Republished and Digitally restored. Private Collection © Peter N Millward - Click on picture for Prints and cards available.
An old picture, faded and forgotten from 1876, what a joy to restore! - It illustrates the text of the famous hymn "Just as I am" by Charlotte Elliott. (1789 - 1871) with scripture -"Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37 Charlotte Elliott's background was of a wealthy evangelical family, and was highly educated and refined. Her maternal grandfather, was the Rev. Henry Venn of the famous evangelical Clapham Sect. Even with growing up with such a background...as an adult she had become a popular member of a social circle where religion was not mentioned. She was a writer of humerous verse and a gifted portrait artist. But 32 years of age her health broke down so severely, she faced a very different future. Now distant from worldly friends and influence, faced with the challenges of her health - the need of the Saviour and the Gospel came into sharp focus. During this time a Rev. Dr Cesar Malan of Geneva, came to visit her father's home, and while there Charlotte met Dr Cesar Malan, and during conversation the Dr asked her whether she was at peace with God?" The story goes she was not too pleased with this line of question and resented it. But some days later Charlotte returned to Dr Cesar Malan, and apologised, she had wanted to make her life clean first before becoming a Christian. At which Dr Malan replied "Come just as you are," and that day Charlotte committed her life to Christ. The story how Charlotte came to Christ, later resulted in this amazing Hymn being written. and the rest as one would say - is history. Translated into many languages it has gone throughout the world, and when Charlotte Elliott passed away a great many letters were found in her home, which had been sent from those who over the years had gratefully acknowledged how the words of this hymn was instrumental in their own profession of faith and coming to Christ. Her illness and physical weakness continued throughout her life, which prevented her from doing much more than stay home......but Charlotte was a prolific writer and wrote many poems and hymns....it was through her pen she was to reach the world for Christ. But it was for the hymn "Just as I am" Charlotte Elliott is remembered. Dr Billy Graham wrote that during evangelistic crusades when they called people to come forward to commit to Jesus Christ it was invariably this hymn "Just as I am" they would use since it presented " the strongest possible Biblical basis for the call of Christ" Isnt this such an amazing story how God would use Charlotte, in spite of her illness and limitations of health, to reach the world for Christ! "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty" 1 Corinthians 1:27. Dont ever think you are too weak, frail or insignificant to be used by God....According to the Bible you are well qualified for His service! As it is written by the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12 : 9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
* Some further thoughts, The artwork I found very fascinating, its unusual becuase I havent seen anything quite like it before, it depicts furnishings and decorations of the temple in Jeresalem. Ark of the Covenant, Menorah, the Altar of Incense, with decorations of flowers and gourds on both sides. Enclosed in all this a banner with the wonderful words of scripture John 6:37 and Charlotte's wonderful hymn. Hanging below from the banner, a row of bells and pomegranates. So much symbolism and Biblical themes here to reflect and meditate on. And to think the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ has made this all possible for us to come into His presence - Just as I am.
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