Out of the Tiger’s Mouth: The Journey of Dr. Charles Chao

out of the tiger's mouthA few years ago, I read Out of the Tiger’s Mouth, a biography of the late Reformed theologian Dr. Charles H. Chao. As someone of Chinese ethnicity, I was especially intrigued by his life story—he was among the first to translate and publish Reformed and Puritan literature into Chinese, making these works accessible to Chinese-speaking believers.

This book shares the story of Dr. Chao’s geographical journey from the East to the West, as well as his spiritual pilgrimage from his Christian conversion in China to his ordination as a minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA).

Despite persecution from Chinese Communists, Dr. Chao narrowly escaped from prison and death.

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Evangelist points to the Wicket Gate

A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females: A Timeless Christian Classic

There is a unique magic in holding a book that has survived for over 150 years.  I love antiquarian books. Not only were they built to last for posterity, but they were also made with remarkable beauty, often adorned with gold engraving, careful decoration, and sturdy bindings that serve as a testament to the value society once placed on the written word.

I became the joyful owner of an 1851 edition of A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females: Being a Series of Letters from a Brother to a Younger Sister by Harvey Newcomb.  It is still excellent condition.  One of the joys of owning antiquarian books is the surprise of finding treasures tucked within their pages left behind by previous owners.  For instance, I’ve found an old note written in beautiful penmanship and even a few dried leaves pressed between the pages.  I’d like to imagine these artifacts have actually survived since the mid-1800’s. 🙂

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