Just as I Am by G. B. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 6, 1916

Just as I Am

By G. B. T.

MANY of our best hymns were composed under circumstances which, when known, make them of special value. Take for example the following hymn, which has brought blessings to thousands as it has been sung:— “Just as I am, without one plea But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou bid’st me come to thee; O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

The circumstances which called forth these beautiful words are said to be something as follows: A minister was one day invited to dine with a gentleman who had a very lovely and accomplished daughter. After dinner, while visiting with her in the parlor, he asked her if she had ever given serious thought to

the subject of religion, and considered the future welfare of her soul. She very curtly told him that she did not care to converse upon that topic.

Seeing his words had given offense, he said no more, but silently prayed that the Spirit of God might in some way touch her heart.

That night as she lay upon her couch, she could not sleep. The question troubled her. A new influence seemed to creep over her. New desires came into her heart. The wickedness and depravity of her heart were uncovered. A terror came into her soul, as she saw herself lost, a sinner without God, and without hope in the world. Her sins appeared so dark that all hope of salvation seemed to be cut off.

In her distress she sent for the minister the following day, and told him her condition and distress of mind. Her great question was, “How can such a sinner as I come to Christ?” She was told to come just as she was. Her faith grasped the glorious promise, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,” and peace like a river filled her heart. Then on the day of her conversion, from the pen of Charlotte Elliott came the beautiful words of this hymn. In the words she gave expression to the experience which had come into her heart.

Glorious indeed is it that we can come just as we are. We cannot make ourselves better; thank the Lord, we do not need to do so. Those who believe, the Lord accepts, and grants unto them a full and free pardon. G. B. T.