Life of John Coleridge Patteson : Missionary Bishop of the Melanesian Islands

"Life of John Coleridge Patteson: Missionary Bishop of the Melanesian Islands" by Charlotte Mary Yonge is a late 19th-century biography that explores the life of John Coleridge Patteson as he grows into a missionary bishop. It presents Patteson’s history, including his childhood, the formation of his character, all the way up to his early experiences, all of which led him to dedicate his life to Christian missions in the Melanesian Islands. Yonge begins with a preface, addressing both the difficulties and benefits of writing about someone so recently passed, and stresses the value of using current stories and letters to paint a clear picture of Patteson’s life. The early chapters tell the story of Patteson’s childhood, focusing on his family, the years that molded him, and the forces that influenced his character and view of religion. Early on, the accounts show a strong focus on his family life, education, and initial acts of kindness, foreshadowing his future path as a missionary, setting the stage for his life’s journey.