Welcome Home!

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 within and fears without, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

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! 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!

Just as I am, Thy love unknown hath broken ev'ry barrier down; now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Charlotte Elliot was born in Brighton, England, on March 18, 1789, to Charles, a successful silk merchant, and his wife, Eling. Charlotte had 3 other sisters, and 2 brothers, and each cared for her while she was sick later on in her life. She was an excellent student and loved music, art and poetry. Charlotte excelled in writing humorous verse, and drawing portraits. She wanted nothing to do with God, or religious mentions in her circle of friends. In 1821, she became severely ill, and all of her friends left her. Charlotte began to think about her life as she lay bedridden. She began to think about her need for a friend, and a personal Savior. At her father’s request, Rev. Malan came to see Charlotte. Charlotte asked him to leave because she resented God for allowing her to be ill. A few days later, she thought she should apologize Rev. Malan. She asked him over and began to apologize, and began saying that she wanted her life to cleansed before asking Jesus into her heart.  Malan gently responded, “God wants you just as you are”. They talked for a while and she accepted Jesus later that day. Charlotte’s health began to improve and she traveled to France. In 1829, she suffered another illness, and became an invalid. She had occasional periods of relief during this time, but none of them lasting. In 1833, her father died. Charlotte became an editor of the “Christian Remembrancer Pocket Book”, which was annual. A couple of years later, she took over the “Invalid’s Hymn Book” which had been edited by her friend who was fighting consumption/tuberculosis. In 1836, she wrote her most well-known hymn, “Just as I Am”. Charlotte and her sisters visited Scotland and Switzerland which benefitted her health. In 1841, her sister-in-law passed away, her mother 2 years later, followed by her 2 sisters. In 1845, she and her sister traveled and lived in Torquay for 14 years and then returned to Brighton. She moved in with one of her brothers. When she became unable to attend the Church of England, she said “My Bible is my church, it is always open, and my High Priest is ever willing to receive me. I have my confessionals, thanksgiving, and psalms of praise”. In 1863, her brother died. A few years later she went to a nearby village and never returned because she became severely ill and never recovered. She passed away on September 22, 1871, and is buried with her family.