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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.
"I hope you understand what I'm saying here,
After all see how refined I am?
Or would you rather me come over there
and have to repeat myself?"
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Have a blessed
day!
(updated 11-30-03) |