Born to wealthy, non-Christian parents, Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd enjoyed his privileged life in Spratton, England. Well known for their cricket prowess, CT and his two brothers dominated the Cambridge sport in the early 1880s.
But when their father Edward became a born-again believer at a Moody Crusade, he invited a preacher into their home. Slow to accept the full gospel, CT would only go so far as admitting that Jesus Christ died. However, once he accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, “joy and peace came into my soul. I knew then what it was to be born again.”
CT entered the mission field in 1885, formed the World Evangelization Crusade (aka WEC Int.), and spent the next 46 years in service to the Lord in China, India, and Africa.
CT had written many inspirational quotes. However, he is best known for the poem Only One life, Twill Soon Be Past, which is printed in its entirety below.
After reading C.T.’s inspired words, will we be able to express as he did at the end of his poem that we happily burned out the lamp of our lives for Christ?
Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
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.
__ extra stanza __
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee. ✝️
Beautiful words and such a heartfelt reminder of what really matters! Thank you for sharing the story behind the author of this poem and what an example he set for us in his own life.
Wow! Makes a person really think about priorities and how we spend our time! Thank you for sharing, Erma!