JESUS, I COME TO YOU

William T. Sleeper lived between February 1819 and September 1904.  He was born in Danbury, New Hampshire.  William received his theological training and was ordained to Christian ministry in June 1853.  He was sent to minister as a homeland missionary in Northern Maine.  To see his life and activities for Jesus Christ, it would be obvious that William was a true and dedicated servant of the message of God’s redemption and salvation for mankind.

William Sleeper pastored several Congregational Churches and helped to start a few local churches…most specifically the Sherman Congregational Church at which he spent some 30 years.  At the Sherman congregation, he initiated and managed the construction of the church building and shortly afterward, the manse.  He had the gift for work and evangelism!  His ability to rally his fellow-men around a common cause was well tested;  he passed the test with flying colours!

William wrote many poems and writings for the church in his time.  He authored over 20 hymn texts…often working with musician George Stebbins who composed the tunes.  Stebbins was also known as one of the musicians D. L. Moody called on to help with music at his outreach campaigns. 

William Sleeper’s hymn we are highlighting this time is JESUS, I COME TO YOU.  It is sometimes referred to the title "Out of My Bondage – Jesus, I Come."  This hymn and another of his hymn’s, "Ye Must Be Born Again," can be found in many denominational hymnals and used as songs of commitment still today.