When Christ let his disciples know

Verse 1

When Christ let his Disciples know, That he should soon depart: And leave them to this world below-- It griev'd them to their heart.

Verse 2

To them he also testified, What sorrows they would have: That they should see him crucified, And laid into the grave.

Verse 3

Sure that was more distressing still, Such words as these to hear; And much contrary to their will, That Christ such things should bear.

Verse 4

They hop'd a great and better thing, When first with him they join'd; They hop'd that he would be their King, And govern to their mind.

Verse 5

God's counsels were to them unknown, They knew not his decree; That Jesus should for sin attone, By dying on the tree.

Verse 6

When we first join with Jesus too, Our hearts are over joy'd; When we have him no more in view, Then is our peace destroy'd.

Verse 7

Like the Disciples we do mourn, When Jesus disappears; Like they we find reproach and scorn, And many doubts and fears.

Verse 8

But our great consolation is: He will return again-- If we but trust his promises, Our peace shall still remain.