The Refiner's Fire

       Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to study 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. (Malachi 3:3)

       One lady proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them on
       what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without
       telling the object of her errand, begged the silversmith to tell
       her about the process of refining silver.

       After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "But Sir, 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 us. Our trials do not come
       at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can
       endure.

       Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "When do you
       know the process is complete?"

       "Why that is quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can
       see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

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