One lady's opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the
sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a
silversmith and would report to her friends what he said on the subject.
She went, and without telling the objective 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 is 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."
Christ 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 our head are all numbered."
As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said
he had forgotten to mention, that he only knows when the process of
purifying is complete, by seeing his own image reflected in the silver.
What a beautiful example!
When Christ shall see His own image in His people, His work of purifying
will be accomplished.
Some time ago, a few ladies met to read 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."