A Look at a Book
by Zerubbabel Press

BOOK REVIEW: The Chocolate Soldier by C. T. Studd
Also titled "Heroism–The Lost Chord of Christianity," this little pamphlet packs a punch! C. T. Studd surmises that every true soldier is a hero–and soldiers lacking in heroism are merely chocolate soldiers, melting quickly in the heat of battle. He brings home the picture of the chocolate soldier by contrasting Biblical heroes, such as David, Daniel and Paul, whose lives were testimonies of the fortitude and sustaining power of Christ Himself.

David was an example of one who, once a chocolate soldier for staying behind when he should have been off at battle, chose to admit his sin and was restored as battle worthy. Studd notes:

"It takes a real man to make a true confession–a Chocolate soldier will excuse or cloak his sin…killing his con-science to save his face."

Daniel is cited as a hero for braving the lion’s den, stopping only to comfort the emperor, much like Christ going to his death on Calvary. Studd reminds us that we will be known by our works, suggesting Daniel’s works were his three friends who, because of Daniel’s example and teachings were also willing to brave that fiery furnace (Daniel 6:16-24). One can’t help but wonder if their works are more representative of a true or chocolate soldier.

With the example of Paul, Studd suggests that a hero comes in many forms–even a fool and fanatic! Paul was thought to be a fool for his outlandish actions and a fanatic for his uncanny zeal:

"His life was a perpetual gamble for God. Daily he faced death for Christ. Again and again he stood fear-less before crowds thirsting for his blood."

Paul boldly and relentlessly crusaded to share the truth, irrespective of self, and paid a price too, f uther evidence of his heroism.

These great heros are then contrasted to those melted down Christians who prefer heart-searching to heart-resolve; observing versus playing; passive prayer to passionate participation. Whole armies of chocolate soldiers were apparent throughout the Bible. Studd mentions Reuben where the people have great searchings of heart but lack action, and Meroz where complacency earned them the curse of the angel of the Lord (Judges 5:16, 23).

"Difficulties, dangers, disease, death, or divisions don’t deter any but chocolates from executing God’s Will. When someone says there’s a lion in the way, the real Christian promptly replies, ‘That’s hardly enough inducement for me; I want a bear or two besides to make it worth my while to go."

This pamphlet challenges every reader to examine his or her own life and decide for themselves whether they are a part of the problem or a piece of the solution. In which army do you serve?

The booklet closes with an enlistment challenge for the Lord’s Army versus the Chocolate Soldier Regime with the assurance of God’s promises either way, positively for the Lord’s Army and negatively for the Chocolate Soldier Regime. Studd provides glorious affirmation for those who stand film, unshaken and true, and a pathway out for those who hunger for heroism.