This is the moving autobiography of the heroic Scot missionary, John G. Paton, who introduced the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the cannibalistic inhabitants of the New Hebrides in the mid-nineteenth century.
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
The material which John G Paton had collected over the years were compiled and edited by his brother Rev James Paton who supported John Paton in Scotland. Rev Paton was an author and Presbyterian minister in Scotland.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By Andrew
Format:Library Binding
This book should be required reading for every "would-be" missionary AND for anyone who thinks they have personal problems dealing with the "heathen" in today's world. John Paton's written experiences brought tears to my eyes and a wonderful glorious inspiration to my soul as I read of his trials and tribulations in the New Hebrides. I was rewarded by the true testimonies of the ones whose lives and souls he saved. This could be a life-changing book and in many ways it has been for me, personally. Renew your Faith in God and the power of the Word by spending several hours with the conversion efforts of John Paton in the South Pacific. You will be blessed for it, I promise!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By R. Martin
Format:Library Binding
John Paton was the famous 1800's missionary to the cannibals of the South Seas islands. This is his autobiography and it is over 500 pages long. I read it slowly over about 8 weeks. It was more than worth my efforts!!
However, if you are not an avid reader, this book will probably be "too much" for you. I'd recommend getting one the shorter biographies of his life. But because this is John's first hand account - there are many fascinating stories/situations. You'll probably miss out on many of them if you opt for a biography of his life instead.
This book was inspiring and powerful. It takes you from his childhood, all the way to his later years. John Paton was sold out for Jesus, and for reaching the cannibals for Christ. Imagine landing on a primitive island, and not even speaking the language of the natives. He started from nothing! He endured much hardship,suffering,sickness and danger - especially on the first island that he was a missionary on. There were setbacks and disappointments. Many would have given up and went home, but not John Paton. Eventually, after much sacrifice and labor, he saw many natives come to Christ and their lives miraculously transformed.
On a lighter note...One part of the book left me laughing so hard that I cried! Paton was a "total abstainer" from alcohol (and he argues his choice very strongly). But one time while travelling in Australia he had a 20 mile ride on a crazy, out of control, horse. Upon reaching his destination, he was topsy turvy and could barely speak. They thought he was drunk and try as he might he couldn't convince them he was sober. You have to read it yourself - it was hysterical.
Anyways, I give this 5 stars. It is a missionary classic.
However, if you are not an avid reader, this book will probably be "too much" for you. I'd recommend getting one the shorter biographies of his life. But because this is John's first hand account - there are many fascinating stories/situations. You'll probably miss out on many of them if you opt for a biography of his life instead.
This book was inspiring and powerful. It takes you from his childhood, all the way to his later years. John Paton was sold out for Jesus, and for reaching the cannibals for Christ. Imagine landing on a primitive island, and not even speaking the language of the natives. He started from nothing! He endured much hardship,suffering,sickness and danger - especially on the first island that he was a missionary on. There were setbacks and disappointments. Many would have given up and went home, but not John Paton. Eventually, after much sacrifice and labor, he saw many natives come to Christ and their lives miraculously transformed.
On a lighter note...One part of the book left me laughing so hard that I cried! Paton was a "total abstainer" from alcohol (and he argues his choice very strongly). But one time while travelling in Australia he had a 20 mile ride on a crazy, out of control, horse. Upon reaching his destination, he was topsy turvy and could barely speak. They thought he was drunk and try as he might he couldn't convince them he was sober. You have to read it yourself - it was hysterical.
Anyways, I give this 5 stars. It is a missionary classic.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Library Binding
the life of John G. Paton was one of a continual sacrifice to bring the gospel to those that hated it the most. It is hard to imagine living under such scrutiny and continual danger and still loving the people that literally wanted to eat you. This book, especially the first half, is full of incredible stories of God's provision and faithfulness and Paton's committment to staying and bringing these people the Gospel. It also has an incredibly touching story of one of the natives who gave his life to save people that were exactly where he saw himself before he heard and believed this gospel.
as a teacher, I find myself often using little stories from this book to stress committment to the kids I work with. Paton is from the period of missions where these guys were truly on an island by themselves. He gave up everything even though many told him not to go to the savages. One of the greatest lines from the book is when an old man was telling Paton not to go to the island saying 'But Paton, they'll eat you!' Paton replied, "Maybe, but you are advanced in age and will so pass away, only to be eaten by worms. What difference is it who we're eaten by?" that isn't the direct line, but the main idea of what he said.
Paton displayed the true idea of a life turned over to whatever Christ wanted and a life that truly displayed that he believed his citizenship was in Heaven.
as a teacher, I find myself often using little stories from this book to stress committment to the kids I work with. Paton is from the period of missions where these guys were truly on an island by themselves. He gave up everything even though many told him not to go to the savages. One of the greatest lines from the book is when an old man was telling Paton not to go to the island saying 'But Paton, they'll eat you!' Paton replied, "Maybe, but you are advanced in age and will so pass away, only to be eaten by worms. What difference is it who we're eaten by?" that isn't the direct line, but the main idea of what he said.
Paton displayed the true idea of a life turned over to whatever Christ wanted and a life that truly displayed that he believed his citizenship was in Heaven.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By G. J. Weeks
Format:Library Binding
Another of my top three autobiographies of all time. Paton gave his life to taking the gospel to islanders of the Pacific. It cost him the lives of those dearest to him. At times he had to flee for his life. Paton experienced both extaordinary suffering and blessing. An incomparable story of a missionary giant.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Library Binding
I'm a pastor who has read my share of biographies and historical books. This book, by far, is the greatest biography I've ever read. Paton has become my historical hero! You learn from Paton what it really looks like to trust in the sovereign goodness of God, what it looks like to be a father and raise many kids, and what it looks like to have a heart for missions! Once you start reading you won't want to put it down . . . I've read it multiple times and burned both ends of the candle with this one!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true story of how one man brought the gospel into the far country
August 22, 2010
Format:Library Binding|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you like reading bio's of people that God soverignly used, then this is one of them. John Paton accomplished more in his life than most would ever dream of. I put him in the ranks of George Whitfield as one who truly lost his life for the sake of the gospel. Going to the South Pacific into a land where the people were cannibals, this story will really show the missionary's heart for the lost soul. Many people ask the question, what about the person in the jungle that has never heard about the gospel, what happens to them? John Paton went there and did that. I would recommend this book to anyone who might be considering going into the mission field as it shows the many hardships that are to be endured and what it means to give up all.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
Good missionary, interesting to know what he did and how he did it. This was a good missions book at a good price, overall a good buy.
Published 17 months ago by Aaron Cav
5.0 out of 5 stars
Personally gorgeous
I adored this book so much. He was terribly honest with his life. I am very encouraged to have John Paton's as a help in mine own. Read more
Published on March 24, 2011 by Loren S. Cole
2.0 out of 5 stars
VEry thorough.
This autobiography has seemingly included every detail of the author's life with the tribes of the New Hebrides. Read more
Published on May 20, 2007 by FloridaBanana
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