History and Ecclesiastical Relations of the Churches of the Presbyterial Order at Amoy, China   By: John Van Nest Talmage (1819-1892)

John Van Nest Talmage's book, "History and Ecclesiastical Relations of the Churches of the Presbyterial Order at Amoy, China," provides a comprehensive account of the Presbyterian Church's establishment and development in Amoy, China. Talmage's work primarily focuses on the historical context, religious practices, and ecclesiastical relationships of these churches.

One of the strengths of Talmage's book is his meticulous attention to historical details. He lays out the foundations of the Presbyterian Church in Amoy, going back to its early missionary efforts in the 19th century. He explores the Presbyterian denomination's arrival in China, the challenges they faced, and the eventual establishment of churches in the Amoy region.

Furthermore, Talmage delves into the intricacies of ecclesiastical relations among the various Presbyterian churches in Amoy. He explores the complex dynamics between different church factions, how they related to one another, and the impact these relationships had on the growth of Christianity in the region. Talmage's thorough research is evident as he provides readers with valuable insights into the intricacies of these relationships.

Additionally, Talmage's writing style is clear and accessible, making the book engaging for both scholars and general readers interested in religious history. He strikes a balance between presenting historical facts and incorporating personal anecdotes to bring the narrative to life. This combination of academic rigour and storytelling makes the book a compelling read.

One criticism of Talmage's work is its limited perspective. The book primarily focuses on the Presbyterian denomination and neglects to offer a more comprehensive view of the religious landscape in Amoy. It would have been beneficial for Talmage to include other Christian denominations present in the area and how they interacted with the Presbyterian churches. This broader perspective would have given readers a more well-rounded understanding of the religious dynamics in Amoy.

Despite this criticism, Talmage's "History and Ecclesiastical Relations of the Churches of the Presbyterial Order at Amoy, China" provides a valuable resource for those interested in the history of Christianity in China, specifically within the Amoy region. It serves as a testament to the persistent efforts of missionaries in establishing and nurturing these churches, and sheds light on the complexities of religious relationships within this context. Readers will find themselves captivated by Talmage's detailed research, storytelling skills, and his ability to transport them back in time to witness the growth of Christianity in Amoy.

First Page:

It is proper that I give some reasons for the publication of this paper. The importance of the subject of the ecclesiastical organization of the churches gathered in heathen lands, I conceive to be a sufficient reason. Those who may differ in regard to the views set forth in this paper, will not dispute the importance of the subject. Instead of the questions involved having been settled by any of the Presbyterian Denominations of this country (the Dutch Church included among them), by experiments in India or any other heathen land, very few of the churches gathered from the heathen, by these various Denominations, have yet arrived at a stage of development sufficient for practical application of the experiment. (See foot note, page 160.) There are, however, a few mission churches, where the subject is now becoming one of vast practical importance. The Church at Amoy stands out prominent among these. With the continuance of the divine blessing there will soon be many such... Continue reading book >>