Newsletter of the District of Asia  July 1997 THE REFINER OF SILVER A person had observed that there is something remarkable in the expression of the prophet Malachias (III,3) -- “He shall sit as refining and cleansing the silver”.  It was agreed that a silversmith should be called in to give his opinion on the subject.  Without disclosing the direct object, he was asked the process of refining silver, which he described in detail. “But do you sit watching whilst the work of refining is going on?” asked one. “Oh yes” answered the silversmith, “I must sit with my eyes constantly fixed on the furnace, for if the necessary time be extended in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.” At once the beauty and truth of the expression “He shall sit as refining and cleansing the silver” is apparent.  Christ sees it needful to put His children into the furnace, but He is seated by the side of it.  His eye is steadily fixed on the work of refinement and purifying His wisdom and His love are both engaged in the best manner for them;-- their trials do not come at random, their hairs are counted. The silversmith said he had still further to mention that he only knew when the process of purifying was completed ...BY SEEING HIS OWN IMAGE IN THE SILVER. Beautiful figure!  When Our Lord shall see His own image in His Children, HIS WORK OF PURIFYING WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED.