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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" (Malachi 3:3)

One lady proposed to visit a silversmith, and report 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 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."