A Hope Beyond Read Online Free Page A

cruel at times,” James said. “I can’t imagine what He must be about when He allows good people to die and evil folks to succeed.”
    Latrobe rubbed his beard and slightly pursed his lips. The thoughtful expression made James regret his openness. Religion and God were subjects he’d rather leave unmentioned these days.
    Just when he figured the conversation was over, James was surprised when Latrobe spoke again.
    “I see God as the Master Designer,” said Latrobe. “He surveyed and set onto paper, if you will, His own design for mankind—much as I put together the design for the bridge below us. God laid out His plan, marking each and every item with careful consideration as to how it would fall into place with the next item in line.
    “He saw the rivers, the ravines, the mountains, and He planned for each of these well in advance. Then with His plan established, He created mankind and shared His way with them. Much as I shared my designs for the Potomac Viaduct with the railroad’s board of directors. What they chose to do with it from that point was up to them. What I choose to do with God’s plan is up to me. Just as it’s up to you.”
    James grew strangely disturbed at this analogy. “So you’re saying it’s our own fault that things happen, that people die, and that evil prospers.”
    “I’m saying that we take God’s design and make changes to suit ourselves and then wonder why the master plan is so flawed.” Latrobe looked at him with stern yet compassionate eyes. “For instance, I can tell even at this distance that the contractor did not heed my bridge design in total. He made certain changes, no doubt to save money, but for whatever reason, those changes were made without ever consulting me or seeking the truth on why things were laid out a certain way. If what we witnessed today worsens, how can I be held accountable for the problems that ensue? They refused to follow my plan.”
    “I suppose that makes sense. If God truly has a master plan, and we are toying with His design, I can reason in my mind why that would create problems. But how does it account for the death of good people before their time?”
    “You’re talking about Phineas, aren’t you?”
    James nodded. “Phineas and others. There are many good people who have died in the prime of their lives.” Remembering Maryland Adams, he added, “Even children.”
    “But we cannot know the entire master plan, James. We can seek to understand the plan for our own lives, not for everyone else’s. The Bible clearly shows us the right and wrong way to do things, but it cannot keep us from the free choice our will makes when God’s plan seems to collide with our own.”
    The locomotive’s whistle blasted out against the roar of the competing rivers and the factory town below them. Latrobe smiled hopefully. “Well, perhaps that obstacle is behind us now.”
    James studied the expression on Latrobe’s face. Pure pride and delight etched the weathered skin. James thought he seemed older than his years. Latrobe went forward to speak to Knight while James stood back and watched. Deeply troubled by Latrobe’s words, James wondered if the emptiness in his life had more to do with a spiritual need than an emotional longing.

3
Plotting Revenge
    Carolina was deeply immersed in the study of tractive power when she heard the sound of voices in the hall outside the library. She glanced up from her book but made no move when the door opened to admit Hampton Cabot, her father’s New York City based commission merchant.
    The elderly Adams butler announced, “Mister Cabot, ma’am.”
    “Miss Adams, you would put the very sun to shame,” he said, stepping forward and offering her a sweeping bow as the butler quietly exited. “I must say, you make the long trip from New York a very worthwhile one, indeed.”
    “Mr. Cabot,” Carolina said in acknowledgment of his presence.
    “I see you are reading once again,” Hampton said, noting the book