J. Hudson Taylor’s Retrospect

James Hudson Taylor [1832-1905] currently ranks #4 in my poll of missionaries on the Theology on the Web Facebook Group. Unable to find a missionary society willing to sponsor him, he founded the China Inland Mission (now Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) and he and 16 others sailed for China in 1866. J.D. Douglas writes:

Taylor’s fervor was matched by pioneering audacity. He adopted Chinese dress and customs, paired foreign missionaries with national Christians, directly solicited no funds (“Jehovah-jireh” was a favourite word), and saw the establishment of churches as less important than the task of presenting the gospel to as many as possible before the Lord’s return. No distance board controlled the mission; decisions were take on the field. BY 1891 Taylor led some 64 workers, but his influence and his principles extended far beyond CIM. He mobilized and motivated people for worldwide mission. [Evangelical Dictionary of World Missions, p.931]

In this short book Hudson Taylor explains the circumstances that led to the formation of the China Inland Mission.

James Hudson Taylor [1832-1905], A Retrospect. London: Morgan & Scott, n.d. Hbk. pp.128. [Download complete book in PDF]

Contents

1. The Power of Prayer
2. The Call of Service
3. Preparation For Service
4. Further Answers to Prayer
5. Life in London
6. Strengthened by Faith
7. Mighty to Save
8. Voyage to China
9. Early Missionary Experiences
10. First Evangelistic Efforts
11. With the Rev. W.C. Burns
12. The Call to Swatow “The Missionary Call”: Words and Music
13. Man Proposes, God Disposes
14. Providential Guidance
15. Settlement in Ningpo
16. Timely Supplies
17. God a Refuge For Us
18. A New Agency Needed
19. Formation of the C.I.M.