C. T. Studd was born to Edward Studd, a wealthy father who became a Christian during a Moody and Sankey campaign in England, which had a big impact on the family.
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Charles was a popularity English cricketer who played cricket for Cambridge University. He was involved in the inaugural match of 1882 between England and Australia, which was the origin of what is known as The Ashes today.
Charles and his two brothers were converted to the faith through a visiting preacher to the Studd home while they were students at Eton. He is best known for his missionary work in Africa and China. C T Studd is also remembered for a poem he wrote, 'Only One Life, 'Twill Soon Be Past'. This poem is a call for all who would venture into a life of martyrdom in a world that lacks a sense of laying one's life down for a greater cause.
Only One Life
By C.T. Studd
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
Living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Thinking about this poem I can see Charles reflected on his walk with the Lord deeply. Especially when he was talking about judgement you can see that he had a view of the future in mind. He uses this to keep himself on the path that pleases his Lord because he wanted his works to last.
So martyrdom is giving oneself totally to the cause of Christ, so that the work we do has its roots in eternity but it’s fruits on earth.
If I give my body to be burnt and I don’t have the foundation of the kingdom of God, which is love, then it is for nothing. Let us make sure that we give our lives, not for selfish reasons, but for the throne of our King, Jesus the Messiah.
