Hymn: a song of praise to God. It seems simple, but have you ever read the stories behind the beloved lyrics of your favorite classic hymns?
Each month in 2022 we are sharing the story behind one of our favorite classic hymns. We hope these stories will encourage you and help you worship, just like the hymnist, amid hurt, hope, fear, thanksgiving, joy, or loss.
This month we’re sharing the story behind Just as I am.
This hymn was written by Charlotte Elliott, daughter of Charles Elliott, of Clapham and Brighton, and granddaughter of the Rev. H. Venn, of Huddersfield, born March 18, 1789. This was written in 1834, while she was living at Westfield Lodge, Brighton, England. Because of a weakened physical condition, she was unable to go with her brother, an Anglican minister, and other members of the family to a bazaar to raise funds for St. Mary’s Hall, a college for daughters of poorer clergy in Brighton. In the midst of a restless night during which she found sleep difficult, due to her preoccupation with her own physical weakness, she began writing the verses of this hymn as an expression of trust and personal faith. The hymn was first published in a leaflet in 1835, without her knowledge, and was included the following year in her Invalid’s Hymn Book in six four-line stanzas with the Scripture text, “him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). A seventh stanza was added when the hymn appeared later in that same year in Hours of Sorrow Cheered and Comforted. This text appeared in the first Southern Baptist hymnal, The Baptist Psalmody (Charleston, 1850, No. 472).
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, though 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, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
This story was included in Handbook to The Baptist Hymnal.
