John G. Paton, missionary to the New Hebrides, volume 1 (of 3) : $b An autobiography edited by his brotherPaton, John Gibson
Religion
John G. Paton, missionary to the New Hebrides, volume 1 (of 3) : $b An autobiography edited by his brother
Paton, John Gibson
Missionaries -- Vanuatu -- Biography; Paton, John Gibson, 1824-1907
If not truly converted, the two Priests were fast friends of mine from
that day, as also another leading man in the same district. They also
received an Aneityumese Teacher to their village, protecting and showing
kindness to him; one of the Sacred Men who could speak his language
lived almost constantly with him, and some young people were allowed
daily to attend our School. These two and a number of others began to
wear a kilt, and some a shirt also. Three of them especially, if not
Christians, appeared to be not far from the Kingdom of God, and did all
that was in their power to protect and to assist me. A few began to pray
to Jehovah in their houses, offering a kind of rude family worship, and
breathing out such prayers and desires as I had taught them for the
knowledge of the true God and only Saviour. And these, as my companions,
accompanied me from place to place when I visited their district.
But let us return to the war. Many Chiefs and villages were now involved
in it; and a large part of the bush over the country between had been
consumed by fire, to prevent surprises. Yet, our Harbour people being
assembled one night for consultation, a number of the Inland warriors
crept near unobserved and discharged a volley of muskets amongst them.
Several were shot dead, and in the darkness and confusion the enemy got
clear away. Revenge and self-preservation now united our people as one
man, and every man assembled for action on the borders of the hostile
Tribes. I again visited them on the fighting ground. As I was seen
approaching, the two old Priests, my friends, came to receive and escort
me, protected by their clubs and muskets,—the one blind of an eye lost
in war marching before me, and the other behind me with poised spear and
mighty club. Seating me in a central position, they assembled all the
warriors, except the watchmen, and these savage men listened attentively
to my message, and bowed quietly during prayer. God only knows what may
be the fruit in some dark benighted soul! The whole host of them ceased
firing, till the two friendly Priests had again conveyed me safely
beyond the reach of danger.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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