Only One Life!

Only One Life

Probably many of you know that I have used this verse on my envelopes for many years now. Perhaps we are referring to 20 to 40 years or more. I always thought that it was a memorable verse that communicated much.

I remember when I first noted it. Actually, I was found in a booklet by William MacDonald entitled “True Discipleship” (the name of our website). I wonder… Perhaps it goes back to 1960 or so, but it could have been earlier or later. The verse was written by C.T. Studd of England, a famous “Cricket” player (and I suppose that this was a sport that was popular in England at the time). He then went to the university, And thence to China, then India, and then Congo, where he continued his missionary work until he died while praying.

Some of you may wonder about our citing this famous preacher. I don’t know, but the Anglican Church was strong in England at the time. According to the Interest, Studd was Anglican and supported various Anglican bishops. Of course, as you evidently know, this is a false fellowship, originating in Britain, but spread around the world, especially Africa. Thus, we cannot support or encourage those of you who might be encouraged by this Anglican view, for it definitely is false and an evil religion, especially now.

But we include this verse because of the contents. It does touch the heart and I notice that the whole poem is equally touching and worthy of reading and taking to heart. Therefore, we include it here for your edification. We plan to include occasional additions along the way also.

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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.
✝️

Memorable C.T. Studd Quotes

• Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.
• Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell, I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.
• If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.
• The light that shines farthest, shines brightest, nearest home.
• God’s real people have always been called fanatics.
• The “romance” of a missionary is often made up of monotony and drudgery. There often is no glamor in it. It doesn’t stir a man’s spirit or blood. So don’t come out to be a missionary as an experiment. It is useless and dangerous. Only come if you feel you would rather die than not come. Don’t come if you want to make a great name or want to live long. Come if you feel there is no greater honor, after living for Christ, than to die for Him.
• The best cure for discouragement or qualms is another daring plunge of faith.
• Christ wants not nibblers of the possible, but grabbers of the impossible by faith in the omnipotence, fidelity, and wisdom of the Almighty Savior.