ut its rich perfume.

"She hath anointed my body aforehand for the burying." I like the word
aforehand. Nicodemus, after Jesus was dead, brought a large quantity
of spices and ointments to put about his body when it was laid to rest
in the tomb. That was well; it was a beautiful deed. It honored the
Master. We never can cease to be grateful to Nicodemus, whose
long-time shy love at last found such noble expression, in helping to
give fitting burial to him whom we love so deeply. But Mary's deed was
better; she brought her perfume aforehand, when it could give pleasure,
comfort, and strengthening, to the Master in his time of deepest
sorrow. We know that his heart was gladdened by the act of love. It
made his spirit a little stronger for the events of that last sad week.
"She hath wrought a good work on me."

We should get a lesson in friendship's ministry. Too many wait until
those they love are dead, and then bring their alabaster boxes of
affection and break them. They keep silent about their love when words
would mean so much, would give such cheer, encouragement, and hope, and
then, when the friend lies in the coffin, their lips are unsealed, and
speak out their glowing tribute on ears that heed not the laggard
praise.

Many persons go through life, struggling bravely with difficulty,
temptation, and hardship, carrying burdens too heavy for them, pouring
out their love in unselfish serving of others, and yet are scarcely
ever cheered by a word of approval or commendation, or by delicate
tenderness of friendship; then, when they lie silent in death, a whole
circle of admiring friends gathers to do them honor. Every one
remembers a personal kindness received, a favor shown, some help given,
and speaks of it in grateful words. Letters full of appreciation,
commendation, and gratitude are written to sorrowing friends. Flowers
are sent and piled about the coffin, enough to have strewn every hard
path of the long years of struggle. How surprised some good men and
women would be, after lives with scarcely a word of affection to cheer
their hearts, were they to awake suddenly in the midst of their
friends, a few hours after their death, and hear the testimonies that
are falling from every tongue, the appreciations, the grateful words of
love, the rememberings of kindness! They had never dreamed in life
that they had so many friends, that so many had thought well of them,
that they were helpful to so many.