THE GIFT MEASURED BY LOVE.
By Mrs. M. E. Durkee
WHEN Jesus was here upon earth he visited all classes of people, the rich and the great, the poor and the lowly. He did not confine himself to those whom he "liked" the best; we do not read that he had any affinities; his love for all caused him to try to benefit all. When he went into the house of Simon, it was not for the purpose of partaking of a great feast, but for the opportunity there presented to teach important lessons. He knew what would there take place, and he wanted Simon to see himself in his true light, as a pardoned sinner, whose gratitude should have called forth generous expressions of praise and admiration of the love that prompted the costly, lavish gift of Mary. Her manner of bestowing it vexed Simon's proud heart. He would have done differently, and no doubt was jealous because he was condemned by the Master's approval of her conduct. Christ's subsequent rebuke proved this to be true. Do we ever see a parallel to this case nowadays? How often do we hear the remark that certain persons "are fools for giving so much" to help the cause of God; "they might better help the starving poor, or lay up for a rainy day." There are many Judases yet who feel bad about the ointment. There was once a dear sister whose love to God had received an awakening. She desired in some way to express her appreciation of the labors of the departed pioneer, Elder —. On decoration day she placed some of her choicest house plants upon his grave, and covered it with flowers, interspersed with appropriate texts of Scripture cut from the worn leaves of an old Bible, which was of but little value. The motive was all known to the Lord; it was only a loving tribute to the memory of one who had borne and suffered so much for the same dear Master that Mary loved. She did what she could, and felt that it poorly expressed her gratitude, and yet this act was severely criticised by some who had forgotten to bestow even a little tribute to the memory of this dear servant of God. The gift is measured by the love that prompts it, be it much or little. Man sees the gift, the outward display, but Christ sees the heart, and will reward accordingly.