Refiner's Fire

by John Mark

He sat by a fire of sevenfold heat
   as He watched by the precious ore
And closer He leaned with a searching gaze
   as He heated it more and more

He knew He had ore that could stand the test
   and He wanted the finest gold
To mold as a crown for a King to wear
   set with gems and with price untold

So He laid our gold in the burning fire
   though we fain would have said Him "Nay"
And He watched the dross that we had not seen
   as it melted and passed away

And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright
   but our eyes were so dim with tears
We saw but the fire - not the Master's hand
   and questioned Him with anxious fears

Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow
   as it mirrored a Form above
He bent o'er the fire though unseen by us
   a look of ineffable love

Can we think it pleases His loving heart
   to cause us but a moment's pain
Ah No - But He saw through the present cross
   the bliss of an eternal gain

So He waited there with a watchful eye
   with a love that is strong and sure
His gold did not suffer a bit more heat
   than was needed to make it pure