Hymn of the Week: Just As I Am
by Mary Therese Martinez, Music Director
"Just As I Am"
Paul Loether (guitar)
This tender and sincere hymn was the product of two devoted and faithful people, one English and one American. While they did not know each other, each fulfilled a profound personal calling and together, through this hymn, they have influenced generations of Christians.
Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871), the author of the words to this hymn, lived a sheltered life in Clapham and Brighton in England. She was the daughter of a clergyman and suffered from ill health much of her long life. Her illness often caused depression and, according to certain sources, “Just As I Am” sprang from a sleepless night when Elliott wondered how she, an invalid, could be useful to God. Into her mind came a phrase spoken to ease her spiritual doubt by the Swiss evangelist, Dr. C. Malan, who had been a guest in her family home over a decade earlier: “Come to Him [Christ] just as you are.” She arose the next day and penned this beautiful hymn. She went on to write over 150 hymns, many still in use today.
William Bradbury (1816-1868), composer of the hymn tune for “Just as l am,” was born in York, Maine, on the family farm. On a trip to Boston when he was fourteen, he first saw and heard the piano and organ, and from that time on, he determined to devote himself to music. He went on to serve as a music and choral director in Baptist churches in Brooklyn and New York City. He established children’s choirs, instituted “Juvenile Music Festivals” with thousands of children participating, and led a successful campaign to add music to the public school curriculum of the state of New York. He also composed music throughout his life, authoring and compiling 59 books of songs and hymns. One of his most famous children’s hymns is “Jesus Loves Me,” composed in 1862.
As an interesting side note, William and his brother founded a piano manufacturing company in 1861; it seems the magic of his first encounter with the instrument lingered. Bradbury pianos, known for their sweet tone and powerful resonance, still exist today.
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!
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;
Yes, 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
Has broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
