The Remarkable Life of One of Christianity’s Greatest Missionary Pioneers—Told in His Own Words
James Hudson Taylor (1832–1905) was more than a missionary—he was a movement. As the founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM), Taylor’s legacy includes over 800 missionaries sent to China, 18,000 Christian conversions, and hundreds of mission stations established across all 18 provinces of the country. But behind those staggering numbers is a deeply personal story of sacrifice, faith, and obedience.
In J. Hudson Taylor: An Autobiography, originally published as A Retrospect, Taylor shares his own journey—from his spiritual awakening and call to the mission field, to the early struggles, cultural challenges, and moments of divine providence that defined his life. Taylor's deep trust in God, his revolutionary willingness to adopt Chinese dress and customs, and his nondenominational vision for global evangelism set him apart as a model for missions even today.
What makes this autobiography so powerful?
It is a firsthand account from one of the most influential Protestant missionaries in history
It gives a vivid picture of 19th-century missionary life in China
It shows what it truly means to walk by faith, often with nothing but God to lean on
It inspires readers with timeless lessons on calling, humility, perseverance, and cultural sensitivity
Taylor’s writing is personal, reflective, and saturated with Scripture. It will stir your heart, challenge your faith, and expand your vision for what God can do through one life wholly surrendered to Him.
Perfect for readers of Christian biography, mission-minded believers, and anyone interested in how one life can change the world.
James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China, and founder of the China Inland Mission. The society that he began was responsible for bringing over 800 missionaries to the country who began 125 schools and directly resulted in 18,000 Christian conversions, as well as the establishment of more than 300 stations of work with more than 500 local helpers in all eighteen provinces. He wrote a book called China's Spiritual Need and Claims in 1865 which was instrumental in generating sympathy for China and volunteers for the mission field, who began to go out in 1862. Taylor was known for his sensitivity to Chinese culture and zeal for evangelism. He adopted wearing native Chinese clothing even though this was rare among missionaries of that time. Under his leadership, the CIM was singularly nondenominational in practice and accepted members from all Protestant groups, including individuals from the working class and single women as well as multinational recruits. Primarily because of the CIM's campaign against the Opium trade, Taylor has been referred to as one of the most significant Europeans to visit China in the 19th Century. In this book, Taylor tells his own story--from his call to the mission field through his early mission experiences--"In Retrospect."
