IN 1822 A YOUNG British woman named Charlotte Elliott met a famous Swiss minister at the home of friends. The Reverend Henri Cesar Malan asked her if she were a Christian. She took offense and said she didn't want to discuss the subject. He apologized but went on to say he hoped she would someday become a worker for Christ. Evidently something overcame her resistance, because when Miss Elliott met Rev. Malan again some weeks later she asked him how to come to Christ. He replied, "Just come to him as you are."
Some years later Elliott wrote what became a classic hymn, of which this is one variation:
Just as I am,—without one plea
But that thy love is seeking me,
And that thou bid'st me come to thee,—O
loving God! I come.
