Fervent persevering prayers br Are faith's assured resource, br Brazen gates, and iron bars, br In vain withstand their force: br Peter when in prison cast, br Though by soldiers kept with care; br Though the doors were bolted fast, br Was soon released by prayer. br br While he slept an angel came br And spread a light around; br Touched, and called him by his name, br And raised him from the ground: br All his chains and fetters burst, br Every door wide open flew; br Peter thought he dreamed, at first, br But found the vision true. br br Thus the Lord can make a way br To bring his saints relief; br 'Tis their part, to wait and pray, br In spite of unbelief: br He can break through walls of stone, br Sink the mountain to a plain; br They, to whom his name is known; br Can never pray in vain. br br Thus in chains of guilt and sin, br Poor sinners sleeping lie; br No alarm is felt within, br Although condemned to die: br Till descending from above br Mercy smiling in his eyes br Jesus, with a voice of love, br Awakes, and bids them rise. br br Glad the summons they obey, br And liberty desire; br Strait their fetters melt away, br Like wax before the fire: br By the word of him who died, br Guilty pris'ners to release; br Every door flies open wide, br And they depart in peace.