Peter Released from Prison

I

Fervent persevering prayers
Are faith’s assured resource;
Brazen gates and iron bars
In vain withstand their force:
Peter, when in prison cast,
Though by soldiers kept with care,
Though the doors were bolted fast,
Was soon released by prayer.

II

While he slept, an angel came,
And spread a light around,
Touch’d and call’d him by his name,
And raised him from the ground:
All his chains and fetters burst,
Every door wide open flew;
Peter thought he dream’d at first,
But found the vision true.

III

Thus the Lord can make a way
To bring his saints relief;
’Tis their part to wait and pray
In spite of unbelief:
He can break through walls of stone,
Sink the mountain to a plain;
They to whom his name is known
Can never pray in vain.

IV

Thus in chains of guilt and sin,
Poor sinners sleeping lie;
No alarm is felt within,
Although condemn’d to die,
Till, descending from above,
(Mercy smiling in his eyes,)
Jesus, with a voice of love,
Awakes, and bids them rise.

V

Glad the summons they obey,
And liberty desire:
Straight their fetters melt away
Like wax before the fire:
By the word of Him who died,
Guilty pris’ners to release,
Every door flies open wide,
And they depart in peace.