Almost Persuaded

Once perhaps the archetype of an invitation song, this hymn is perhaps best known in the field of hymnody for the unfortunate lyrics, "Sad, sad that bitter wail," which have been snickered at by generations of singers (especially children) as referencing a whale named "Sad."  A solution to this is offered herein.

“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.

“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.

“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!”

Lyrics by Philip P. Bliss

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