At some famous pottery works a visitor selected for purchase an
exquisite model of Dante and Beatrice. The price was, however,
far greater than he anticipated, being treble what had been
asked for some other specimens of the potter’s handiwork. “Why
is this so much more expensive?” he asked. “Because it has
passed more often through the furnace,” was the reply.
God sends His children sometimes through repeated furnaces of
affliction in order that their characters may attain a rare and
priceless perfection. (Text.)
(43)