First published 1889, this autobiography is the life of John G. Paton, who was born in Dumfries, on the road to Lockerbie, in May 1824, and which provides not only a fascinating glimpse of the life of a 19th Century missionary but also gives a vivid account of the times in Scotland, Australia and in the South Seas. Following medical training Paton became a City Missionary serving in Glasgow for 10 years before applying for an overseas missionary posting in 1857. He became an ordained minister, and sailed for the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) the following year. His first experience , once he had arrived at his mission centre, was to witness two warring parties fighting in the village that was to be his base. During the fighting six men were captured, killed, and eaten and Paton realised what a massive task faced him. Nevertheless he spread the word of the Gospel and whilst his mission amongst the natives was full of amazing, life threatening adventures his trust in the Lord never deserted him and he eventually returned to Australia where he died in 1907.