Refined

The Silversmith
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 "

One lady proposed to visit a silversmith, and report back 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 eyes steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeding 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 ."