Customer Reviews

Hudson Taylor And Maria (History Makers)

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4 star:		(2)
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This book, by John Pollock, presents an accurate, compelling portrait of two of the greatest missionaries who ever lived and worked in China. It tells of Hudson & Maria's beginnings, their lives, their marriage, their missionary work in China, and the end of the marriage of 12 and half years when Maria died. Overall, a book that shows God's sovereignty and hand in every affair of man's. I would definately recommend reading this book if you are interested in missions work. I rated the book down one star because I found several grammatical errors in the book, and I also thought the author could have included more information about Maria's life.

Of the biographies I've read on Hudson Taylor, John Pollock's is easily my favourite and probably the best of the three. The author is open in his assessment, the good and the bad, and you certainly feel engaged when you read `Hudson Taylor and Maria'. The author takes us from Hudson's childhood through to the death us his 1st wife Maria. Indeed, it is the relationship with Maria that forms the core of our story.

In his early twenties, he accepted the invitation to join the Chinese Evangelisation Society (C.E.S.) and made his way out to the treaty port of Shanghai. Almost immediately his troubles began. No-one knew he was coming, so no plans were made for his arrival. Unfortunately this set the pattern for Hudson as he had to rely on other established missionary agencies for help and assistance. He managed on only a fraction of the support promised to him by the C.E.S and had to get by with meagre rations. Back home the C.E.S, while genuine and well-intentioned had borrowed money and gone into debt. At only 25, he felt he had no option but to resign from the C.E.S. while still in China and with no sure means of support. On one occasion he referred to the C.E.S as "his thorn in the flesh".

Of course, it was not all one-way traffic. In letters home to his parents he was "appalled at the laziness of missionaries". A respected missionary once remarked of him in his early days as "a dreamer, not idle - but aimless". By his own admission he could be quick-tempered. Even in his later years he expected C.I.M (China Inland mission) candidates to follow his instructions to the point were "his word was law". He suffered severe loneliness in the early years of ministry and perhaps it is best not to be critical on someone who found himself in such challenging circumstances.

No doubt, the resolute determination he exhibited was the thing that carried him through the hardships, robbery & persecutions. And although in these trials he felt honoured to serve for the sake of Christ, it was the disdain of fellow missionaries that really hurt him when he chose to adopt the dress code of the locals. Hudson Taylor is infamous as the missionary who shaved his hair, grew a pigtail and dressed like the Chinese. Unfortunately, it was this stand that caused him so much pain. He believed it the correct thing to do to win China for Christ and insisted that all new missionary candidates do likewise. Looking back with hindsight we can see the wisdom in it but it caused much division at the time. Some missionaries laughed, others were disgusted feeling he had disparaged his dignified British heritage.

John Pollock writes beautifully and with great affection of the relationship between Hudson and Maria. Their author does a masterful piece on their courtship which is worth reading over and over again. However, it almost never happened! Maria and her sister taught in a mission school under the direction of Miss Aldersey. The nicest thing to say about Miss Aldersey was that she meant well. Miss Aldersey was an eccentric self-appointed guardian to Maria and her sister. She despised Hudson Taylor, lied about him and made every attempt to thwart their friendship. The more sensible missionary community assisted Hudson and Maria. Miss Aldersey felt betrayed and never reconciled herself to Hudson. A real shame that such an experienced Christian missionary working for the same cause refused to be united for the good of China.

Maria was just the girl for Hudson. Gone were the bouts of depression and loneliness. She brought balance, common sense and stability to Hudson's drive. She made him take time of to rest and holiday. "A Lady in an age that set much store on good breeding". She had a good education and was herself a good educator. She spoke excellent Chinese and was the perfect partner. She polished Hudson removing his cumbersome style, indeed; he became a better man because of her.

Hudson Taylor had his failings, but he was a man after Gods own heart. The difficulties he overcame would have crushed a lesser man. The two great qualities I find in Pollock's Taylor were his faith and his prayer life. It was said of Hudson Taylor "that the sun never rose over China but it didn't find him in prayer". In regard to his faith he more than once expressed "Gods work done Gods way will not lack Gods supply". Outstanding!

I'm not the kind to sit down and read a book...I much prefer more active occupations. But this was recommended to me by two people who know me well, and I am so glad I bought it/read it. It is so encouraging and so touching. There are a lot of books about Hudson Taylor's life and works, but this one is focused more on his personal life and relationship with his wife that allowed him to do all that he did. All I could think as I was reading it is that this is what marriage is supposed to be. I think I read the whole book in one sitting, which is unheard of for me. I highly recommend this book. I've even bought it for several friends.