A SHORT time ago, at an evening entertainment, the subject of conversation turned upon that part of our Lord’s character, described in the third chapter of the prophet Malachi: — “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
To ascertain the precise application of this figure it was agreed that one of the party should call upon a silversmith, and report to them what he said on the subject. He went accordingly, and without telling the object of his errand, requested to know from him the process of refining silver, which he fully described. “But, sir,” said the enquirer, “do you sit while the work of refining is going on?” “Oh yes,” 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 the enquirer saw the beauty, and the comfort, too, of the expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver.”
Christ sees it needful to put His children into the furnace, but He is seated by the side of it; 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 their head are all numbered. As the enquirer was leaving the shop, the silversmith called him back, and said he had still further to mention, that he only knew when the process of refining was complete by seeing his own image reflected in the silver. Beautiful figure! When Christ sees His own image in His people His work of purifying is accomplished!