style in Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret is clear and direct, making the book easy to read and engaging for both Christians and non-Christians alike. The author’s use of anecdotes and personal recollections also adds a personal touch to the narrative, making the subject matter more relatable and interesting.
The book is not without its flaws, however. At times, it can be overly sentimental or hagiographical, portraying Taylor as a saintly figure rather than a human being with flaws and weaknesses.
The pacing of the book can also be slow at times, particularly in its early chapters. Despite these minor criticisms, Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Christian missions or the life and faith of Hudson Taylor.
Its message of hope, courage, and faith in the face of adversity is as relevant today as it was when the book was first published. The book is recommended for both Christians and non-Christians alike, as it provides a valuable insight into the history and culture of China, the challenges of missionary work, and the personal struggles and triumphs of one of the most influential Christian figures of all time.
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret receives a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its engaging writing style, compassionate storytelling, and inspiring message of faith and hope.
