GOSPEL >> Consecration
SDAH 324
Just as I am, Thine own to be,
Friend of the young, who lovest me,
To consecrate myself to Thee,
O Jesus Christ, I come.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: Just as I Am, Thine Own to Be
Written by Marianne Hearn under the name Marianne Farningham, this heartfelt hymn of surrender was first published in Voice of Praise in 1887. Orphaned young and burdened with caring for younger siblings, Hearn’s life of service and devotion is reflected in these words that offer oneself wholly to God. The tune JUST AS I AM first paired with her lyrics in the Home and School Hymnal of 1892, set to music by Joseph Barnby, a prolific English composer known for his reverent, expressive melodies. This hymn echoes the resolve to live entirely for Christ, just as we are—fully His.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
All we like sheep have gone astray. Because of sin, we have turned away from God. Praise God, Jesus have made a way so that our relationship with God will be restored. (Lesson 1, 2nd Quarter 2021 – Breaking The Relationship, Thursday, 4/1/2021)
Under her nom de plume, Marianne Farningham, Marianne Hearn wrote this hymn for the Voice of Praise, 1887, a book for the Sunday School Union of London. SDAH has omitted her verses 5 and 6.
Marianne Hearn was born December 17, 1834 at Farningham, Kent, England, and was orphaned at an early age. She even had the care of the younger ones on her shoulders. For a time, she taught a primary school in Bristol, then one in Gravesend, and one in Northampton, where she moved in 1865. Throughout her life she wrote articles for magazines and papers, and was on the staff of the Christian World. She also edited the Sunday School Time. Her published works were in several volumes including Songs of Sunshine, Lays and Lyrics of the Blessed Life, and Songs of Joy and Faith. She died March 16, 1909.
JUST AS I AM first appeared with this words in the 1892 Home and School Hymnal. Joseph Barnby (1838 – 1896; see Biographies), a famous English organist in the nineteenth century, composed some 246 hymn tunes, six of which are in SDAH.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
Just as I am, Thine own to be,
Friend of the young, who lovest me,
To consecrate myself to Thee,
O Jesus Christ, I come.
2
In the glad morning of my day,
My life to give, my vows to pay,
With no reserve and no delay,
With all my heart I come.
3
I would live ever in the light,
I would work ever for the right;
I would serve Thee with all my might;
Therefore, to Thee I come.
4
Just as I am, young, strong, and free,
To be the best that I can be
For truth, and righteousness, and Thee,
Lord of my life, I come.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) 1 Chron 29:5 (d) Ps 42:8
Author
Marianne Hearn (1834-1909)
Year Published
1887
Hymn Tune
JUST AS I AM
Metrical Number
8.8.8.6.
Composer
Joseph Barnby (1838-1896)
Year Composed
1892
