So said David in his holy lamentation for Saul and Jonathan, father and son, who died together on the field of battle.

The text illustrates the life and death of two worthy missionaries. On the 20th May, 1861 a godly Canadian couple in Erromanga island, in their tiny home on a hill on the island, commenced their morning together as usual in worship. It was the last time they were to do so. As the couple prayed, nine men with murderous intent were on route to kill them both. Sadly, they succeeded in their wicked aim. By lunchtime George Gordon and his wife Ellen had been hacked in pieces.

The godly couple had arrived almost four years before. George wrote, “I fear a season of much trouble is before us. The power and working of Satan in various ways is now manifest on this side the island. But God rules the nations. Glorious truth! Oh that Christ would take to himself his great power and reign ! The sins and exceeding wickedness of the natives of Tana and Eromanga seem to equal those of Sodom and Gomorrah. The inhabitants, like the sea, are sometimes in a deceitful calm ; but presently clouds gather, and a storm comes which stirs up hateful passions to their lowest depths. Pray, pray without ceasing for the convincing and converting power of the Holy Spirit to come and operate upon their dark hearts.”

In faithful labours they witnessed around forty conversions among the natives.

A measles epidemic seized the islanders. George and Ellen worked tirelessly caring for the sick. However two children of one of the island's chiefs had died in their care, and the chief thought that they had been cursed by the missionaries. He had sent these nine warriors to murder George and Ellen.

The couple had lovely, pleasant and Christ glorifying lives, and in death became holy martyrs for their dear Lord.

Sayings of George Gordon.

“When I got a right view of Christ my whole nature became changed.”

“Jesus is all my salvation, and all my desire.”