John Paton, Psalm 119 & Perseverance
If you don’t know the story of John Paton, the missionary to Vanuatu (then the New Hebrides), it’s well worth a read of his Autobiography recently republished by Banner of Truth (and completely re-typeset, thank you Banner!).
A brief introduction
Paton landed on the island of Tanna with the desire to reach the natives for Christ. He landed with his wife and had help from the neighbouring island Aneityum. On Aneityum Gospel work had been going on for some time which gave hope that other islands could be reached as well.
During this initial time he lost his first wife to the island. The island inhabitants were also constantly engaged in warfare and cannibalism. To say that the task seemed daunting was an understatement.
From bad to worse
The situation was difficult without added problems. But added problems came. One major addition came: a measles outbreak. He was already under threat periodically from warriors seeking to forcefully remove him from the island (and this mortal coil). But after this he started sleeping in his clothes ready to awake at a moment’s notice. One of his trusty dogs was always at the ready to wake him up and bark at the intruders (a far cry from my dog, but that’s not this story).
After the measles outbreak all of his teachers from Aneityum would no longer come back. The measles outbreak killed thousands indiscriminately. Even with modern medicine the death toll was high.
It’s in the middle of this, Paton himself weighing whether he should stay or leave, that he comments on the plight of his Aneityum teachers, saying:
Of my teachers and their wives ten were swept away in the epidemic; and the few that were left were so disheartened that they escaped to their own land at the first opportunity, as before recorded, excepting only dear old faithful Abraham. But I need not wonder; smaller perils deter God's people at home from many a call of duty. (183, Autobiography)
Small perils
It’s that last line that has continued to stick with me, “but I need not wonder; smaller perils deter God's people at home from many a call of duty.” Reading Psalm 119:81-88 in perperation to preach on it, it’s fascinating how the providence of God works.
In this section the Psalmist cries out to God. He longs for salvation (both physical, saved from his enemies and spiritual, the eschatological longing of the coming Messiah). He complains to God about the insolent and those who persecute him. He feels like a wineskin, dried out from all this suffering (119:83). He seems near the very end of his life (87). Yet he continues to trust in God’s word, in his testimonies, and promises. Notice the recurring theme of waiting: “when will you comfort me?” (82) “how long…?” (84). Coupled with trust in God’s covenant faithfulness, “in your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.” (88)
So why did Paton continue to pray and wait upon the Lord? Why did the Psalmist not give up hope in his present circumstances? Charles Bridges, commenting on 119:85 says this:
But if we understand the grand substantials of the gospel — if we are clearly assured of their reality, practically acknowledge their influence, and experimentally realize their enjoyment, we shall dare the persecuting malice of the proud in defence of a treasure dearer to us than life itself. (223, Psalm 119)
Paton stays
At the end of the chapter 9, Paton continues to realise that his life is in the hands of God. He has a small fledgling church and a few converts and thus cannot leave them. He understood the value of the Gospel. He understood God’s promises. He understood the “grand substantials of the gospel”.
So the question then becomes, what of our lives? How often do small perils deter us from our duty? That’s really the question. We may not be called to suffer great persecutions in faraway lands. But we are called to take up our cross daily.
Think about how often we (and by we, I really mean me) get so bogged down by these small perils we are unable to do our duty. The WiFi goes out! Bluetooth doesn’t connect! Things go wrong in the service of the church. And then there are the real serious problems. But where were we promised an easy life this side of glory?
Like Paton and the Psalmist in Psalm 119, the answer isn’t to muster up courage in the face of overwhelming odds, like some hero in the pages of fantasy literature. The answer, is of course, prayer. This is what Psalm 119 is all about. Scripture-fuelled prayer. I’ll leave you with some more words from Charles Bridges:
Let us watch then against a proud sullenness under every little trial— such as the coldness of friends, the unkindness of enemies, or our Father's providential dispensations. How sinful to allow hard thoughts of him, whose name and character, " without variableness or shadow of turning," is " Love!" A steady trust in the long and wearisome seasons of tribulation, is indeed "to glorify God in the fires" (Isa. 24:15). Nothing honours him so much as this enduring, overcoming faith, persevering in despite of opposition, in destitution of all outward prospects of relief. It is when against hope we believe in hope, not staggering at the promise of God through unbelief," that we are " strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom. 4:18-20). (221, Psalm 119)
Every trial realizes experimentally the help of a faithful Saviour. He does indeed deliver gloriously; and leaves us nothing to do, but to “stand still,” wonder, and praise. (see Ex. 14:13). (225, Psalm 119)
I believe. Help my unbelief.
Paton, John G. The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New Hebridies (Vanuatu), Banner of Truth Trust, 2024.
Bridge, Charles. An Exposition of Psalm 119, Banner of Truth Trust, 2002.
