p. 10 | THE HIDDEN WORKS by M. C. DuBois

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 1, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 40.

“THE HIDDEN WORKS.”

By M. C. DuBois

IN the manufacture of the Gobelins tapestries, in Paris, the weavers sit behind the beautiful fabric on which they are engaged, working from a pattern designed by some great artist, and, perhaps, only taking occasional peeps at the fair exterior and the marvelous effects which their patient labors are producing. Passing along the room in front of the brilliant patterns the visitor’s attention is concentrated on their loveliness. He knows that they are in process of manufacture by men whose persons are partially or wholly hidden behind the massive drapery; he may see the work grow, thread by thread, under the weaver’s busy fingers, but he gives scarce a thought to the humble workman, so thrilled is he with the beauty of the design, the richness of coloring and the unique texture of those renowned productions.” Thus relates a writer.

Dear reader, we too are vailed and hidden workers. The designs we work upon may not be so rich in texture, or brilliant in coloring, as those above mentioned, but nevertheless, each pattern is designed by a Master Artist who puts the threads into our trembling fingers, and bids us weave; so, day by day we are adding, a few touches to our work, weaving in the daily mercies, trials, and experiences, which our loving heavenly Father puts as threads into our hands, trusting Him to make the pattern show gloriously on the other side.

We often become discouraged with our work and forget to look, to trust to Him who gave us the Pattern from which we weave. “Looking unto Jesus” is the secret of success. It is not for us to murmur, whether our hands be filled with golden threads to weave into bright and beautiful fabrics, or, whether we are set to work upon coarse material with somber, black-bordered colors, where the strands are laid in tears; either will be right. Our mission is faithfully to weave, as the hidden workers.

When our finished work shall be displayed, it will not be as a triumph of our skill; ah! no, but as a trophy of goodness and loving kindness and tender mercy of the Master Designer. We are to labor diligently at the knotty, scarred side of our fabric, content to be hidden and unknown, if the Master wills it so: and we can rest certain that if we are doing what He has given us to do, the results may be safely left with Him. He will bring out all the harmony and beauty of His own design upon the fabric of our lives, which is, to reflect the character of Christ in all we say or do. O to be willing to be a hidden one, our work all hidden with Christ! Let, “Not I but Christ,” be the cry of every heart.

Not all, however, are willing to work unseen behind the tapestry. Too many strive to bring themselves into view, and point with pride, to my work, saying, “See what I have done.” Do not so, but work on unwearyingly; the Master hath his eye upon the faithful ones. Weave carefully, patiently, faithfully, and thy reward is sure.

“Weaving into a work-a-day life, Beautiful threads of gold; A thread of joy, with a strand of strife, And yet, the hands that hold May fashion them out into patterns rare, Designs of beauty, new and fair, Till the Master Weaver finds them there, In beautiful threads of gold.

“Weaving in with a patient hand, Beautiful threads of gold; Filling them in as the Artist planned When He laid life’s somber fold. Weaving them in with the homeliest cares, Over some burden another bears, Glad that the Master Weaver spares Some beautiful threads of gold.”

M. C. DuBois.

Grand Ledge, Mich.