The design of the divine Artist

(James, "The Widow Directed to the Widow's God" 1841)

"And we know that all things work together for good
 to those who love God, to those who are the called
 according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

In this present world, you may never see how the death
of your husband is for good. Many go all their lives without
having the 'mystifying characters' of the sad event deciphered
--and the secret workings of God's love laid open. They die
in ignorance of His plans--though not of His purposes.

The 'finished side' of the embroidery may never be turned to
you here; and looking only at the tangled threads and dark
colors of the 'back part'--all now appears to be in confusion!

But when the 'front view' shall be seen; and the design
of the divine Artist; and all the connections of the finely
embroidered piece shall be pointed out; and the coloring
shall be shown in the light of eternity--with what adoring
wonder, delight, and gratitude will you exclaim, as the
'whole picture' bursts upon your sight, "O the depth of
the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How
unsearchable are His methods! How unfathomable are
His ways! All things have worked together for my good!"

You shall trace together the providential events of your
earthly history. You shall learn why you were united--and
why separated. You shall see the wisdom and goodness
of those events, which once appeared so dark, and drew
so many tears from your eyes. You shall indulge in
reminiscences, all of which will furnish . . .
  new occasions of wonder;
  new motives to praise; and
  new sources of delight!

You shall point one another to the vista of everlasting
ages opening before you, through which an endless
succession of joys are advancing to meet you! And
then, filled with a pure, unearthly love for each other,
you shall fall down before the throne of the Lamb,
and feel every other affection absorbed in supreme,
adoring love to Him!

Such a scene is before you! And since it is--then bear
your sorrows, afflicted widow--for in what felicities
are they to result--and how soon!

"And we know that all things work together for good
 to those who love God, to those who are the called
 according to His purpose." Romans 8:28