Just as I am
Just As I Am is a well-known hymn, written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835, first appearing in the Christian Remembrancer, of which Elliott became the editor in 1836. The final verse is taken from Elliott's Hours of Sorrow Cheered and Comforted (1836). [1]
It has been set to at least three hymn tunes:
- The original, Woodworth, was written by William B. Bradbury, and was first published in the Third Book of Psalmody in 1849.
- Hymns Ancient and Modern (1875) contained a setting to Misericordia by Henry T. Smart.
- In 1890 Arthur H. Brown wrote "Saffron Walden" which was published in The Hymnal Companion.
In the latter half of the twentieth century the hymn was popularized as an altar call song in the Billy Graham crusades. Graham used the title of the hymn as the title of his 1997 autobiography (ISBN 0-06-063387-5).
Contents
History
Charlotte Elliot wrote this song about how to find salvation through Christ. It has been used by many as the call to the altar at the close of services, as it brings a quiet simple message of sin, forgiveness, and salvation to all that listen.
Text
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come!
5.
Just as I am, thy love unknown
Has broken ev'ry barrier down,
Now to be thine, yea thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come.
6.
Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come.
Source: "Hymns Old & New", New Anglican Edition 1986 and 1996 and "Hymns Ancient and Modern" 1906 Edition
