A few ladies who had met together to read the Scriptures were reading the third chapter of
Malachi. One of the ladies observed:"There is something remarkable in the expression of the
third verse, ‘He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.’ " Another volunteered to call on a
silversmith and find out what he had to say on the subject. She went, accordingly, and without
telling the object of her visit, asked him to describe to her the process of refining silver.

When he finished the description, she asked, "But do you sit while the work of purifying 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 is sure to be
injured."

At once she saw the beauty and the comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and
purifier of silver." Our Father sees it needful to put His children into the furnace, but Christ is
seated by the side of it. His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us. Our
trials do not come at random; the very hairs of our heads 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 knew when the process of purifying was complete by seeing his face reflected
in the silver. Beautiful figure! When God sees Christ’s image in His children, His work of
purifying is accomplished.