Charlotte Elliott (1789–1871) was a Christian hymn writer and poet who is best known for her hymn “Just As I Am.” She was born on March 18, 1789, in Clapham, London, England, into a prominent Christian family. Her father, Charles Elliott, was a wealthy silk merchant and philanthropist.
Charlotte faced a number of health challenges throughout her life, including a serious illness in her early thirties that left her physically weakened and often in pain. Her health struggles became a central theme in her life and influenced her spiritual journey.
The story behind the hymn “Just As I Am” is quite poignant. One day, when Charlotte was in her early fifties, she attended a Swiss evangelist’s event. After the sermon, she approached the evangelist and expressed her desire to come to Christ but felt that she was not yet ready. The evangelist reportedly responded, “Come just as you are.” These words deeply resonated with Charlotte, and she went home and penned the hymn “Just As I Am” as a reflection of her surrender to God’s grace.
The hymn emphasizes the unconditional love and acceptance of God, inviting individuals to come to Him without any pretense or need for personal merit. The hymn has since become a well-loved and widely sung invitation hymn in Christian worship services.
Despite her physical limitations, Charlotte Elliott continued to write hymns and poetry throughout her life. She published many works, including “Thoughts in Verse on Sacred Subjects” in 1835. She passed away on September 22, 1871, leaving behind a legacy of hymnody that continues to impact Christian worship.
