John Gerardus Fagg
Forty Years in South China: The Life of Rev. John Van Nest Talmage, D.D.
"Forty Years in South China: The Life of Rev. John Van Nest Talmage, D.D." by Rev. John Gerardus Fagg is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the life and missionary work of John Van Nest Talmage, who dedicated more than four decades of his life to evangelizing and serving the people of South China, particularly in the region of Amoy. It is a tribute to his extraordinary commitment, contributions, and the challenges he faced in a foreign land, reflecting his deep faith and resolve to spread Christianity in a culturally rich but spiritually needy area. The opening of the memoir sets the stage by providing context into Talmage’s background, as well as insight into the author’s relationship with him. It features an emotionally charged introduction by Rev. T. De Witt Talmage that captures the reverence and admiration for John Talmage's life work and the impact he made on both his community in China and on the mission field as a whole. The text hints at the hardships and moral dilemmas faced by missionaries in China, including cultural differences and the practices of ancestral worship and infanticide encountered there. It also expresses a strong sense of purpose and faith in the ultimate success of their mission efforts, setting the tone for the detailed exploration of Talmage’s experiences that follows.