Kimberly's Diamond Mine

The Refiner's Fire Story

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to
read the scriptures and make them the subject of
conversation. 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." One lady's opinion was that it was intended to
convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the
grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a
silversmith and report to them what he said
on the subject. She went accordingly and without
telling the object 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
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." 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 your head 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 knows when the process of
purifying was complete, by seeing his own image
reflected in the silver. Beautiful example! When Christ shall see His own
image in His people, His work of purifying will
be accomplished.

Author Unknown