Some time ago, a few ladies met to read the Scriptures. Whilereading 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 thought 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 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 considers it necessary to put His children into a furnace; His eye is 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 since the very hairs of our heads are all numbered.

 

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he wanted to mention also that the only way he knows that the process of purifying is complete is when he sees his own image reflected in the silver.

 

What a beautiful picture! When Christ shall see His own image in His people, His work of purifying is accomplished.