God’s summons today is to the young men and women of Great Britain and America and Christendom, who call themselves by the name of Christ.
The Chocolate Soldier is rather different from the books I normally review on this blog. It’s not a story, is only an estimated 17 pages in length. More of along essay than a book. However, I’m sure some of you, like me, appreciate a quick read sometimes. The Chocolate Soldier would be perfect for an extended devotional time.
I first heard C.T. Studd’s name five years ago when Eric Ludy came to speak at a homeschool conference. Mr. Ludy is a great admirer of C.T. Studd’s. Because of that endorsement, I quickly downloaded this short book when I found it for free on Amazon.
Studd wastes no time in getting to his point. He defines a “Chocolate Soldier” as a Christian who shrinks from the nitty-gritty of Christianity.
They are chocolate soldiers who merely go to see battles, and cooly urge others to fight them. They had better save their journey money and use it to send out real fighters instead.
Studd exhorts Christians to revive the heroism and determination exhibited by faithful men and women in the Bible.
Real Christians revel in desperate ventures for Christ, expecting from God great things and attempting the same with exhilaration.
Studd’s thought process and wording confused me a few times, but for the most part I enjoyed his whirlwind tour through heroes of the Bible. And the reminder not to be lukewarm is always beneficial. I think the message in The Chocolate Soldier would find a receptive and appreciative audience among many of you who read this blog.
Let me know if you check it out!
Leah E. Good 
That does look very interesting. Thanks for sharing! I downloaded it and I will read it tomorrow.
Please share what you think of it, Spencer! I have a feeling you’ll dig deeper into it than I did.