49. Peter Released from Prison

1 Fervent perserving pray'rs
Are faith's assur'd resource;
Brazen gates and iron bars,
In vain withstand their force;
Peter when if prison cast,
Though by soldier's kept with care;
Though the doors were bolted fast,
Was soon releas'd by praye'r.

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

3 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 thro' walls of stone,
Sink the mountain to a plain;
They to whom his name is known,
Can never pray in vain.

4 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.

5 Glad the summons they obey,
And liberty desire;
Straight their fetters melt away
Like wax before the fire;
By the word of him who dy'd
Guilty pris'ners to release;
Ev'ry door flies upon wide,
And they depart in peace.

Text Information
First Line: Fervent persevering pray'rs
Title: Peter Released from Prison
Language: English
Publication Date: 1803
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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