Page:Women worth emulating (1877) Internet Archive.djvu/45

Rh circulation, and of her other writings, were employed in aiding the funds of Christian institutions,—such as the Bible Society, and kindred plans of spreading the gospel; while her private benevolence was always active to the utmost extent of, and, as some would think, beyond her means.

It was in 1835 that she wrote the exquisite hymn so justly dear to every humble believer:

"Just as I am, without one plea."

This first appeared, among several others, in a collection of poems intended chiefly for the sick room. With characteristic diffidence, the writer shrunk from being known; and it must have been a hallowed joy to her to find that she was the honoured instrument of impressing, arousing, and comforting many. Her hymn was copied out by several of her friends and correspondents, and sent to her by many who did not know that she was the author. It was speedily translated into French, Italian, German, and may certainly be considered a priceless gem in our rich treasury of devotional lyrics. It is scarcely necessary to say that Miss Elliott was a most constant and devout Bible student. Passages of Holy Writ form so often the refrain of her poems, that it is easy to see that her mind was constantly filled from the pure fount of Bible truth.

A little passage that she wrote in her own private Bible contains a valuable lesson to all:—