The Studd family (what a name!) were all superb cricket players. Cricket in nineteenth century England was as popular as football has become in modern American culture. Edward Studd made a fortune importing tea from India and built a first-class cricket field in his own backyard. His three sons followed in his footsteps and became formidable cricket players. His youngest, Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd (1860-1931) was the greatest of them all. He was named the best all-round cricket player in England two consecutive years and elected captain of his Cambridge University team. He successfully led the team in upsetting the reigning world cricket champion, Australia, in 1883.
A year later, Charles’ brother George became seriously ill, battling for his life. Charles realized as he kept vigil at his brother’s bedside, that his cricket career would soon be coming to an end. He wrote, “I know cricket will not last, and honor will not last, and nothing in this world will last, but it is worthwhile living for the world to come.”
When he learned the evangelist, Dwight L. Moody was in town, Charles went to his crusade and fully surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. He gave away a sizable inheritance and became a missionary, as did his brother George (who recovered from his illness), in China, India and Africa.
In 1912, Charles wrote a controversial pamphlet titled The Chocolate Soldier, challenging lukewarm Christians to become real soldiers for Christ, not chocolate soldiers who melt in the heat of battle. “We Christians today are a tepid crew,” he said. He closed with the prayer that follows here. His language of “sleeping sickness” refers to reciting the Lord’s Prayer without intending to do what we pray: