272 
MISSIONARY LIFE 
respond at once. Now let us have immediate 
response. Let not one school wait for another. 
Ever yours. 
Daniel F. ‘Wilberforce. 
Freetown, West Africa, April, 1879. 
THOMAS TUCKER. 
Thomas Tucker was picked up on Sherhro 
Island, twentj^-five years ago. His heathen or 
country’^ name was Tong.’’ 
Tong was a genuine heathen hoy, without learn- 
ing, not only not knowing the first letter of the 
alphabet, hut not knowing that such a thing ex- 
isted. He soon became interested in the mission- 
work, and proved himself a truthful and devoted 
servant. There are in the character of Thomas 
Tucker several elements that are not common. 
One is honesty; another, gratitude; and another, 
humility. 
In Africa, Christianity means elevation, removal 
from a lower to a higher position or station in 
life. As this does not come as the result of merit, 
either entailed or acquired, but from the unselfish 
labors of Christian men and women, one would 
naturally look for gratitude, at least; and when 
we fail to find honesty, humility, and gratitude, — • 
as is too often the case, — it is discouraging. 
What used to be Tong, the ignorant beathen 
