Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret

Abstract:
In their book Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor relate the story of Hudson Taylor’s missions work in China. The first chapter of the book serves as an introduction to Hudson Taylor’s life. The second chapter tells the story of Hudson Taylor’s conversion or “new found joy.” The third and fourth chapters tell of Hudson Taylor’s “Steps of Faith,” relating the story of his education and his giving up the “the love that had become part of his very life, that he might be unhindered in following Christ.” The next chapter tells how Taylor “cut himself off from possible sources of supply,” so he could try and strengthen his faith. It also tells of Taylor’s departure and arrival in Shanghai, China in 1845 five months later. It further tells his initial struggles in China to find residence and meet expenditures during the war.

The following chapter tells of his journeys to other areas of china over the next two years. The journeys were dangerous and he found “his medical equipment of the greatest value in opening the way to people’s hearts.” The next chapter tells of his time in Ningpo and the troubles that arose because of threats and rebellion and Taylor’s marriage. The next chapter starts with making the house on Bridge Street Taylor’s home. In this chapter he also organizes a group to over see Dr. Parker’s hospital.

The ninth chapter starts with “Hudson Taylor’s strength failing rapidly,” and his returning home. The author refers to these as the hidden years. It also covers the revision of the Ningpo New Testament. The Next chapter continues with the Taylor’s in London and a trip to the coast where Hudson received the burden to pray for more missionaries. It was here he felt the conviction to lead these new missionaries. The next chapter tells of the instant success financially and staff wise of his new endeavor.

The eleventh chapter tells of the first missionaries to leave for China in 1866 and the troubles they face while trying to find residency and the passing of the Taylor’s daughters. They also recount the story of riots and financial blessings. The next chapter retells stories of sever financial distress and blessings that met the missionaries and their company. The next chapter deals with the change in hearts of Taylor and the missions.

The following chapter sees the passing of their son as they prepare to send their kids to London to receive a proper education. They tell of the severe heat and unrest the accompanied this summer in china. They write that “the troubles of the time were not allowed to hinder the spiritual side of the work.” They saw the passing of another son during that time and the worsening of Mrs. Taylor’s health and her death. The chapter ends with the health worries of Mr. Taylor.

The sixteenth chapter begins to wrap the story up. Mr. Taylor is in England and running the mission from there by doing office work. It was during this time that MR. Taylor asked his companions in London “have you faith to join me in laying hold upon God for eighteen men to go two and two to the nine unevangelized provinces [of china]?” It was also here that Mr. Taylor returned to China and married again. It is in this chapter that they write the secret “just role the bourdon to the Lord.” They also cover the expansion of the missions in china to the further interior.

The 18th chapter ends the story talking summarizing Taylor’s views and struggles saying “the hardest part of a missionary career, is to maintain regular, prayerful Bible study.” The book ends by pointing out that “Hudson Taylor stopped at no sacrifice in following Christ.

Concrete:
College was a time of my life I’ve felt like Hudson Taylor. It seemed when I was making my choice of schools and majors I had two choices. I could have chosen a financially safe route or I could have chosen the route I felt called to but didn’t see financial security in.

Becoming engaged has been the same way as my college decision was and most of the book was. I was lead to make a decision to follow God’s leading or go my own way. My way had apparent freedoms and less financial burdens but I choose to go God’s way and become engaged.

Reflection:
Where is the mission now?

I was confused as to who wrote the book, maybe I missed that part but I wasn’t sure.

Action:
I want to learn to trust God with my finances. I will increase my tithe and offerings so I can help the kingdom of God and experience God’s blessing

I will also learn to be content by what I have by seeking God through prayer and scripture and not seeking to accumulate wealth and possessions.