350. Charlotte Elliot
the talented authoress of this hymn, was on the way to a ball, when she was met by a godly minister, who spoke to her pointedly about her soul. She returned from the festive scene sin-sick, and casting herself on the mercy of Jesus Christ, just as she was, she proved His saving grace and power. Then she wrote this hymn, which since 1856, when it was first published, has been richly blessed.
551. Will He Take Me As I Am?—
A Perthshire preacher tells that during a time of Revival in the parish where he lives, a milkmaid from a neighboring farm, called at his home in great distress of soul. Being in her working garb, she was unwilling to come in, but his wife assured her she was welcome, when she was on such an errand. Her difficulty was, she thought she was not worthy to come to Christ. "Annie," said the preacher, "You wanted to stay outside this house because you were not dressed, as you thought you should be, but we made you welcome just as you are, and so will Jesus." That illustration awoke the simple girl to the truth, and she asked, "Will He take me just as I am?" "Yes, just as you are, for it was sinners (1 Tim. 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)) He came to save. They sang together—
“Just as I am, without one plea,”
and she returned to the farm rejoicing in salvation.
352. He Did Not Come As He Was
An artist, who wanted to paint a modern picture of "The Prodigal," met a man in rags, and offered him half-an-crown if he would come to his studio next day. At the appointed hour, the man came to the artist's door, but was so changed in appearance that he did not recognize him. He had washed his face, and got the loan of some articles of clothing to make himself presentable. "I have no use for you dressed like this," said the artist,- "You should have come just as you were." So by trying to reform, and dressing themselves in self-righteous garments, some unfit themselves for the Gospel which is for "sinners" (Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)).
353. No Need to Wait
A lady writes—"I had been in great distress about my soul for two years, but could not see the way of peace. Some told me I must `wait God's time '; others that I should 'repent,' and one preacher said I must 'break off my sins.' I heard some words sung on the street at an open-air meeting, and they brought the light to my soul." They were—
"Just as I am, and waiting not,
To rid my soul of one dark blot!”
354. He Receives Sinners
A religious man had long been seeking peace, but in his own way, by his own efforts. He thought he had to make himself better, before Christ would receive him. His wife sat singing a hymn, and when she reached the lines—
“Just as I am thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,”
he said, "Is that true, Mary? Will he receive a sinner as he is?" "Yes, surely," said his wife. "I never knew that before: that's where I've been wrong. Well, He'll get me just now." And Jesus did get him—as he was.
355. "I Believe It."—
"A boy in our Sunday School was brought to the Lord last Sunday," writes an S.S. teacher, "while we were singing"—
"Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come.”
He said, "I believe it," and the light then came.
356. Not the Sign, but the Reality
A lady who wore a golden cross thought there was virtue in it, but God showed her that "the Cross" as used in Scripture is not a sign, but the death of the Son of God. Relating how she was saved, she said: "I saw then it was not the sign, but the reality I must trust. And when I did so trust, peace came.”