When Christ let his disciples know

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #LXXXI