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 is was intended to convey the view of
the sanctifying influence of the grace of God. 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." God 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.