Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city
to read the scriptures and make them the subject of
conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came
upon a remarkable expression in the third verse.
"And He shall sit
as a refiner and purifier of silver."
One lady's opinion was that it was intended to
convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of
Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them
what he said on the subject. She went accordingly and without
telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining
silver, which he fully described to her.
"But Sir," she said, "do you sit while the work of
refining is going on?"
"Oh, yes madam, " replied the silversmith, "I must
sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time
necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree,
the silver will be injured."
The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too,
of the expression,
"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of
silver."
Christ sees it needful to put His children into a
furnace. His eye is
steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His
wisdom and love
are both engaged in the best manner for them.
Their trials do not
come at random; "the very hairs of your head are
all numbered."
As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith
called her back,
and said he had still further to mention, that he
only knows when
the process of purifying was complete, by seeing
his own image
reflected in the silver.
Beautiful example! When Christ shall see His own
image in His
people, His work of purifying will be
accomplished.
Author Unknown
