Removing the Dross by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 25, 1906

Removing the Dross

By L. A. S.

THERE is a vast difference between cast iron and finely tempered steel. Though each is composed of the same elementary substance, the former bears no comparison with the latter when measured by the uses to which each can be put. The uses of cast iron are comparatively few. It is a crude material, incapable of serving the higher purposes of science and the arts. For the operation of railways and steamships, the erection of great buildings, the turning of the wheels of a watch, the composition of a surgeon's instruments,—all that which is highest in the world's industrial life,—cast iron will not do. All these higher purposes require the use of steel.

Steel is made from iron, by a process of purification. The iron is cast into a furnace, and is there subjected to a process which separates it from all dross, and tempers it to the desired degree of hardness. It comes forth at the end of the ordeal endowed with capabilities of usefulness which, in its former crude and imperfect state, it did not possess even in a slight degree.

God is purifying his church. He is removing from it all impurity, all dross. There has been in it much of the elements of worldliness. It has been composed of a mixed multitude. In this state it has not been capable of the high use to which God would put it. The wonders of his power unto salvation could not be revealed through a mixture of divine with worldly elements.

The separating line is being drawn between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The mixed multitude is being divided, the one part to return to Egypt, and the other to cross over Jordan. Erelong the purifying process will be complete. The baser elements will be removed; the dross of worldliness be cast out, the separation made from all that is unrighteous and unholy. Then will the church appear in her beautiful garments, “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” Then will God do such a work through his church in the sight of the world as has not been dreamed of hitherto.

Let us not resist the ordeal of purification. L. A. S.