Ira David Sankey, 1840-1908, famous singer of “gospel songs,” was born in Edinburg, Pa., and was a member of the Methodist Church. For many years he was associated with D. L. Moody in evangelistic work in America and England. He composed many gospel tunes, the most popular of which is his “Ninety and Nine,” and edited numerous songbooks. Concerning his own gift of singing and songs suited to his purpose, he wrote: I am no musician, I am no singer; I was never taught to sing.... As to my singing there is no art or conscious design in it. I never touch a song that does not speak to me in every word and phrase. Before I sing I must feel, and the hymn must be of such a kind that I know I can send home what I feel into the hearts of those who listen. I find it much more difficult to get good words than good music. Our best words come from England; the music which best suits our purpose comes from America. Your composers, apparently, do not care to write simple songs such as we need. We can get plenty of the grand and solid style, but though that is useful now and again, our services could not thrive on it. Homer Rodeheaver has used this song with antiphonal effects by letting the choir sing the first phrase of the refrain, the audience responding with the second; or, if the audience is large, letting one side, then the other side, then the whole congregation, then the gallery sing, successively, one phrase each of the refrain. 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. 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.