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The Refiner's Fire
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.
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