"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 something further to mention: that he only knows when the process of purifying is 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.