461 A Ruler Once Came to Jesus by Night
W. T. Sleeper
Based on our Lord’s words to Nicodemus: “Verily, verily, I say unto you,... ye must be born again” (John 3:3-7).
The hymn was written by Rev. W. T. Sleeper, one of the pastors in the city of Worcester, Mass., upon the request of Geo. C. Stebbins, who was assisting Dr. Pentecost in a revivalistic campaign in that city. One of the latter’s sermon themes was “The New Birth.” As the truth of this great theme was being enforced and illustrated, it occurred to Stebbins that a musical setting of this Scripture passage in John 3 would be an effective means of emphasizing the truth of the new birth. He asked the Rev. Sleeper to write some verses on the subject and the result was this hymn. Before the meetings closed, Stebbins had composed this tune for the words. The song was published in Gospel Hymns, No. 3, and has been widely used as solo, choir number, and congregational song in revival meetings and otherwise.
MUSIC. BORN AGAIN. For comments on George C. Stebbins, 1846-1945, a composer of the tune, see Hymn 38.