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].
462. I hear the Savior say
Elvina M. Hall, 1818-?
A much-used and much-loved revival hymn which came into use, especially in Methodist churches, several years before Moody’s great revivalistic movement.
Mrs. Elvina M. Hall (later Mrs. Myers), author of the words, was born in Alexandria, Va., in 1818. She composed this hymn, strangely enough, while sitting in the choir of the M. E. Church, Baltimore, pencilling the first draft on a fly-leaf of a hymn book, The New Lute of Zion, during the pastor’s prayer! It is the only hymn known that can be traced to such an origin. The author’s mind, indeed, wandered from the immediate service of worship, but it did not stray from God and prayer.
MUSIC. ALL TO CHRIST. John T. Grape, born in Baltimore, Md., 1833, was choir director in his church when he wrote the tune, after having made it “a matter of prayer and study.” He writes that “it was pronounced very poor by my choir and my friends, but my dear wife persistently declared it was a good piece of music and would live.” Mrs. Grape’s faith was justified by the wide reception and use the tune has enjoyed. The minister of the church, Rev. Mr. Schrick, liked the tune upon hearing it and suggested that it be used with the words written by Mrs. Elvina M. Hall. This was done, and the song started on its career. It was first published in a volume called, Sabbath Chords.
463. Amazing grace! how sweet the sound
John Newton, 1725-1807