"Refiner of Silver"

Some time ago, a few ladies met to read the
scriptures. 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 is 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 her friends what he said on the subject.

She went accordingly and without telling the objective
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 is 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 our 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 is 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~