PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
John G. Paton, missionary to the New Hebrides, volume 2 (of 3) : An autobiography edited by his brother
Paton, John Gibson · 109,175 words · 157 reading sections
With An Introduction By Arthur T. Pierson, D.D.
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book. Two vols. in box, 12mo, cloth, gilt top net $2.00. Ministerial Commendation. “I have just laid down the most robust and the most fascinating piece of autobiography that I have met with in many a day.... John G.…
292 wordsSECTION 2By Arthur T. Pierson, D.D.
An Autobiography. New Illustrated Edition. PUBLISHERS NEW YORK CHICAGO 30 UNION SQUARE, EAST. 148-150 MADISON STREET. The avidity with which Part I. of Mr. Paton’s remarkable life-story was received by the public in England has been no surprise. Before this second part was issued from the press, three thousand cop…
282 wordsSECTION 3Preface.
It is a true joy to me, that I am enabled to place Part Second of my brother’s Autobiography in the hands of the Public without undue delay. The amount of interesting and precious material, entrusted to me to be re-written and prepared for the Press, has, by its very abundance and variety, landed me in the greatest pe…
321 wordsSECTION 4_To Scotland And Back._
PAGE Preliminary Note 1 Call for a Mission Ship 2 A Brutal Captain 3 Sun-Worshippers, or Slaves? 5 The Lights of Sydney 6 Thrown upon the Lord 7 Mr. Foss’s Open Door 8 Climbing into Pulpits 9 Shipping Company for Jesus 10 The Golden Shower 12 Wanted! More Missionaries 13 Commissioned to Scotland 14 Wayside…
287 wordsSECTION 5_Face To Face With Heathenism._
First of Missionary Duties 100 Maré and Noumea 101 The French in the Pacific 103 The _Curaçoa_ Affair 104 The “Gospel and Gunpowder” Cry 105 The Missionaries on their Defence 106 The Mission Synod’s Report 107 The Shelling of the Tannese Villages 109 Public Meeting and Presbytery 111 Fighting at Bay 114 Feder…
262 wordsSECTION 6_Letters From Aniwa._
My First Aniwan Book 198 The Power of Music 201 A Pair of Glass Eyes 202 Church Building for Jesus 203 The Hanging of the Bell 206 Patesa and his Bride 207 An Armed Embassage 210 Youwili’s Taboo 212 The Conversion of Youwili 216 The Tobacco Idol 218 First Communion on Aniwa 221 Our Village Day Schools 223 N…
411 wordsSECTION 7_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
“Wanted! A Steam Auxiliary” 342 Commissioned Home to Britain 343 English Presbyterian Synod 344 United Presbyterian Synod 345 The “Veto” from the Sydney Board 345 Dr. Hood Wilson 347 The Free Church Assembly 348 Neutrality of Foreign Mission Committee 349 The Church of Scotland 350 At Holyrood and at Alva Hous…
670 wordsSECTION 8_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
With unaffected reluctance, I at last felt constrained to undertake this unwelcome but apparently inevitable task. It meant the leaving of my dear Islanders for a season; but it embraced within it the hope of returning to them again, with perhaps every power of blessing amongst them tenfold increased. A _Sandal-wooder…
667 wordsSECTION 9_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
When we arrived at Sydney, the Inspecting Officer of the Government, coming on board, asked how these Islanders came to be there. The Captain impudently replied that they were “passengers.” No further question was put. No other evidence was sought. Yet all who knew anything of our South-Sea Island Traders were perfectl…
652 wordsSECTION 10_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
Paying a fortnight in advance, I withdrew even from the lodging I had taken, and turned to the Lord more absolutely for guidance. He brought me into contact with good and generous-souled servants of His, the open-hearted Mr. and Mrs. Foss. Though entire strangers, they kindly invited me to be their guest while in Sydne…
769 wordsSECTION 11_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
Let no one think me ungrateful to my good Treasurer and his wife, to Dr. and Mrs. Moon, and to other dear friends who generously helped me, when I trace step by step how the Lord opened up my way. The Angel of His Presence went before me, and wonderfully moved His people to contribute in answer to my poor appeals. I ha…
756 wordsSECTION 12_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
Returning to Melbourne, the whole matter was laid before my Committee. I reported how God had blessed the undertaking, and what sums were now in the hands of the several Treasurers, indicating also what larger hopes and plans had been put into my soul. Dear Dr. Cairns rose and said, “Sir, it is of the Lord. This whole …
820 wordsSECTION 13_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
An intelligent gentleman, a sheep farmer, who knew the country well, once kindly volunteered to lift me in an out-of-the-way place, and drive me to a meeting at his Station. Having a long spell before us, we started at midday in a buggy drawn by a pair of splendid horses, in the hope of reaching our destination before …
763 wordsSECTION 14_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
When I found the road wrought into mire, and dangerous, or impassable, I climbed the fence, and waded along in the ploughed fields—though they were nearly as bad. My bundle was changed from shoulder to shoulder, and my bag from hand to hand, till I became thoroughly tired of both. Pressing on, however, I arrived at a w…
684 wordsSECTION 15_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
“I don’t know where he came from, or how far he has carried his bundles; but I got him stuck fast in the swamp, and my shoulder is already sore from carrying his clubs!” A cup of warm tea restored me. The Lord gave me a sound and blessed sleep. I rose next morning wonderfully refreshed, though arms and shoulders were …
817 wordsSECTION 16_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
Wheresoever railway, steamboat, and coach were available, I always used them; but failing these, I hired, or was obliged to friends of Missions for driving me from place to place. On this tour, having reached a certain place, from which my way lay for many miles across the country where there was no public conveyance, …
650 wordsSECTION 17_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
As we drove off, he shouted curses after us. On leaving his door, I heard a lady calling to him from the window: “Don’t let that Missionary go away! Make haste and call him back. I want the children to see the idols and the South Sea curios.” At first he drowned her appeal in his own shoutings. But she must have persi…
823 wordsSECTION 18_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
On returning with my bundle of “curios,” I found them all arranged under the verandah, and a chair placed in front for me and my articles of mystery. They eagerly examined everything, and listened to my description of its uses. I gave them a short account of the Islanders and of our efforts to carry to them the Gospel …
677 wordsSECTION 19_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
Having reached our destination about seven o’clock, he ordered tea at the Inn for the whole party; and we sallied out meantime and took the only Hall in the place, for an extemporized meeting to be held that evening at eight o’clock. I then hired a man to go through the township with a bell, announcing the same; while …
661 wordsSECTION 20_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
“I am ashamed to tell you that my horses are done! They had just come off a journey of forty miles when we started. I have told you a lie; but I hope you will forgive me. I was sorely in need of the hire, and I deceived you. There is no help for it now. We must camp out for the night on this dry ground. I do hope you w…
756 wordsSECTION 21_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
We entered the house together, signed a pledge, and solemnly invoked God in prayer to enable us to keep it till death. For his sake, I renewed the vow of my youthful days; and he, by my sympathy, took this vow for the first time, and, by God’s help, he kept it. He left Penola next day, shaking off old associates, and s…
774 wordsSECTION 22_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
To me, it was a vast surprise to discover that I could sit more easily on this wild flying thing, than when at a canter or a trot. At every turn I expected that he would dash himself and me against the great forest trees; but instinct rather than my hand guided him miraculously. Sometimes I had a glimpse of the road, b…
673 wordsSECTION 23_The Floating Of The “Dayspring.”_
He began to relent. He took me into a room, and laid out for me a suit of his own. I being then very slender, and he a big-framed farmer, my new dress, though greatly adding to my comfort, enhanced the singularity of my appearance. Returning to him, washed and dressed, I inquired if he had arranged for a meeting? My t…
417 wordsSECTION 24Among The Aborigines.
A Fire-Water Festival.—At Tea with the Aborigines.—“Black Fellow all Gone!”—The Poison-Gift and Civilization.—The “Scattering” of the Blacks.—The “Brute-in-human-shape” Theory.—The Testimony of Nora.—Nathaniel Pepper and their “Gods.”—Smooth Stone Idols.—Rites and Ceremonies.—“Too much Devil-Devil.”—The Quest for I…
660 wordsSECTION 25Among The Aborigines.
One said that his head was cut, and he must have revenge before he could lie down. Others filed past showing their wounds, and declaring that it was too bad to request them to go to sleep. I praised them as far as I could, but urged them for once to be men and to keep their word. Finally they all agreed to lie down, I …
754 wordsSECTION 26Among The Aborigines.
Though amongst the lower types of the human race, the Aborigines have made excellent stock riders, bullock drivers, fencers, and servants in every department. And they have proved honest and faithful, especially when kindly treated. Australians are sometimes bitter against them, for a reason that ought rather to awaken…
687 wordsSECTION 27Among The Aborigines.
She further explained, that she had found wonderful joy in telling her own people about the true God and his Son Jesus, and was quite assured that the Lord in His own way would send her relief. The visitors who accompanied Mr. Urquhart showed themselves to be greatly affected by the true and pure Christian spirit of th…
742 wordsSECTION 28Among The Aborigines.
Yet again, R. Urquhart, Esq., Tangery, informed me that he also had seen the Aborigines engaged in religious observances. First of all, a vast multitude of men and women joined in a great Corrobbarree, or Heathen festival and dance. Thereafter each marched individually towards the centre of a huge ring, and after certa…
951 wordsSECTION 29Among The Aborigines.
On returning to Horsham, I informed my dear friends, Rev. P. Simpson and his excellent lady, of my exploits and possessions. He replied,— “There is a black ‘doctor’ gone round our house just now to see one of his people who is washing here to-day. Let us go and test them, whether they know these objects.” Carrying th…
776 wordsSECTION 30Among The Aborigines.
“I this day visited an encampment of the Hopkins blacks, in company with Rev. Mr. Paton, Missionary, and was witness to the following. Mr. Paton being under the impression that many of the superstitions and usages, common to the South Sea Islanders were similar among the Aborigines of Australia, began by showing some i…
710 wordsSECTION 31Among The Aborigines.
William Armstrong, Esq., of Hexham Park, wrote in 1863:— “The Aborigines of Australia certainly believe in spirits, and that their spirit leaves the body at death and goes to some other island, and they seem to have many superstitious ideas about the dead.... I believe they would have been as easily influenced by the …
757 wordsSECTION 32Among The Aborigines.
During my last Mission tour, in 1888, through Victoria and part of New South Wales, I visited all Stations of the Aborigines that could be conveniently reached. There the few remnants of a once numerous race are now assembled together. They try hard to constrain themselves to live in houses. But the spirit of the wande…
408 wordsSECTION 33_To Scotland And Back._
Dr. Inglis on the Mission Crisis.—Casting Lots before the Lord.—Struck by Lightning.—A Peep at London.—A Heavenly Welcome.—The Moderator’s Chair.—Reformed Presbyterian Church and Free Church.— Tour through Scotland.—A Frosted Foot.—The Children’s Holy League.—Missionary Volunteers.—A God-provided Help-Mate.—Farewel…
686 wordsSECTION 34_To Scotland And Back._
“Lead us in prayer, and let us thank the Lord for this most merciful deliverance; the ship is not on fire, and no one is seriously injured!” Poor fellow! whether hastened on by this event I know not, but he struggled for three weeks thereafter in a fever, and it took our united care and love to pull him through. The L…
674 wordsSECTION 35_To Scotland And Back._
The Church, as there represented, passed a Resolution, declaring:— “It is with feelings of no ordinary pleasure that we behold present at this meeting one of our most devoted Missionaries. The result of Mr. Paton’s appeals in Australia has been unprecedented in the history of this Mission. It appears in the shape of £…
731 wordsSECTION 36_To Scotland And Back._
“One of the surest signs of life,” wrote the Victorian _Christian Review_, “is the effort of a Church to spread the Gospel beyond its own bounds, and especially to send the knowledge of Jesus amongst the Heathen. The Missions to the Aborigines, to the Chinese in this Colony, and to the New Hebrides, came to this Church…
898 wordsSECTION 37_To Scotland And Back._
On that tour, the Sabbath Schools joyfully adopted my scheme, and became “shareholders” in the Mission Ship. It was thereafter ably developed by an elder of the Church. A _Dayspring_ collecting box has found its way into almost every family; and the returns from Scotland have yielded ever since about £250 per annum, as…
718 wordsSECTION 38_To Scotland And Back._
Our marriage was celebrated at her sister’s house in Edinburgh; and I may be pardoned for recalling a little event that characterized the occasion. My youngest brother, then tutor to a gentleman studying at the University, stepped forth at the close of the ceremony and recited an _Epithalamium_ composed for the day. Fo…
765 wordsSECTION 39_To Scotland And Back._
Having landed, and been heartily welcomed by dear Dr. and Mrs. Moon and other friends, I went with a kind of trembling joy to have my first look at the _Dayspring_, like a sailor getting a first peep at the child born to him whilst far away on the sea. Some of the irritated ship’s company stopped us by the way, and thr…
670 wordsSECTION 40_To Scotland And Back._
“I am,” said he, “Captain and owner of that vessel lying at anchor opposite the _Dayspring_. My wife and I, being too late to get on shore to attend any Church in the city, heard this little Chapel bell ringing, and followed, when we saw you going up the stairs. We have so enjoyed the Service. We do heartily sympathize…
727 wordsSECTION 41_To Scotland And Back._
We received many tokens of interest and sympathy. The steam tug was granted to us free, and the harbour dues were remitted. Many presents were also sent on board the _Dayspring_. Still, after meeting all necessary outlays, the trip to Tasmania gave us only £227 8_s._ 11_d._ clear for the Mission fund. Sailing now for …
833 wordsSECTION 42_Concerning Friends And Foes._
First of Missionary Duties.—Maré and Noumea.—The French in the Pacific.—The _Curaçoa_ Affair.—The “Gospel and Gunpowder” Cry.—The Missionaries on their Defence.—The Mission Synod’s Report.—The Shelling of the Tannese Villages.—Public Meeting and Presbytery.—Fighting at Bay.—Federal Union in Missions.—A Fiery Furna…
671 wordsSECTION 43_Concerning Friends And Foes._
He saluted me graciously as “de great Missionary of de New Hebrides.” He conversed in a very friendly manner about the work there, and seemed anxious to find any indication as to the English designs. I had to deal very cautiously. He spoke chiefly through the interpreter; but, sometimes dismissing him, he talked to me …
690 wordsSECTION 44_Concerning Friends And Foes._
Without a question being asked or a doubt suggested, without a voice being raised in fierce denial that such men as these Missionaries were known to be could be guilty of such conduct—men who had jeoparded their lives for years on end rather than hurt one hair on a Native’s head—a cry of execration, loud and deep and e…
779 wordsSECTION 45_Concerning Friends And Foes._
After spending much time, and using peaceably every means in his power in trying to get the guilty parties on Tanna, and not succeeding, he shelled two villages,—having the day before informed the natives that he would do so, and advising to have all women, children, and sick removed, which in fact they did. He also se…
684 wordsSECTION 46_Concerning Friends And Foes._
We return then for a moment to Sydney. The public excitement made it impossible to open my lips in the promotion of our Mission. The Revs. Drs. Dunsmore Lang and Steel, along with Professor Smith of the University, waited on the Commodore, and got an independent version of the facts. They then called a meeting on the a…
772 wordsSECTION 47_Concerning Friends And Foes._
Perhaps my words were not too conciliatory. But excitement so blinded many friends, that I had to fight as if at bay, or get no hearing and no justice. The Presbytery hesitated, and closed without coming to any resolution. All the members of it showed me thereafter the same respect as ever before. It was gratifying to …
699 wordsSECTION 48_Concerning Friends And Foes._
I demanded an opportunity of stating the facts, and vindicating myself and others, in a public meeting duly called for the purpose. They at once agreed. I wrote once and a second time to the Agent, but got no answer, only an evasive note. I went by rail and saw him. He would give no explanation, or authority for his st…
710 wordsSECTION 49_Concerning Friends And Foes._
In 1862 I appealed to the Victorian General Assembly to take up the New Hebrides Mission as their own. The appeal was followed by Rev. J. Clark, Convener of Heathen Missions Committee in 1863, getting the Assembly to accept the proposal. And in 1865 the Rev. Dr. A. J. Campbell carried our scheme, and the Assembly pledg…
535 wordsSECTION 50_Settlement On Aniwa._
The _John Williams_ on the Reef.—A Native’s Soliloquy.—Nowar Pleading for Tanna.—The White Shells of Nowar.—The Island of Aniwa.—First Landing on Aniwa.—The Site of our New Home.—“Me no Steal!”—House Building for God.—Native Expectations.—Tafigeitu or Sorcery.—The Miracle of Speaking Wood.—Perils through Superstiti…
671 wordsSECTION 51_Settlement On Aniwa._
“Don’t land them,” said the wily Chief; “just throw them over; my men and I will catch everything before it reaches the water, and carry them all safely ashore!” The Captain said he durst not. “Then,” persisted Nowar, “just point them out to us; you will have no further trouble; we will manage everything for Missi.” …
728 wordsSECTION 52_Settlement On Aniwa._
Aniwa, having no hills to attract and condense the clouds, suffers badly for lack of genial rains; and the heavy rains of hurricane and tempest seem to disappear as if by magic through the light soil and porous rock. The moist atmosphere and the heavy dews, however, keep the Island covered with green, while large and f…
673 wordsSECTION 53_Settlement On Aniwa._
Sorrowful experience on Tanna had taught us to seek the site for our Aniwan house on the highest ground, and away from the malarial swamps near the shore. There was one charming mound, covered with trees whose roots ran down into the crevices of coral, and from which Tanna and Erromanga are clearly seen. But there the …
752 wordsSECTION 54_Settlement On Aniwa._
The Mission House, as ultimately finished, had six rooms, three on each side of the lobby, and measured ninety feet in length, surrounded by a verandah, one hundred feet by five, which kept everything shaded and cool. Underneath two rooms, a cellar was dug eight feet deep, and shelved all round for a store. In more tha…
719 wordsSECTION 55_Settlement On Aniwa._
Still we set our bell a-ringing every day after dinner—intimating our readiness to give advice or medicine to all who were sick. We spoke to them, so soon as we had learned, a few words about Jesus. The weak received a cup of tea and a piece of bread. The demand was sometimes great, especially when epidemics befell the…
660 wordsSECTION 56_Settlement On Aniwa._
“Who ever heard of wood speaking?” By hard pleading I succeeded in persuading him to go. He was amazed to see her looking at the wood and then fetching the needed articles. He brought back the bit of wood, and eagerly made signs for an explanation. Chiefly in broken Tannese I read to him the words, and informed him th…
662 wordsSECTION 57_Settlement On Aniwa._
“Missi,” he warmly replied, “I knew not, I knew not! But by the first favourable wind he shall go, and you will see him no more.” He kept his word, and we were rescued from the enemy and the avenger. The site was excellent and very suitable for our Mission Station. The ground sloped away nearly all round us, and the …
815 wordsSECTION 58_Settlement On Aniwa._
On one of these trips the Natives performed an extraordinary feat. The boat with full load was struck heavily by a wave, and the reef drove a hole in her side. Quick as thought the crew were all in the sea, and, to my amazement, bearing up the boat with their shoulder and one hand, while swimming and guiding us ashore …
655 wordsSECTION 59_Face To Face With Heathenism._
When these poor creatures began to wear a bit of calico or a kilt, it was an outward sign of a change, though yet far from civilization. And when they began to look up and pray to One whom they called “Father, our Father,” though they might be far, very far, from the type of Christian that dubs itself “respectable,” my…
685 wordsSECTION 60_Face To Face With Heathenism._
Nemeyan was dead, and entered that day amongst the noble army of the Martyrs. Poor Navalak was still breathing, and the Chief Namakei carried him to his village and kindly nursed him. He pled with the people that the claims of revenge had been satisfied, and that Navalak should be cherished and sent home,—the Christ-Sp…
768 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.