Charlotte Elliott was born in Clapham, London in 1789. She was a member of the National Church, as were many notable statesmen of their time. However, the ministry of the 'vicar' John Venns, failed to reach her heart and it was not until the age of 33 that she came to know the Saviour personally.

A distinguished guest named Dr. Henri A. Cesar Malan came to stay at Grove House, the family home in Clapham. One day he asked Charlotte “Are you a Christian?” to which she answered “Mind your own business” and left the room.
She pondered on this question and two weeks later she apologised for here rudeness and confessed “I should like to come to Christ but I do not know how.”
Dr Kalan replied “Come just as you are” and so Charlotte came to know Christ as Saviour.

Twelve years later she wrote the hymn 'Just as I am.' She was alone in the house at Brighton that she shared with her brother and was feeling downcast, full of doubts and fears.
As the words of Dr. Kalan came back to her, she again experienced the peace in her heart she had felt 12 years before and reaching for her pen, she put into verse what had been her own experience.

By the time of her death in 1871, Charlotte had collected 1000 letters from others telling of the spiritual help they had gained through the words of her well-loved hymn.

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, poor, wretched, blind Sight, riches, healing of the mind Yea, all in need, in Thee to find, O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot 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, 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, Thy love unknown Hath broken every barrier down; Now, to be Thine, yea Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!