Just As I Am

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The invalid Charlotte Elliot, was aghast that anyone Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871) would ask about the condition of her soul. But in May, 1822, that is what the visitor, Dr. Cesar Malan, asked of her. Later in the visit she apologized to her guest and said, “I am sorry for my rudeness. Actually I would like to come to Christ, but I do not know how to find him.” Dr. Malan knew that she had been relying on her own efforts for her salvation from sin and so replied, “come just as you are. Cut the cable; it will take too long to unloose it. It is small loss anyway.”

Twelve years later, in 1834, Charlotte was unable to help in a fund raising effort in which her brother was involved. Her thoughts were of her useless invalid condition, but then her thoughts turned to God’s grace. She thought of how God saved her and keeps her and these thoughts inspired her to write a poem about the gospel of pardon, peace, and heaven; “Just as I Am, Without One Plea.”

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Just as I am without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, tho' tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am poor wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

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