Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret (Moody Classics) [Paperback]

Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor (Author), George Verwer (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 1, 2009 | Series: Moody Classics

Now with a new foreword by George Verwer.

A spiritual biography of the "father of modern missions," Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret poses the question: What empowered Hudson Taylor's ministry in China?  The answer: a fierce faith that believed God truly would fulfill the promises in His Word. Written by the missionary statesman's son and daughter-in-law, this book is intended for Christians who "need and long for just the inward joy and power that Hudson Taylor found." Hudson Taylor's secret, it turns out, is available to any who call on Christ's name.

"An easy, non-self-denying life will never be one of power," Taylor said. "Fruit-bearing involves cross-bearing. There are not two Christs--an easygoing one for easygoing Christians, and a suffering, toiling one for exceptional believers. There is only one Christ. Are you willing to abide in Him, and thus to bear much fruit?"

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

God Will Meet Your Every Need!

It is possible to live a life that is totally dependent on Christ for everything. The many miraculous answers to prayer that missionary Hudson Taylor experienced are exciting testimonies of God's gracious provision. His life illustrates:

––What is needed to endure trials
––How faith is strengthened
––How to rely on the promises of God
––The rewards of sacrifice and perseverance
––How to discern God's purpose for your life

Through Hudson Taylor's example, discover how you, too, can overcome hardships, experience miracles, and enjoy a life of contagious faith and joy. By following scriptural principles, you can know the fulfillment of God's perfect will for your life.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee."
(Isaiah 26:3) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

DR. FREDERICK HOWARD TAYLOR (1862-1946) was a British missionary to China and the son, James Hudson Taylor, the founder of China Inland Mission. He completed his diploma at the Royal London Hospital in 1888 Howard and his wife, GERALDINE, wrote several books about his father's ministry and their own experiences in China.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802456588
• ISBN-13: 978-0802456588
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.9 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Evangelism > Missions & Missionary Work

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An example of faith. September 7, 2000

By L. Louie

Format:Mass Market Paperback

This book refreshed my spirit. It reminded me how good God is and how all things work together for good to them that love God. This book included excerpts and stories of Mr. Taylor's exploits in China.

I was amazed at the simplicity and honesty of the writing. It included his coming to faith, his struggles as a Christian, and him abiding in Jesus Christ in different situations. During times of crisis and during times of rejoicing, the constant in Mr. Taylor's life was the faithfulness of a loving God. I was deeply moved and humbled by his life.

Whether you want to be a missionary or just wondering what God's will is for your life, this book provides insight through the example of Hudson Taylor's life. An awesome read!

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and a testimony of God working in men. October 21, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

A book for missionaries, which indeed we all are for Christ. This is a thrilling true story of one man's relationship to our Lord and what his life becomes in service to Him. All those who have dedicated their lives to Christ can learn a lot about living out the faith and what God can do when you put your entire being into His loving hands. What this man, Hudson Taylor, does in China, we have assurance that God also wants to do in our lives even right where we are. A blessing for the indivual reader, and subsequently for those around, affected by the ministry inspired.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars what an amazing life January 11, 2005

By hospitaltony

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I've read other biographies of other christian giants & pioneers, but this one stands apart because of how well the Taylors and friends documented their lives. Interspersed within this succinct yet colorful biography, the authors (Hudson Taylor's son and daugther-in-law) share numerous letters written to and from Mr. Taylor throughout his life. These precious letters prove to be jam packed with spiritual wisdom and insight. They provide us with an unique "inside look" into a practical man who was utterly captured by God's purposes.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A good book October 30, 2001

By NY Reader

Format:Paperback

I read this book and found it inspiring and helpful. I particularly found the secret that Hudson Taylor speaks of relevant to transforming and deepening immensely my own walk with God. Not only I, but years ago my father's life was dramatically changed as he was inspired to have faith in the God who took care of Hudson Taylor as a missionary in China. After reading this book my father was able to put confidence in the Lord to take care of him as he stepped out into full time Christian service. (Hudson Taylor relied on God to provide for all of his needs and would not tell others what his financial needs were. God was faithful to meet all of Taylor's needs as well as the missionary society he founded. But there is far more in this book than that).

If you are looking for a deeper, intimate walk with God then read this book. Or if you struggle with living faithfully, joyfully and consistently for the Lord then read this book. The spiritual transformation that occured to Hudson Taylor took place after years of service on the mission field. Many Christians, like Hudson Taylor did, will benefit to find the secret of that transformation. I did.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Life-changing October 10, 1999

By Elizabeth

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read this book years ago at the age of fifteen. It truly changed my life. This book, the books of Amy Carmichael, and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis have all been vital in the direction which my life has taken.

Elizabeth Skoglund author of Divine Recycling: Living Above Your Circumstances

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Modeling a Life of Faith June 18, 2001

By Guy Shields

Format:Mass Market Paperback

This little book is huge in terms of its presentation of a life lived exclusively by faith in God. It presents the life of a man who learned through the challenges and trials of 50 years of missionary outreach to inland China the faithfulness of God to supply every need. This book will touch your heart; it will challenge you with respect to your own commitment to trusting in the faithfulness of God, and it will encourage you to live by faith through the example of an ordinary man who did just that.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An awe inspiring story of love and its true meaning March 20, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Mass Market Paperback

It is very difficult to express my innermost feelings as I read this book. The love of a man for His God and the people of China is unfathomable. His intimacy with his Heavenly Father is a relationship to be desired and sought after. A love for a people God instilled within him. Words cannot express what is in between the covers of this book. His work in China will last because of the everlasing God that he served and China will never be the same. He and his family gave all. His work goes on in the Spirit which he was so in one with. Only God knows how many people have and will be touched because of the love he had for his God and the people whom he served so many years not out of duty but out of love, with sacrifice and great cost to himself and family. A sacrifice that they did not even consider as one but as a privilege. This is not one you will read once but many times and encourage others to read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing read! July 11, 2006

By Steve Loo

Format:Paperback

This book was powerful. It was well-written and captured the pioneering spirit of Hudson Taylor. I also appreciated how this autobiography captured firsthand the impressions that Dr. Taylor made on others. This book was truly inspiring - especially the sections where it chronicles Taylor's inner struggles of finding his joy and sufficiency in Christ, the many instances when God answered his prayers during times of his greatest need, and his devotion to his family.