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Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures.
While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon
a remarkable expression in the third verse:
"And He [God] shall sit as a refiner and purifier of
silver" (Malachi 3:3).
One lady decided to visit a silversmith to learn about the
process of refining silver. After the smith had 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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