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About Numbered Notation

Numbered Notation (also called Jianpu, 简谱) writes each melody note as a number from 1 to 7 instead of a note on a staff. The number shows the note's position in the song's scale -- not its exact pitch -- so the same tune looks identical no matter what key it's sung in.

Within one octave, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 correspond to the familiar do re mi fa sol la ti. A dot above a number raises it an octave higher; a dot below lowers it an octave lower -- no dot means the middle, as-written octave.

A plain number lasts one beat. A dash (-) right after a number holds that same note for one more beat. A line underneath a number shortens it instead -- one line is half a beat, two lines a quarter of a beat. A 0 is a rest: silence for one beat.

The label at the top of the sheet, like "1=C" or "1=Ab", shows which pitch scale degree 1 ("do") is tuned to. A song in a minor key is labeled "6=X" instead -- scale degree 6 ("la") is the true tonic. Chord names printed above the notes (like "C" or "G7") always use their familiar letter names, never numbers.

For example, under a "1=C" heading, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sound as C D E F G A B. Under a "1=G" heading, those very same numbers sound as G A B C D E F# instead -- same shape, different key.

Almost persuaded

Gospel Persuasion

English1046
1
“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day
on Thee I’ll call.”
2
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today;
“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here,
Angels are ling’ring near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear;
O wand’rer, come!
3
Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails—
Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails—
Can save from every sin,
Cleanse you without, within—
Will you not let Him in?
Open the door!
4
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last;
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail—
“Almost—but lost!”
5
Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear!
Be now persuaded, Jesus is near;
His voice is pleading still,
Turn now with heart and will,
Peace will your spirit fill—
Oh, turn today!

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Ana Lara

Storrs, Connecticut, United States

Mar 3, 2025

The Reverend Mr. Brundage tells the origin of this hymn. In a sermon preached by him many years ago, the closing words were:

“He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved, is to be entirely lost.” Paul Bliss, being in the audience, was impressed with the thought, and immediately set about the composition of what proved to be one of his most popular songs, deriving his inspiration from his friend’s sermon , the Rev. Brundage. “Memoir of Bliss”

Almost persuaded to believe,
Almost persuaded Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say
“Go Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day
On Thee I’ll call .”

Both hymn and tune are by Mr. Bliss – – the omission of a chorus is in proper taste. This revival piece brings the sinner to bear upon his conscience by the hymn’s pleading.

Mr. Sankey‘s book illustrate the power that it had in convicting and converting many a sinner in England.

Brown and Buttworth 1906

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Leonard E Hall

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Jul 24, 2023

"Almost" is the saddest word in the English language...

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Des Gale

Bangor, Down, United Kingdom

Oct 16, 2021

Dear searcher. Trust the Savior today. Do not put it off!! The time is oh so short.

God bless you.

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John Watt

Port Washington, WI, United States

Jun 14, 2018

Such a powerful, loving voice of the Holy Spirit, ever pleading with us to come to the Savior, Jesus, the Christ.

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Inaldo

Colon, Panama

Oct 1, 2017

Maravilha...gracias Jesus me has salvado....ayudame Señor a seguirte hasta el final

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Steve Miller

Detroit, MI, United States

Apr 21, 2016

When Billy Graham came to faith in Christ in 1937, he didn't go forward until 2 songs had been sung: "Just as I am" and "Almost Persuaded". When the final verse of the 2nd song had been sung twice, he went forward. He was grateful that the man of God in the pulpit patiently waited for more responses to the invitation. - "How Sweet the Sound" by George Beverly Shea

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Ann Black

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Mar 1, 2016

While teaching a Bible Study class in Acts 26, I was reminded of this song from my childhood. Oh Praise the Lord I was fully persuaded, asked for forgiveness of my sins and have walked many miles with my Savior since.

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Olugbenga

Springfield Gardens, New York, United States

Aug 9, 2015

Almost is dangerous and most of time it leads to the eternal doom, careless soul oh hear the warning! Oh Lord keep us in the right path till You come.

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Steve Miller

Detroit, MI, United States

Mar 21, 2014

Bliss was inspired to write this hymn after hearing a message on Acts 26:28, where Agrippa tells Paul he is almost persuaded. The preacher said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved is to be entirely lost." - Songs of the Spirit by Martin

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Francis Odudu

London, United Kingdom

Jan 23, 2014

What a glorious hymn. Very persuasive. Oh that every soul would be fully persuaded to follow my Saviour and Bishop of my soul - the Lord Jesus Christ, today. I was born in July 1978 and He has kept me since then. Praise God!

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