John G. Paton, missionary to the New Hebrides, volume 2 (of 3) : $b An autobiography edited by his brotherPaton, John Gibson
Religion
John G. Paton, missionary to the New Hebrides, volume 2 (of 3) : $b An autobiography edited by his brother
Paton, John Gibson
Missionaries -- Vanuatu -- Biography; Paton, John Gibson, 1824-1907
The darkest and most hideous blot on Heathenism is the practice of
Infanticide. Only three cases came to our knowledge on Aniwa; but we
publicly denounced them at all hazards, and awoke not only natural
feeling, but the selfish interests of the community for the protection
of the children. These three were the last that died there by parents’
hands. A young husband, who had been jealous of his wife, buried their
male child alive as soon as born. An old Tanna woman, who had no
children living, having at last a fine healthy boy born to her, threw
him into the sea before any one could interfere to save. And a Savage,
in anger with his wife, snatched her baby from her arms, hid himself in
the bush till night, and returned without the child, refusing to give
any explanation, except that he was dead and buried. Praise be to God,
these three murderers of their own children were by-and-bye touched
with the story of Jesus, became members of the Church, and each adopted
little orphan children, towards whom they continued to show the most
tender affection and care.
Wife murder was also considered quite legitimate. In one of our inland
villages dwelt a young couple, happy in every respect except that
they had no children. The man, being a Heathen, resolved to take home
another wife, a widow with two children. This was naturally opposed
by his young wife. And, without the slightest warning, while she sat
plaiting a basket, he discharged a ball into her from his loaded
musket. It crashed through her arm and lodged in her side. Everything
was done that was in my power to save her life; but on the tenth day
tetanus came on, and she soon after passed away. The man appeared very
attentive to her all the time; but, being a Heathen, he insisted that
she had no right to oppose his wishes! He was not in any way punished
or disrespected by the people of his village, but went out and in
amongst them as usual, and took home the other woman as his wife a few
weeks thereafter. His second wife began to attend Church and School
regularly with her children; and at last he also came along with them,
changing very manifestly from his sullen and savage former self. They
have a large family; they are avowedly trying to train them all for the
Lord Jesus; and they take their places meekly at the Lord’s Table.
It would give a wonderful shock, I suppose, to many namby-pamby
Christians, to whom the title “Mighty to Save” conveys no ideas of
reality, to be told that nine or ten converted murderers were partaking
with them the Holy Communion of Jesus! But the Lord who reads the
heart, and weighs every motive and circumstance, has perhaps much more
reason to be shocked by the presence of some of themselves. Penitence
opens all the Heart of God—“To-day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account