On this day (18th May) 1864 Cesar Malan died. He was a Swiss Reformed pastor and evangelist. He authored more than one thousand hymns. Malan travelled widely outside Geneva, making frequent trips to Britain. He excelled in personal work and many such as 'Rabbi' John Duncan were greatly affected by his ministry.

Charlotte Elliott came to write the well-known hymn, ‘Just as I am, without one plea,’ through Malan. Miss Elliott, an invalid, was going through a dark time and could not find the way to Christ because of an overpowering sense of her unworthiness. At just this point Malan, who was a friend of her father’s, spoke with her and said, ‘Come just as you are, Charlotte’. It was these simple words that brought her peace; and from them, too, came the beautiful verses of her famous hymn.

Just as I am, without one plea

But that Thy blood was shed for me

And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee