Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871
Many unsaved souls imagine it is difficult to come to Christ.
And this at first was the thought of Charlotte Elliott, who wrote the hymn, "Just As I Am, Without One Plea."
Shortly after she became an invalid with a helplessness that lasted nearly fifty years, a servant of the Lord talked with her about her soul's salvation. At first she resented this, but afterward she repented and asked him how she could find the way to Christ.
He replied: "Dear Charlotte, cut the cable. It will take too long to unloose it. Cut it! It is a small loss anyway. You must come to Christ just as you are."
And so, just as she was, she came and found the "peace that passeth all understanding," enabling her to bear her illness with patience.
Twelve years later, while everyone about her was busy preparing clothing for the poor, she was burdened with the thought that as an invalid she was utterly useless herself.
She brooded over this through the long hours of the night, but the next day her courage was renewed. She remembered the words which led to her conversion: "Come to Christ just as you are."
Taking up her pen, she wrote the wonderful hymn beginning, "Just as I am, without one plea." Through it many souls have found the way to the Savior, and out of her helplessness Charlotte Elliott has been used of God for the blessing and encouragement of many.
Just as I am—without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid'st, me come to Thee,
Lamb of God, 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!
Just as I am, though tossed about,
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind,
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am, Thy love, I own,
Hath broken ev'ry barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come!