Hudson Taylor- A New Pony

By Mary Vee

Year: February 1869 

Hudson Taylor: age 37

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

Mr. and Mrs. Judd arrived in Yangzhou to help with the missionary work here. 

I insured they were properly warned about the dangerous life they would have, despite all we'd done to insure peaceful relationships with the Chinese. The mob had pretty much left the mission home alone, but this didn't mean they couldn't be stirred up to cause trouble again.

The Judds said they would work where ever needed and were happy to try to continue the work in Yangzhou.

After my meeting with them, I noted Mr. Judd's health problems. I thought about his issues and what we could do to help him. 

China is a difficult place for foreigners to live. There are many new diseases our immune system has not learned to fight. Our health is of great importance.

I returned to my workroom and saw my friend George Duncan. "George, would you do me a favor?"

"Sure what do you need done?"

"I know you have a mind for horses. Be a good man, go and buy a good riding horse for me. You can do that, right?" I knew he could. The man loved horses.

"I'll get on the job right away." He took the needed money and hurried out of the house as if he was asked to buy his favorite new toy.

It didn't take him long to return. "I have found an outstanding animal. One I am sure will meet your needs."

I didn't have to glance up from my work to see the brining smile on his face. "Well done, George. Thank you. Find a suitable place to put the horse. And then, if you will, tell Mr. Judd I'd like to meet with him."

George set out straight away and later returned with Mr. Judd. George left us to talk privately.

I looked up from my work. "Mr. Judd, I could use your help."

"I am willing to do whatever is needed."

"Good. Good. I have a new horse. I'm not really good with animals, you see. Would you be willing to look after it for me?"

"Yes. I'd be more than happy to!"  

He went straightaway and purchased a saddle then took the horse for a good run. He did an excellent job caring for the horse, keeping it groomed, exercised, and fed. 

Soon Mr. Judd lost a few pounds and then a few more. He continued to lose weight and seemed healthier. 

Some time later, I overheard Mr. Judd speaking to someone. The other person asked him if I had ever ridden the horse. Mr. Judd said, "No. The man is quite busy, you know. But he has paid all the expenses for me to keep the horse in fine shape."

The conversation made me smile. Mr. Judd didn't know the reason for purchasing the horse was to give him exercise to lose weight.

Fine missionary Mr. Judd turned out to be. 

J. Hudson Taylor

Missionary to China--Inland China!

Blessed by God even in time of torment

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by Dr. &and Mrs. Howard Taylor.