"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."—Mai. iii:3.
A Beautiful meaning these words enfold;
They seem to run like a thread of gold
On some wonderful work of art enscrolled.
The refiner watcheth with greatest care,
All silent, still, as a voiceless prayer;
And whether the work be swift or slow,
He waiteth, he watcheth, the test to show,
Till his likeness shines from the molten glow;
But when his face in the silver glows,
His work is over,—the test may close!
O Master! thou watchest, line by line,—
O wonderful patience of Love divine,—
Till thy likeness shows in this life of mine!
