"For by grace are ye saved through faith . . . Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
It was the year 1836 - a young girl was preparing to attend a dance. On her way to her dressmaker to have a fine gown made for the occasion, she met her pastor. Upon learning the purpose of her errand, he pleaded with her not to go, and spoke to her about receiving Christ. She became very angry at this and said, "I wish you would mind your own business!"
When the ball was held, this young lady was among the gaiest of all those who attended. She was flattered by her admirers, and danced until the wee hours of the morning. However, when she lay her weary head on her pillow she found no rest, for she was far from being happy. The sweet words of admonition by her preacher had pricked her conscience, and deep conviction made her extremely wretched. For three days she struggled with her load of sin until life itself seemed to become intolerable. Finally she went to her pastor and asked his forgiveness, which he readily gave. Then she cried, "Now I want to be a Christian; what must I do?" "My child, give yourself to the Lamb of God, just as you are." "Just as I am?" she asked. "I am one of the worst sinners in the world. How can God accept me just as I am?" The preacher assured her that it was "not by works of righteousness" but by faith in the One who said "it is finished," that she could ever hope to find peace. She went home, knelt down, and after a struggle gave her heart to Christ, guilty and sinful as it was, for cleansing in His precious blood. Peace and joy filled her soul to overflowing. Grasping a pen she wrote her now immortal hymn: "Just As I Am Without One Plea." Charlotte Elliot little dreamed of the fame or immortality the words she had written would attain. She had but transcribed the truth of the Gospel in the language of her own heart - a heart which had experienced Ephesians 2:8,9 in all its fullness!
Oh sinner, today stop trying, and try trusting!
"Bread For Each Day"
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