Hudson Taylor, a pioneering missionary to China, is renowned for his deep faith and commitment to spreading the Gospel. His life and work left a lasting impact on global missions, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and trust in divine provision, as reflected in his Hudson Taylor quotes.
Hudson Taylor Quotes
“When I cannot read, when I cannot think, when I cannot even pray, I can trust.”
This quote highlights the importance of faith and trust in God during moments of weakness and inability, reinforcing that even in the most challenging times, trust in Him remains a steadfast option.
“Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”
Hudson Taylor emphasizes the need for spiritual alignment before starting daily activities, just as a musician must tune their instrument before playing.
“All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.”
This quote reminds us that human strength alone is not enough to achieve greatness; it is through reliance on God’s power that ordinary individuals accomplish extraordinary feats.
“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
Hudson Taylor reassures that when we work according to God’s will, He will always provide the necessary resources, whether spiritual or material.
“There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.”
This quote reflects the often challenging journey of fulfilling God’s purposes. Great accomplishments typically begin with impossibility, followed by difficulties, and eventually, success.
“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize that He is able to carry out His will for me.”
Here, Hudson Taylor speaks to the peace that comes from trusting in God’s plan, where anxiety dissipates because of the assurance that God will fulfill His will in our lives.
“Depend on it. God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
This repeated affirmation emphasizes the certainty that when we engage in work that aligns with God’s will, we can be confident that He will provide the necessary resources and support.
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”
Hudson Taylor underscores the urgency and necessity of spreading the Gospel, treating it not as a choice but as a divine mandate for every believer.
“God isn’t looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him.”
This quote reminds us that faith is not about size or strength, but about a willingness to follow God’s guidance with obedience and trust.
“It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies — whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart.”
Hudson Taylor explains that the challenges we face are less important than how we respond to them, urging us to let pressure bring us closer to God rather than distancing us.
“God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him.”
Here, Taylor highlights that God often uses those who recognize their own weaknesses, as they are the ones most likely to depend on His strength and guidance.
“It is not so much the greatness of our troubles, as the littleness of our spirit, which makes us complain.”
This quote invites us to reflect on our own attitudes, suggesting that it’s often our lack of faith or patience that makes challenges seem insurmountable.
“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s provision.”
Once again, Hudson Taylor affirms the idea that God will always provide when we follow His lead in our work, reinforcing the concept of divine supply.
“Not by discussions nor by argument, but by lifting up Christ shall we draw men unto Him.”
Taylor emphasizes that our actions and lives should be the primary way we lead others to Christ, rather than relying solely on debate or intellectual persuasion.
“If I had a thousand pounds China should have it- if I had a thousand lives, China should have them.”
This quote reflects Hudson Taylor’s deep commitment to his mission in China, willing to give all his resources and life for the spread of the Gospel.
“It is no small comfort to me to know that God has called me to my work, putting me where I am and as I am.”
Hudson Taylor finds peace in knowing that God has placed him exactly where He wants him, providing reassurance in the face of uncertainty or challenges.
“[God] wants you to have something far better than riches and gold, and that is helpless dependence upon Him.”
This quote highlights the spiritual wealth of depending on God, which far surpasses material wealth, bringing us into a deeper relationship with Him.
“Let us give up our work, our thoughts, our plans, ourselves, our lives, our loved ones, our influence, our all, right into His hand.”
Hudson Taylor calls for complete surrender to God’s will, encouraging us to release everything into His care, trusting that He will guide and fulfill His purposes through us.
“The real secret of an unsatisfied life lies too often in an unsurrendered will.”
This quote points to the dissatisfaction that arises when we hold onto our own desires rather than surrendering to God’s will, which leads to true fulfillment.
“Jesus is our strength, and what we cannot do or bear, He can both do and bear in us.”
Here, Taylor reminds us that when we face difficulties beyond our capacity, Christ empowers us to endure and overcome, offering His strength in our weakness.
“As child, at age 5: When I am a man, I mean to be a missionary and go to China.”
Hudson Taylor’s early calling to serve in China shows how God can place a mission in the heart of a child, one that will guide their life’s direction.
“I am no longer anxious about anything, as I realize the Lord is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine.”
In this reflection, Hudson Taylor speaks of the peace found in aligning one’s will with God’s, eliminating anxiety and trusting in His perfect plan.
“To me it seemed that the teaching of God’s Word was unmistakably clear: ‘Owe no man anything.'”
This quote highlights Hudson Taylor’s conviction on financial integrity and the importance of living in accordance with biblical principles regarding debt.
“In nothing do we fail more, as a Mission, than in lack of tact and politeness.”
Taylor speaks to the importance of maintaining politeness and tact in our interactions, especially in missionary work where relationships are key to success.
“O Lord, how happy should we be If we would cast our care on Thee, If we from self would rest.”
Hudson Taylor expresses the joy and peace that come when we trust God with our worries and rest in His care.
“I am more than ever convinced that if we were to take the directions of our Master and the assurances He gave to His first disciples more fully as our guide, we should find them to be just as suited to our times as to those in which they were originally given.”
This quote emphasizes the timelessness of Christ’s teachings, which are just as applicable today as they were in biblical times.
“Separation never comes from His side. He is always ready for communion with a prepared heart.”
Taylor reminds us that God’s presence is always available to us, but it is our hearts that must be prepared to receive His communion.
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“She would fain claim him fully, without giving up herself fully to him; but it can never be: while she retains her own name, she can never claim his.”
This quote reflects the idea that true union with Christ requires total surrender and submission, just as a bride cannot claim her husband’s name while holding onto her own identity.
“My experience was that the less I spent on myself and the more I gave away, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my soul become.”
Hudson Taylor speaks of the joy and fulfillment found in generosity, suggesting that selflessness brings greater spiritual satisfaction than selfish indulgence.
“God, even my God, was a living, bright Reality; and all I had to do was joyful service.”
In this quote, Taylor expresses the personal and vibrant relationship he had with God, seeing service to Him as a joyful privilege rather than a duty.
“I am more than ever convinced that if we were to take the directions of our Master and the assurances He gave to His first disciples more fully as our guide, we should find them to be just as suited to our times as to those in which they were originally given.”
Hudson Taylor emphasizes the relevance of Jesus’ teachings, asserting that they are timeless and applicable to modern life just as much as they were to the disciples’ time.
“Jesus is our strength, and what we cannot do or bear, He can both do and bear in us.”
Taylor reminds us that Christ is our source of strength, and when we face challenges that seem beyond our capacity, He empowers us to endure and accomplish what we could not on our own.
“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s provision.”
This statement reinforces the certainty that when we align our efforts with God’s will, He will always provide the necessary resources to fulfill His purpose.
“We have, then, in this beautiful section, as we have seen, a picture of unbroken communion and its delightful issues. May our lives correspond! First, one with the King, then speaking of the King; the joy of communion leading to fellowship in service, to a being all for Jesus, ready for any experience that will fit for further service, surrendering all to Him, and willing to minister all for Him.”
This quote highlights the transformative power of communion with Christ, which leads to a life of service and surrender. It emphasizes the importance of being aligned with God before embarking on acts of service.
“It was to me a very grave matter, however, to contemplate going out to China, far away from all human aid, there to depend upon the living God alone for protection, supplies, and help of every kind.”
Hudson Taylor reflects on the solemnity of relying entirely on God for support in his mission, showing his deep faith in God’s provision and protection in the face of uncertainty.
“May we all, while living down here, in the world, but not of it, find our home in the heavenly places to which we have been raised.”
This quote calls us to live in the world without being attached to it, emphasizing that our true home is in the heavenly realm with Christ, where we should focus our devotion.
“I thought to myself, ‘When I get out to China, I shall have no claim on any one for anything; my only claim will be on God.'”
Hudson Taylor expresses his absolute reliance on God, acknowledging that his mission in China would be solely dependent on God’s provision rather than on human aid.
“Union with Christ, and abiding in Christ, what do they not secure? Peace, perfect peace; rest, constant rest; answers to all our prayers; victory over all our foes; pure, holy living; ever-increasing fruitfulness.”
Taylor speaks of the abundant blessings that come from staying united with Christ—peace, rest, answered prayers, victory, and a life marked by holiness and growth in faith.
“I believe we are all in danger of accumulating—it may be from thoughtlessness, or from pressure of occupation—things which would be useful to others, while not needed by ourselves, and the retention of which entails loss of blessing.”
This quote warns against hoarding things we don’t need, encouraging us to be mindful of our possessions and to release what could be of use to others in order to experience greater blessings.
“Nothing humbles the soul like sacred and intimate communion with the LORD; yet there is a sweet joy in feeling that He knows all, and, notwithstanding, loves us still.”
Hudson Taylor acknowledges the humbling experience of communion with God, but also the joy and peace in knowing that despite our shortcomings, God still loves and accepts us.
“The consecration of all to our Master, far from lessening our power to impart, increases both our power and our joy in ministration.”
Taylor reminds us that when we surrender all to God, it does not diminish our ability to serve others; rather, it enhances our effectiveness and joy in ministering.
“True love cannot be stationary; it must either decline or grow.”
This profound insight into love suggests that love, especially spiritual love, must continually grow. If it does not, it begins to fade, highlighting the importance of nurturing our love for God and others.
“It is always helpful to us to fix our attention on the God-ward aspect of Christian work; to realise that the work of God does not mean so much man’s work for God, as God’s own work through man.”
Taylor emphasizes that true Christian work is not about us working for God, but about allowing God to work through us, focusing on His power and direction in all things.
“Wonderful thought! that God should desire fellowship with us; and that He whose love once made Him the Man of Sorrows may now be made the Man of Joys by the loving devotion of human hearts.”
This quote reflects the amazing reality that God desires fellowship with us and that our devotion brings joy to His heart, a contrast from His sorrows in the past.
“Let us never forget that what we are is more important than what we do.”
Hudson Taylor stresses that our identity in Christ is more significant than our actions. Our being—our relationship with God—should always take precedence over our work or achievements.
“There was no doubt that if faith did not fail, God would not fail; but, then, what if one’s faith should prove insufficient?”
Here, Taylor reflects on his struggles with faith, acknowledging that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our faith alone, but also admitting his concerns about his own capacity to trust fully.
“In this way I had more than two-thirds of my income available for other purposes; and my experience was that the less I spent on myself and the more I gave away, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my soul become.”
Hudson Taylor shares his personal experience of how living a life of self-denial and generosity leads to greater joy and blessings, showing the spiritual rewards of giving.
“I found myself possessed of only a single coin—one half-crown piece. Still I had hitherto had no lack, and I continued in prayer.”
This quote illustrates Taylor’s unwavering trust in God’s provision, even in moments of financial scarcity, showing his reliance on prayer and faith in God’s faithfulness.
“If the whole work was finished and the whole debt paid, what is there left for me to do?”
Taylor reflects on the completeness of Christ’s work on the cross, suggesting that if all has been accomplished by Him, our role is to faithfully serve in response to His finished work.
“We should never lose sight of the higher aspect of our work—that of obedience to God, of bringing glory to His Name, of gladdening the heart of our God and Father by living and serving as His beloved children.”
Hudson Taylor reminds us that our work should be rooted in obedience to God, with the ultimate goal of bringing glory to Him and bringing joy to His heart through our service.
“I have grown older since then, but not wiser. I am more than ever convinced that if we were to take the directions of our Master and the assurances He gave to His first disciples more fully as our guide, we should find them to be just as suited to our times as to those in which they were originally given.”
This reflection expresses Taylor’s growing conviction that the teachings of Jesus are timeless and should be followed today as faithfully as they were in His time.
“Ill that God blesses is our good, And unblest good is ill; And all is right that seems most wrong, If it be His sweet will.”
This quote reassures us that even in challenging or seemingly negative circumstances, if they align with God’s will, they are ultimately for our good and His glory.
“Furthermore, in our privileged position of fellow-workers with Him, while fully recognising all the benefits and blessings to be bestowed on a sin-stricken world through the proclamation of the Gospel and spread of the Truth, we should never lose sight of the higher aspect of our work—that of obedience to God, of bringing glory to His Name, of gladdening the heart of our God and Father by living and serving as His beloved children.”
Hudson Taylor underscores that while our work in sharing the Gospel is important, our primary focus should always be on glorifying God and remaining obedient to His call.
“Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; Forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; So shall the King desire thy beauty: For He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him.”
This quote encourages us to wholeheartedly focus on God, placing Him above all earthly attachments, and worship Him with an undivided heart.
“To me it seemed that the teaching of God’s Word was unmistakably clear: ‘Owe no man anything.'”
Hudson Taylor expresses his belief in the biblical principle of living debt-free, seeing borrowing as contradictory to trusting in God’s provision and timing.
“The use of means ought not to lessen our faith in God; and our faith in God ought not to hinder our using whatever means He has given us for the accomplishment of His own purposes.”
Taylor emphasizes that faith in God should not make us passive but should lead us to wisely use the resources and methods He provides for fulfilling His purposes.
“The inconsistencies of Christian people, who while professing to believe their Bibles were yet content to live just as they would if there were no such book, had been one of the strongest arguments of my sceptical companions;”
This quote highlights Taylor’s frustration with the inconsistency between professing Christian faith and living in a manner that contradicts Biblical teachings, showing the importance of living out our beliefs.
“HAVING now the twofold object in view of accustoming myself to endure hardness, and of economising in order to be able more largely to assist those amongst whom I spent a good deal of time labouring in the Gospel, I soon found that I could live upon very much less than I had previously thought possible.”
Taylor shares his discipline of living simply in order to give more for God’s work, demonstrating his commitment to the Gospel and reliance on God’s provision for his needs.
“Seemed to me that if there were lack of funds to carry on work, then to that degree, in that special development, or at that time, it could not be the work of God.”
This quote reveals Taylor’s belief that God’s work will never lack the necessary resources; if funds were unavailable, it indicated that the work was not yet God’s time.
“And I will go! I may no longer doubt to give up friends, and idol hopes, And every tie that binds my heart. . . . Henceforth, then, it matters not, if storm or sunshine be my earthly lot, bitter or sweet my cup; I only pray, God, make me holy, And my spirit nerve for the stern hour of strife.”
In this passionate declaration, Hudson Taylor commits to following God’s call, no matter the personal cost, and asks for the strength and holiness to endure the challenges ahead.
“Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin each day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of starting each day with spiritual alignment through Scripture and prayer, just as a musician must tune their instrument before performing. It stresses that a proper relationship with God is foundational for a successful day.
“It is in His presence and through His grace that whatever of fragrance or beauty may be found in us comes forth. Of Him as its source, through Him as its instrument, and to Him as its end, is all that is gracious and divine. But HE HIMSELF is better far than all that His grace works in us.”
This quote reminds us that everything good in us comes from God, but the greatest gift is God Himself. While His grace produces beauty in us, it is the presence of God that is far more precious than any of His blessings.
“If we would be soul-winners and build up the Church, which is His Temple, let us note this: not by discussion nor by argument, but by lifting up CHRIST shall we draw men unto Him.”
Hudson Taylor teaches that the power to bring others to Christ does not come from intellectual arguments or debates, but by exalting Christ Himself and letting His presence and truth draw people to Him.
“True devotion will rather ask to be allowed to give, and will count as loss all which may not be given up for the LORD’S sake.”
This quote expresses the essence of true devotion to God: a willingness to surrender all for His sake, counting anything that cannot be given up as a loss, in light of His greater call.
“Whatever God orders and whatever God guides, he provides. God’s work, done in God’s way, never lacks for God’s supply.”
Hudson Taylor emphasizes that when we follow God’s guidance and plan, we can trust that He will provide everything needed for His work to be accomplished.
“There is no change in His love; He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. To us He promises, ‘I will never leave thee, never fail thee, nor forsake thee’; and His earnest exhortation and command is, ‘Abide in Me, and I in you.'”
This powerful quote reassures us of God’s unchanging love and His constant presence in our lives. His promise to never leave or forsake us encourages us to remain in communion with Him.
Themes By Hudson Taylor
| Themes | Explanation |
| Missionary Zeal | A passion to reach those who had not heard the Gospel, especially in China. |
| Cultural Sensitivity | He adopted Chinese customs and dress to better relate to the people he served. |
| Faith and Prayer | A life of constant prayer and faith, trusting in God’s will and timing. |
| Dependence on God | Taylor emphasized total reliance on God for provision and guidance in ministry |
Hudson Taylor Biography
The most famous success of British priest Hudson Taylor (1832–1905) was the establishment of the China Inland Mission (CIM) in 1865.
He was strongly focused on bringing the Christian message to China, especially to the interior areas that were currently ignored by Western missionaries.
Taylor’s strategy was unique; he deviated from normal Western missionary techniques by dressing and acting like a Chinese person in order to better connect with the locals.
He became one of the most significant missionaries in Chinese history because of his unwavering dedication to cultural sensitivity and immersion in Chinese culture.
Taylor faced a great deal of hardship during his lifetime, including opposition, personal loss, and financial challenges.
He kept his faith in spite of these difficulties, entirely depending on God’s supply and leadership. The CIM expanded rapidly during his tenure, sending hundreds of missionaries to China and other Asian countries.
As the CIM—now OMF International—continues to serve and promote the gospel around the world, Taylor’s legacy lives on. His life served as an example of everlasting faith, selflessness, and a strong dedication to God’s mission in the world.
Conclusion
Hudson Taylor (1832–1905), a pioneering missionary, is best known for founding the China Inland Mission (CIM) and dedicating his life to spreading the Gospel in China’s interior regions. His unwavering faith and commitment to God’s work are reflected in his Hudson Taylor quotes.
FAQ’s
“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace, and let me trust You completely with all my needs.” – Hudson Taylor
“I am the first to cross the great unknown.” – Henry Hudson
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” – Hudson Taylor
“I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light.” – John Keith Falconer
“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” – Amy Carmichael
“If you have a heart for missions, God will give you the means to support it.” – Hudson Taylor
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” – William Carey
Hudson Taylor is best known for founding the China Inland Mission and pioneering missionary work in inland China.
FAQ’s
Letter to My Daughter Quotes by Maya Angelou
