"Just as I Am" is a deeply personal hymn.  The author, Charlotte Elliot, was born in Brighton, England in 1789.  In her early years, she became a popular portrait artist and a writer of humerous verse.  Members of her family were clergy, but she stayed away from religious circles.

When she was in her early 30's, she was struck with a serious illness which would leave her an invalid.  During her illness, a noted minister, Dr. Caesar Malan of Switzerland, came to visit her.  Seeing her depression, he asked if she had peace with God.  She did not like the question, and said she did not want to talk about it.

A few days later, she apologized to Dr. Malan.  She said that she wanted to clean up some things in her life before becoming a Christian.  Melan looked at her and answered, "Come just as you are."  That was enough for Charlotte, and she yielded herself to the Lord that day.

Fourteen years later, her brother, Rev. Henry Elliot, was raising funds for a school for children of poor clergymen.  Charlotte wrote a poem for it, which became this hymn.  The poem was printed and sold across England.  The leaflet's heading was, "Sold for the Benefit of St. Margaret's Hall, Brighton:  Him that Cometh to Me I will in No Wise Cast Out."  Charlotte's poem followed.

Her brother said, "In the course of a long ministry, I hope I have been permitted to see some fruit of my labors.  But I feel that far more has been done by a single hymn of my sister."  Charlotte did go on to write 150 hymns.

Here are four verses to the song that are on the video:

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, tho' 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 received,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God I come!  I come!