The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-06-04

his body and took n solemn vow that
they would conquer the islands for
Jesus Christ or die in the attempt. II
have always called that" said DR..
Patton, "the organization OF the First
Christian Endeavor society on tho ISL
and"
DR.. Gordon's brother, far away in
this country, hearing OF his death, also
vowed that he would convert these
people. He went and labored among
them. One day while translating the
acts Of the apostles into the native
language he ceased for a few moments
just after finishing the words OF Ste
phen. the first martyr, who said Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit" Going out on
the veranda for moment, he too was
killed
MIRACULOUS ESCAPE
Just before DR.. Patton and one OF his
colleagues, Rev. DIR. Johnston, were
driven or the island OF Tanna, he had
a most miraculous escape from death.
Two natives, armed with clubs, came
into the house asking for medicine.
AS ne was giving 1t to them they both
raised their weapons to strike him.
"At that moment" said he, IT re-
|
has all power and that He can exer-
else that power when necessity de-
mands. with His words, Lo, I am
with you always ringing in my ears,
I pushed away the clubs and the men
cowed for a moment by some unseen
force, left the room. AS they were
leaving the door, however, they turn
ed and dealt Johnston a stunning
| in
l called to my two dogs who were
In the room and they drove the men
out"
| Another incident which DR.. Patton
| related was even more strikingly dra-
matte. While laborins on another one
| Of the islands with missionary
named Maathiewson, he was aroused
| from his sleep one night by voices
| outside. Looking out he saw some
ten armed savages with torches in
their hands making for the church
nearby. This they set on fire and the
wind being strong Ii spark caught a
corner OF the house.
| DR.. Patton rushed out with on axe
In his hand and chopped off the burn
ing portion and just as he turned to
| enter the house again he was sur
| rOuIlueu ny the Ten lltLllNtS WIN up-
| lifted clubs. Raising his axe in the
air he cried, "In the name OF the Lord
Jehovah, I defy you" At that very
moment a huge black cloud formed
over his head and in almost the
twinkling Of an eye there was ter
rifle peal OF thunder followed by a
downpour of tropical rain. The natives
fed in all directions, declaring that
ArvI,t Pg~
him.
FRESH ATTACK,
The very next morning Just as q
fresh attack was being planned on
the house, a trading vessel anchored
in the harbor below, on board which
they were invited. IT don't care what
men and women may say" said he,
that vessel came as an answer to
prayer and came by Gods direction" !"
A short time after this all OF the
other missionaries either died or were
killed and DR.. Patton was left alone
for time. He went to Australia,
| however, secured financial help,
brought back more missionaries with
him and from that time forward the
work prospered.
The natives OF these islands, DR..
! Patton explained, are remarkably cruel,
30 that their conversion to Christianity
| Is most remarkable. One OF the GUS
toms in vogue is the strangling OF the
widow when a husband dies. Infantl-
eide is widespread and common. In
stances have been known where wives
have been buried alive because their
husband tired OF them. There are yet
10000 cannibals on the islands," said
the doctor, waiting for the saw
power OF Christ"
There are now $4,000 converted ma
tives, 5000 OF whom are good church
members. There are 800 native teach
ers who are paid six pounds year for
their labors, and who, DR.. Patton says,
would rather lose their lives than risk
the safety OF Gods church." In all OF
these $4,000 households prayers are said
both morning and night and the divine
blessing is invoked before each meal.
The Bible has been translated into
twenty-five dialects, all OF which We're
unwritten when DR.. Patton took up tho
work.
uSTnuU