Refiner of Silver

	This year
	All years

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 shall sit as a refiner and purifier of
silver"(Malachi 3:3). One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and
report to the others on what he said about the subject.

She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit,
begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver.
After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit
while the work of refining is going on?"

"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the
furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the
slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall
sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it necessary to put
His children into the furnace; but 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, "How do you know
when the process is complete?"

"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own
image in the silver, the refining process is finished."