Born: March 18, 1789, Clapham, Surrey, England.
Died: September 22, 1871, Brighton, East Sussex, England.
Buried: St. Andrew’s Church, Hove, Sussex, England.
Charlotte Elliott, a gifted poet and hymn writer, left an indelible mark on Christian hymnody with her timeless compositions, most notably “Just As I Am.” Born on March 18, 1789, in Brighton, England, Elliott’s life was marked by both physical suffering and an unwavering faith that ultimately led her to pen hymns that have touched countless lives across generations.
Elliott was born into a family of great religious influence. Her maternal grandfather, Henry Venn, was a prominent figure in the Great Awakening of the 18th century. Growing up in a circle of refinement and piety, Elliott received a high-quality education and developed a passion for music and art at an early age. As a young woman, she was known for her skill as a portrait artist and her witty, humorous verse. She spent the first 32 years of her life in Clapham, where she became a favorite in social circles that rarely mentioned religion.
However, in 1821, at the age of 32, Elliott faced a severe illness that forced her to reevaluate her life. During this time, she felt a deep need for a personal Savior. A visit from Dr. Cesar Malan, a minister from Geneva, proved to be the turning point in her spiritual journey. When Dr. Malan asked Elliott if she was at peace with God, she initially resented the question.
However, a few days later, she apologized to him, expressing her desire to cleanse her life before becoming a Christian. Dr. Malan’s response was simple yet profound: “Come just as you are.” Elliott committed her life to Christ that very day, marking what she would later call her “birthday of her soul to true spiritual life and peace.”
Despite her newfound faith, Elliott continued to struggle with poor health throughout her life. In 1829, she became an almost helpless sufferer, finding only occasional intervals of relief. Yet, even in the midst of her physical challenges, Elliott persevered in her writing and editorial work. In 1833, her father died, and she undertook the editorial supervision of The Christian Remembrancer Pocket Book in 1834, an annual publication previously conducted by her friend, Harriet Kiernan, who was in the last stages of consumption.
In 1835, Elliott contributed several hymns to a selection of Psalms and Hymns compiled by her brother, Henry V. Elliott. She also took over the editorship of the Invalid’s Hymn Book in 1836, enlarging and editing it anonymously. To this collection, she contributed 115 hymns, including her most famous composition, “Just As I Am, without one plea.” This hymn, written in 1836, beautifully encapsulates the message of God’s unconditional love and acceptance.
Elliott’s hymn “Just As I Am” has been translated into numerous languages and has been used in countless evangelical campaigns, including those of Billy Graham. The hymn’s simple yet profound message has touched the hearts of millions, leading many to commit their lives to Christ.
The tune for the hymn, “WOODWORTH,” was composed by William B. Bradbury, a prolific composer and publisher of sacred music in the 19th century. Bradbury’s tune was first published in the Third Book of Psalmody in 1849 and was originally used for the hymn “The God of Love Will Soon Indulge” before being adapted for “Just As I Am” by Thomas Hastings years later.
Throughout her life, Charlotte Elliott wrote approximately 150 hymns and many poems, leaving a rich legacy of faith and inspiration. In addition to her contributions to the Invalid’s Hymn Book, she published Hours of Sorrow Cheered and Comforted in 1836 and a volume of Poems in 1863. Her Morning and Evening Hymns for a Week was printed privately in 1837 and published in 1842, further showcasing her devotion and poetic talent.
Elliott’s life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can have when they fully surrender their talents to God. Despite her physical limitations, she found comfort in her writing and in her unwavering belief in God’s love and grace. In her later years, when she was unable to attend public worship, Elliott wrote, “My Bible is my church. It is always open, and there is my High Priest ever waiting to receive me. There I have my confessional, my thanksgiving, my psalm of praise, and a congregation of whom the world is not worthy – prophets, and apostles, and martyrs, and confessors; in short, all I can want I find there.”
Charlotte Elliott’s hymns continue to inspire and comfort believers around the world, reminding us that we can come to Christ “just as we are,” trusting in His boundless love and mercy. As we reflect on her life and work, may we be encouraged to face our own challenges with the same faith and determination that characterized her life. May we, too, offer our talents and our lives to God, trusting that He will use us to touch others just as Elliott’s hymns have done for generations.
