Autobiography by John G. Paton. Banner of Truth Trust. 497pp. £10.95
This second reprint of the Autobiography of John G. Paton, Missionary to the New Hebrides, which was long out of print until the Banner of Truth Trust issued its first reprint in 1965, is to be welcomed. It contains the remarkable history of an outstanding missionary of the Cross.
The first part relates Paton’s early life and preparation for the Mission Field. It then goes on to tell of Paton’s settlement on Tanna, one of the islands in what was then known as the New Hebrides, where the natives were cannibals and were living in heathenism. Though soon after his arrival there, both his wife and little infant child died, yet he continued for many years to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the natives, and not without success. After many trials and sufferings he had to leave the island.
The second part records his attempts, through visits to Australia and Scotland, to secure support for a Mission Ship and to obtain more Missionaries for the New Hebrides. On his return he settled on another island, Aniwa, where the Word of God was greatly blessed to the conversion of many of the natives. He made a second visit to Britain later and obtained sufficient funds for a larger Mission Ship.
The third part of the book recounts his visits to America, Canada and Britain to foster support for the New Hebrides Mission. At the end of a long life devoted to the service of Christ in Mission work, Paton had to say: “Oh that I had my life to begin again! I would consecrate it anew to Jesus in seeking the conversion of the remaining Cannibals on the New Hebrides.”
The book gives a clear insight into what Mission work entailed in the 19th Century for those who engaged in it — what trials the Missionaries had to bear, what dangers and difficulties they had to surmount. Yet the Lord sustained them and crowned their labours with success. What an inspiration such an account as this should be to missionaries in the present day, when they think back on what their fellow-missionaries had to endure in other days for the sake of Christ.
We warmly recommend this Mission life to old and young alike, for it confirms the common adage that ‘truth is stranger than fiction’.
D.B.M.