Through his letters and articles Thomas Torrance, American Bible Society missionary in Chengdu, provides us with unique insights into the demise of the Qing dynasty, the turmoil of China’s Republican period, and the rise of Communism. We are also given a window into Qiang culture of the early 20th century, and follow Torrance’s quest to unearth more about the origins of the Qiang people, whose customs seem strangely reminiscent of some Old Testament practices.