Malachi 3:2-4

The question is solemn, who may abide the day of his coming, whether we consider the Lord's first coming to a sinner in a way of grace, or hereafter in a day of judgment. Who can describe the soul exercises of the former? And none among the living can know the awfulness of the latter. But, among the faithful, we know that God the Holy Ghost, in his first awakening the soul, becomes the Comforter. And the same Almighty Spirit, by a voice from heaven declared, those dead blessed that die in the Lord. This is a striking character of Christ, a Refiner and Purifier of Silver. And so Jesus is, when by his word and fire he breaks the hardened heart of sinners, and melts the soul into softness and love. Oh! the blessedness, when that Almighty Refiner hath fulfilled his promise in purging away all the dross of his people, and taking away all their sin. Isaiah 1:25. Sweet is then the offering of a regenerated, renewed soul, when in Jesus, and through Jesus the offering is made! It will be pleasant to Jehovah, because it is wholly of himself; and to himself in Christ.