Margaret Paton: Letters from the South Seas

by Margaret Paton

John G. Missionary to the New Hebrides is a missionary classic. In this companion volume, Margaret Whitecross Paton gives an enthralling account of missionary life in the New Hebrides from the 1860s to the 1890s. The steady advance of the gospel in the islands is vividly described, and the whole account is set against the background of the joys and sorrows of family life. Margaret Paton writes with rare grace, humour and pathos. Letters from the South Seas is an inspiring story, full of the triumphs of Christian faith and love, and a missionary classic in its own right- a book to prize. Margaret Whitecross Paton was the second wife of the pioneer missionary to the New Hebrides, John G. Paton. She was the daughter of the Rev. John Whitecross whose work The Shorter Catechism Illustrated was republished by the Trust. A gifted writer, musician and artist, she died in 1905.

Genres: Biography, Christian

344 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Amy Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. The children heard much of it. Seth and I took, I'd guess, about six months to get through this, not because it's a difficult read or a slow read, but simply because of our life schedule in that time. But we were moved and often said how much it reminded us of our own Africans to whom we minister. It deserves a longer review, which I won't do here, at least for a while.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This happened 150 years ago so some of their terms may offend our modern sensibilities. But I really appreciated how real Margaret was. She didn’t hide her real thoughts and feelings. She wasn’t trying to appear a perfect Christian. It’s always encouraging to hear about the Lord working among unreached peoples.

[Seth Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A godly woman writes letters on life and ministry from an untouched island. It is insightful, interesting, and humorous especially if you are a missionary.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight. I truly didn't expect Mrs. Paton's letters to feel so human and accessible -- not to mention to make me laugh so often! -- having been written well over a century ago. She gives an honest, riveting, and often beautiful glimpse into life on a missionary frontier.