God the "refiner"




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 smith of her errand, begged to know about the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her.

"But Sir" she said, "while the work of refining is going on, do you stand or do you sit?"

The silversmith replied, "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 for "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 forgotten to mention that he only knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver.