The devotion to faith seen in his parents and grandparents influenced him greatly toward a love for the Bible and for missionary work.
Beyond his formal learning in mathematics he threw himself heavily into Christian life and ministry in his university years.
The regular magazine had illustrated articles addressing both religious and non-religious issues for both young and old readers in two languages.
His final year was plagued with sickness and disappointment before a resurgence of energy, health and new excitement to begin a new ministry in Upper Egypt.
Beyond his vast literary contributions in Egypt in general, Thornton can be specifically remembered by a number of works.