The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-05-25
THE HIDDEN WORKERS.

At the mauulactOry OF the "Gobelins
Tapestries. in Paris, the weaveTs EFT
concealed behind the beautiful fabrics
ON which they are engaged, working
from pattern designed 10y some great
artist. and perhaps only taking coca
s.oual peeps at the fair exterior and the
marvellous effects which their patient
hbors are producing. Passing along
the room In front OF the brilliant pc
lures. the visitor S attention Is concen-
tsated on t1cis l0vciincs5. lie knows
that they are in process OF manufacture
bv men whose persons are partially Oh
wholly hidden behind the massive dra.
rer.. ha may even see the work grow
ipp. thread by thread, under the
weaver busy fingers; but be gives
scarce % thought to the wOrkmon, so
raylshed Is hc with the beauty Of de-
-iou. the richness Of c0lOring, and the
uniQue texture OF these renowned pro-
ducuOns.
/ have been thinking that, in very
humble fashion. l and many others OF
God small and weak children are like
these woavers; for day by day we sit.
adding "a few touches 10 our Work. with
uains and patience, and sometimes with
trembling fingers weaving in the daily
merc,es. TRIALS and experiences which
our Father puts as threads into our
hands and trusting HIM % make TIE
patt,rp show giCriOusly on the other
side When the finished tapestry shall
b. di.plaved. it viii not be rs triumph
Of our.sAiu, on q credit to our labor,
but as d trophy oi the Lord s grace and
o00dness, and the wondrous unfolding
of his great design of loving kindness
and tender mercy to his chosen ones.
For truly our work Is all his-in d.
rcctiou. in design, and in development.
lis foundation lines were laid in his
love and compassion: ITS pattern Is
traced la the golden threads Of his
faith.u,nosI and favor: It's embroidery
j. clustered with the precious stones OF
lis metcies. and lbs beauty Is great be-
cau.e OF the blessing Of the Lord
unon il. Behind all this grandeur OF
grace the workers may we'll be conceal
ed: is is enough that they should mar
vel az lhe cOndescensiOn which placed
them there, and taught their fingers tI
fashion this gOOdly work for the kinl
and bis servants. 1t IS so great an honoi
20 he allowed 10 put even one slItcl
into the tapestry OF the WOndeitu
plovidences which are beng wroush
| an around us, that we might well crave
TO be employed upon the selVages, o.
be happy only TO raVel on; the fringe
of the great Master designs. raIhei
than bear no part in that solemn iabo
which promotes Us to be workers to
eether with God.
| noticed that the pattern from
/ which these weavers worked wa
placed above their heads; they had &
look I'D for direction and guidance a
to every stitch they wrought. a lessol
this. ana one TO be well COINED over
Our life plan, with al It's varied de
tails is traced by the Father hahu
and day by day as We look up lie uh
| folds It. asking that our imitation b.
tender and true OF the pattern he set
before Us.
Looking uuto Jesus is the secret o
Iall satisfactory and woil-dOne WORK
and no stitch can 20 awry when set b.
fingers which follow faiths steadfaS
ppze. Then. whether lie I'LL our hand
with golden hlaments, making Gu
woven work bright and gay, or whethe
lie employ US on the black border
where The strands are laid IN tears
either way will be right, because Ii
directs, controls and approves.
can not tell why | have recalled
scene which must have lain long burie
in the dark places OF my memory; PEI
hans il Is intended to comfort OF Ieas
sure some timid, troubled worker WI
can see no beauty or utility in the SCI
vice which yet he feels constrained l
render, because OF the love he bear
towards HIS Lord and King. Courage
dear friend! You are TO stand benin
your work, whatever it may be. ho
are to labor diligently and faithfully q
the wrong and knOtty side OF 1t, conten
10 be unknown and unrewarded, II th
Lord 80 wills II; but test fully certai
that if you are doing wha
| lie tells you, the rest may b
left with Him. He will brin
out all the harmony and beauty an
glory of his own designs; and whe
they are perfected, and you are above
10 look upon the right side OF tn
i Lords "maryslous work." you WI
wonder not only at its splendor as
whole, but at the brilliance OF II
stitches which were woven in by 20