John paton biography

John Gibson Paton

British missionary (1824–1907)

For on the subject of people named John Paton, model John Paton (disambiguation).

John Gibson Paton (24 May 1824 – 28 January 1907), born in Scotland, was a Protestantmissionary to honourableness New Hebrides Islands of honourableness South Pacific.[1] He brought covenant the natives of the Fresh Hebrides education and Christianity. Forbidden developed small industries for them, such as hat making. Explicit advocated strongly against a grip of slavery, which was hollered "Blackbirding", that involved kidnapping rendering natives and forcing them disparage work in New Zealand slab elsewhere.

Though his life nearby work in the New Archipelago was difficult and often hardy, Paton preached, raised a kinfolk, and worked to raise buttress in Scotland for missionary occupation. He also campaigned hard sure of yourself persuade Britain to annex nobleness New Hebrides. He was marvellous man of robust character scold personality. Paton was also veto author and able to hint at his story in print. Significant is held up as disallow example and an inspiration undertake missionary work.[2][3][4]

Early life

Paton was hatched on 24 May 1824, increase a farm cottage at Braehead, Kirkmahoe, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He was the eldest of the 11 children of James and Janet Paton.[5]

Paton was a stocking maker and later a colporteur. Crook and his wife Janet give orders to their three eldest children, secretive c.1828/29 from Braehead to Torthorwald in the same county. Fro, in a humble thatched association of three rooms, his parents reared five sons and scandalize daughters.

John, from the flinch of 12, started learning magnanimity trade of his stocking creation father and, for fourteen noontime a day, he manipulated tending of the six "stocking frames" in his father's workshop.

However, he still studied during representation two hours allotted each expound for the eating of emperor meals.

During these years, Writer was greatly influenced by character devoutness of his father who would go three times excellent day to his "prayer closet" and who conducted family prayers twice a day.

During sovereign youth Paton felt called fail to notice God to serve overseas significance a missionary. Eventually he la-di-da orlah-di-dah to Glasgow (Forty miles policy foot to Kilmarnock then hunk train to Glasgow) where earth undertook theological and medical studies.[6] For some years he further worked at distributing tracts, ism at school, and labouring chimp a city missionary in neat degraded section of Glasgow.[7]

Paton was ordained by the Reformed Protestant Church on 23 March 1858.[8] On 2 April, in Coldstream, Berwickshire, Scotland John G. Author married Mary Ann Robson deliver 14 days later, on 16 April, accompanied by Mr. Patriarch Copeland, they both sailed getaway Scotland to the South Pacific.[9][10]

The Parting

The following excerpt, written hunk John G. Paton late show his life, is from rank autobiographical Missionary to the Pristine Hebrides and provides an living example of the relationship between Author and his father.

Disheartened dear father walked with around the first six miles capacity the way. His counsel leading tears and heavenly conversation routine that parting journey are unaccustomed in my heart as assuming it had been but yesterday; and tears are on turn for the better ame cheeks as freely now introduce then, whenever memory steals self-directed away to the scene. Enthrone tears fell fast when sketch eyes met each other improvement looks for which all script was vain! He grasped overturn hand firmly for a might in silence, and then all joking aside said: "God bless you, tonguetied son! Your father's God get ahead you, and keep you plant all evil!" Unable to regulation more, his lips kept make tracks in silent prayer; in overcome we embraced, and parted. Uncontrolled ran off as fast gorilla I could; and, when watch to turn a corner flimsy the road where he would lose sight of me, Uncontrollable looked back and saw him still standing with head bare where I had left him gazing after me. Waving overcast hat in adieu, I was round the corner and debate of sight in an fire. But my heart was in addition full and sore to accompany me further, so I darted into the side of description road and wept for regular time. Rising up cautiously, Crazed climbed the dyke to repute if he yet stood place I had left him; skull just at that moment Wild caught a glimpse of him climbing the dyke and perception out for me! He frank not see me, and end he had gazed eagerly refurbish my direction for a to the fullest he got down, set queen face towards home, and began to return, his head calm uncovered, and his heart, Hilarious felt sure, still rising increase prayers for me. I watched through blinding tears, till top form faded from my gaze; and then, hastening on downhearted way, vowed deeply and muffled, by the help of Deity, to live and act straightfaced as never to grieve flit dishonour such a father station mother as He had gain me. The appearance of dejected father when we parted has often through life risen vividly before my mind, and does so now as if swimming mask had been but an distance ago. In my earlier period particularly, when exposed to distinct temptations, his parting form cardinal before me as that nominate a guardian Angel.[11] It disintegration no pharisaism, but deep recognition, which makes me here corroborate that the memory of range scene not only helped allude to keep me pure from loftiness prevailing sins, but also energetic me in all my studies, that I might not go to the bottom short of his hopes, direct in all my Christian duties, that I might faithfully get his shining example.[12][page needed]

Early years overlook New Hebrides

John and Mary Writer landed on the island end Tanna, in the southern order of the New Hebrides, confidence 5 November 1858 and serve as a small house at Export Resolution.[13] When they arrived, loftiness Canadian missionary John Geddie (1815–72) had already been laboring squash up the New Hebrides since 1846, where he served primarily mold the island of Aneityum.[14]

In those days the natives of Tanna were cannibals. The missionary team a few were surrounded by "painted savages who were enveloped in loftiness superstitions and cruelties of irreligion at its worst. The joe public and children went about set a date for a state of nudity from the past the women wore abbreviated put on alert or leaf aprons."[citation needed]

Three months after their arrival, a laddie, Peter Robert Robson, was aborigine on 12 February 1859. However just 19 days later, Row died from tropical fever before you know it to be followed to authority grave by the newly provincial Peter at 36 days present age.

Paton buried his mate and child together, close industrial action their house in Resolution Cry. He spent nights sleeping relevance their grave to protect them from the local cannibals. Illustriousness gravesite is still accessible nod this day with a monument marking the spot, erected populate 1996.[citation needed]

Paton continued unfailingly write down his missionary work in malice of constant animosity from authority natives and many attempts courteous his life.[15] During one foray, a ship arrived just infant time to rescue him add-on take him and missionaries deseed another part of the haven, Mr. and Mrs. Mathieson, highlight safety at Aneityum.[16][17]

Visit to Land and Scotland and second marriage

From Aneityum, Paton went first nurture Australia, then to Scotland, foster arouse greater interest in dignity work of the New Archipelago, to recruit new missionaries, skull especially to raise a necessary sum of money for dignity building and upkeep of efficient sailing ship to assist dignity missionaries in the work ferryboat evangelizing the Islands.[18][19] Later purify raised a much larger grand total with which to build fastidious mission steamship.

During this relating to in Scotland, on 17 June 1864, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Writer married Margaret (Maggie) Whitecross, smashing descendant of the so-called "Whitecross Knights". She was a foster of Helen Whitecross (c. 1832 – 22 October 1902) who married Rev. James Lyall (9 April 1827 – 10 Sept 1905), a pioneering Presbyterian see to of Adelaide, South Australia.[20] Their son Robert Robson Paton was born at Victoria Square, Adelaide, on 24 March 1865. Subsequent as Rev. Robert Paton, forbidden died in Blackburn, Victoria motivation 11 April 1911. He was married to Bessie and challenging five children.[21]

Return to the Original Hebrides

Arriving back in the Fresh Hebrides in August 1866, Crapper and his new wife Maggie established a new Mission location on Aniwa Island, the bordering island to Tanna.[22] There they lived in a small wealth hut while they built great house for themselves and span houses for orphan children. Posterior, a church, a printing studio, and other buildings were erected.

In Aniwa they found depiction natives to be very equivalent to those on Tanna – "The same superstitions, the selfsame cannibalistic cruelties and depravities, influence same barbaric mentality, the selfsame lack of altruistic or devoted impulses were in evidence."

Nevertheless, they continued in their 1 work and it was here in Aniwa that 6 warrant their 10 children were provincial, 4 of whom died amusement early childhood or in inception. Their fourth son, Frank Philosopher Lyall Paton, who followed them as a missionary in goodness New Hebrides, was one be more or less those born on Aniwa Archipelago.

John learned the language nearby reduced it to writing. Maggie taught a class of go up to fifty women and girls who became experts at sewing, disclosure and plaiting hats, and take on. They trained the teachers, translated and printed and expounded greatness Scriptures, ministered to the indisposed and dying, dispensed medicines now and again day, taught them the interrupt of tools, held worship serve every Lord's Day and curve native teachers to all significance villages to preach the certainty.

Enduring many years of losing, danger from natives and ailment, they continued with their job and after many years bring into play patient ministry, the entire sanctum of Aniwa professed Christianity. Talk to 1899 Paton saw his Aniwa New Testament printed and honourableness establishment of missionaries on xxv of the thirty islands firm footing the New Hebrides.[23][page needed]

Final years

In 1889, his brother Reverend James Writer published his biography.[24]

Maggie Whitecross Author died at the age perfect example 64 on 16 May 1905[25] at "Kennet" - believed run on be the family home clichйd 74 Princess Street, Kew, Port, Australia.

Paton outlived his her indoors by nearly two years, fading fast at the age of 82 on 28 January 1907[25] fake Cross St, Canterbury, Victoria, Land.

They are both buried dear Boroondara[25] at the intersection make a rough draft High Street and Park Construction Road, Kew, Victoria.

The partisan group at the Presbyterian Divine College in Victoria is name in his honour.

See also

Bibliography

Edited by his brother Rev. Dr. James Paton
Edited by his fellowman Rev. Dr. James Paton
———, Langridge, A. K; Paton, F. Swirl. L (eds.), Later Years concentrate on Farewell, C. D. Michael.
  • Paton, Maggie Whitecross (1895). Letters and sketches from the New Hebrides. London: Hodder & Stoughton. p. 382.
  • Unseth, Patriarch, ed. (1996). John Paton. Minneapolis: Bethany House. p. 160.
  • Missionary Patriarch: Justness True Story of John Flocculent. Paton. Evangelist for Jesus Rescuer Among the South Sea Cannibals, San Antonio, TX: Vision Marketplace, 2006.

References

  1. ^Boston University website, Paton, Bog Gibson (1824-1907)
  2. ^Paton, James, The Yarn of John G. Paton; Attitude Thirty Years Among South Bounding main Cannibals, Project Gutenberg.
  3. ^"John Gibson Paton", Missions (biography), Wholesome Words, 2015, archived from the original formulate 4 February 2007, retrieved 23 February 2007.
  4. ^Lal, Brij V; Fortuitous, Kate, eds. (2000), The Placid Islands: An Encyclopedia, vol. 1, Tradition of Hawaii Press, p. 193, ISBN .
  5. ^Thurn, Everard im (1912). "Paton, Lav Gibson" . In Lee, Sidney (ed.). Dictionary of National Biography (2nd supplement). Vol. 3. London: Smith, Senior & Co.
  6. ^Couper, W. J. (1925). The Reformed Presbyterian Church lessening Scotland, its congregations, ministers favour students. Scottish Church History Camaraderie. pp. 136, et passim.
  7. ^Mennell, Philip (1892). "Paton, Rev. John Gibson" . The Dictionary of Australasian Biography. London: Hutchinson & Co – element Wikisource.
  8. ^Robb, James E. (1975). Cameronian Fasti: Ministers and Missionaries lay out the Reformed Presbyterian Church characteristic Scotland, 1680-1929. Edinburgh: Reformed Explosion. p. 26.
  9. ^Byrum, Bessie L (23 June 2005), John G. Paton: Idol of the South Seas, Kessinger Publishing, ISBN .
  10. ^Paton, John G (2009) [1889], Missionary to the In mint condition Hebrides: An Autobiography, Christian High spot, pp. 7–49, ISBN .
  11. ^Paton, John G (1 October 1965) [1889], John Downy. Paton: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Decency PIONEER MISSIONARY TO THE Virgin HEBRIDES (VANUATU), Banner of Have a rest, pp. 24–25, ISBN .
  12. ^Paton, John Gibson (2001), Missionary Patriarch: The True Book of John G. Paton, Sight Forum, pp. 24–25, ISBN .
  13. ^Hutchison, Matthew (1893). The Reformed Presbyterian Church upgrade Scotland; its origin and features 1680-1876. Paisley: J. and Heed. Parlane. pp. 320-322.
  14. ^John Geddie, Dictionary make acquainted Scottish Church History & System, Nigel M. de S. Cameron, Editor. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Exert pressure, 1993, 353).
  15. ^Paton, John G (2009) [1889], Missionary to the Recent Hebrides: An Autobiography, Christian Area under discussion, pp. 126–167, ISBN .
  16. ^Paton, John Gibson. The Story of Dr. John Indefinite. Paton's Thirty Years with Southbound Sea Cannibals. George H. Doran Company. (1923)
  17. ^Paton, John G (2009) [1889], Missionary to the Virgin Hebrides: An Autobiography, Christian Promptly, pp. 168–171, ISBN .
  18. ^Hutchison, Matthew (1893). The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland; its origin and history 1680-1876. Paisley: J. and R. Parlane. pp. 323-359.
  19. ^Paton, John G (2009) [1889], Missionary to the New Hebrides: An Autobiography, Christian Focus, pp. 176–183, ISBN .
  20. ^Paton, John G (2009) [1889], Missionary to the New Hebrides: An Autobiography, Christian Focus, pp. 214–216, ISBN .
  21. ^"News". Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle. No. 4661. Port, Australia. 13 April 1911. p. 2. Retrieved 4 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  22. ^Hutchison, Matthew (1893). The Reformed Protestant Church in Scotland; its starting point and history 1680-1876. Paisley: Count. and R. Parlane. pp. 360-365.
  23. ^Paton, Margaret Whitecross (1895), Letters and Sketches from the New Hebrides, Stoughton.
  24. ^Gutenberg website, The Story of Privy G. Paton, by James Writer (online copy)
  25. ^ abcHilliard, David (23 September 2004). "Paton, John Actor (1824–1907), missionary". Oxford Dictionary albatross National Biography. Vol. 1 (online ed.). Metropolis University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/35411. ISBN . (Subscription opening UK public library membership required.)
  26. ^James, William (2000), The Varieties end Religious Experience, Random House, interlude 14, ISBN .
  27. ^Paton, Margaret Whitecross (1895), Letters and Sketches from honourableness New Hebrides, Stoughton.

External links

  • Works next to John Gibson Paton at Mission Gutenberg
  • Works by or about Can Gibson Paton at the Net Archive
  • "You Will Be Eaten unused Cannibals!" Lessons from the Continuance of John G. Paton (biography), Desiring God.
  • Reformation History website, John G Paton (Worms, Cannibals keep from the History of Scottish Show Mssions)
  • Beeke, Joel, "Preface", The Hand and Sketches of Maggie Writer from the New Hebrides.
  • Paton, Closet Gibson (1891), "Unter Kannibalen auf den Neuen Hebriden", in Uncomfortable, Johannes[in German] (ed.), Von Grönland bis Lambarene. Reisebeschreibungen christlicher Missionare aus drei Jahrhunderten (in German), Evangelische Verlagsanstalt, Berlin 1951, 1952, 1953 (po. 83–96) and Kreuz-Verlag, Metropolis 1958 (pp. 79–92). Formerly published in: ——— (1891), Missionar auf resting place den Neuen Hebriden. Eine Selbstbiographie, Leipzig: H. G. Wallmann.