Purifier of Silver
By Jim Hoggatt
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."
Malachi 3:3 One lady''s opinion was that is 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 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
efining 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." 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; "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 imaae reflected in the
silver.
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