The Cambridge Seven

The Cambridge Seven

Why would intelligent, popular, and athletically gifted young men disdain lucrative careers and choose to be missionaries?

IN THE 1880s seven prominent Cambridge students made an impact not only on England but also on the world. Stanley Smith, Montague Beauchamp, Dixon Hoste, William Cassels, Cecil Polhill-Turner, Arthur Polhill-Turner, and C. T. Studd became known to the world as the “Cambridge Seven.”

In 1873 Stanley Smith, son of a prominent London surgeon, had gone to a D. L. Moody crusade and put his faith in Christ but did not live for him. Once he arrived at Cambridge, rowing became the most important thing in his life. Montague Beauchamp, Smith’s best friend from prep school and fellow member of the rowing team, was a nominal Christian, too. Under the influence of a mutual Christian friend, Smith rededicated his life to God in 1880. God had raised the first member of the Cambridge Seven. Beauchamp, however, remained uninterested in his friend’s change of heart. After Smith and his friend Kynaston Studd committed to pray together fifteen minutes every day for their friend Beauchamp, their prayers were answered in 1881 when Beauchamp announced that he had finally “yielded all to Christ.”

Dixon Hoste was the brother of Cambridge student William Hoste, a committed Christian who was on the rowing team with Smith and Beauchamp. William prayed for and shared his faith continually with Dixon, who eventually attended a D. L. Moody rally where he gave his life to Christ. Dixon, who at twenty-one was already a commissioned officer in the British army, returned to his post professing faith in Jesus.

William Cassels, also on the rowing team, was a quiet young man studying to become a minister. After Stanley Smith gave his life to Christ, he became good friends with Cassels. They frequently prayed together that they would be a Christian influence on the rowing team of which Smith was now the popular captain.

Arthur Polhill-Turner also found Jesus at a Moody crusade while at Cambridge. Arthur then persuaded his brother Cecil, who was a commissioned officer in the British army, to go to a Moody crusade in London. Cecil was interested in Christianity but thought it would mean giving up his promising military career, which he was unwilling to do. Finally in 1884 he gave his life completely to Christ after a year-long spiritual struggle.

Charles (C. T.) Studd was the younger brother of Kynaston Studd. Their father, a millionaire, was converted at a Moody rally in 1877. He had devoted the remaining two years of his life to spreading the gospel. All three of his sons were converted through his efforts. At Cambridge, C. T. Studd was the popular captain of the cricket team, receiving worldwide recognition as the greatest cricket player of all time. With his fame and success, C. T. drifted far from Christ for a few years. In 1883 his world was shaken when his brother George was sick. Faced with his own mortality and eternity, cricket began to look shallow to him. C. T. gave himself completely over to Christ and immediately began using his influence to reach others.

Independently each of these young men began seeking how God could use his life. Beauchamp was the first to learn of the China Inland Mission (CIM), and through a series of events and common connections, all seven men decided to go together to China. Each of them was accepted as a CIM missionary. Before they sailed, the Cambridge Seven toured the campuses of England and Scotland, speaking nightly to packed auditoriums. Hundreds came to Christ through their meetings, bringing revival to England. At their farewell service in London thirty-five hundred gathered to say good-bye.

On March 18, 1885, the Cambridge Seven arrived in China, where they served for many years, some until their deaths.

Reflection

Why do you think these seven successful, prominent, well-to-do students went to China as missionaries? Have you ever considered whether God might want you to go to those who have never heard the good news of salvation? There are wonderful mission opportunities for all ages, from short-term ministries to career possibilities.

My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.

Romans 15:20