_The anointing._ Mary comes behind Christ--having fetched an alabaster box full of precious ointment--breaks the box, pours it on His head (St. Mark xiv. 3) and His feet (ver. 3), wiping them with her hair. The house is filled with sweet smell. Why did she do this? _It was an act of love._ Christ had done much for them--stayed with them, above all restored their brother to life. Another reason: Christ had lately spoken of His death as soon coming. This thought quickened her love to intensity. She must give it outward expression. She had kept it for His burial (ver. 7), but gives it now. _It was an act of self-denial._ Did not stay to count the cost, to think how little she need give. Gave the best gift she had. Would keep back nothing from Him. _The act was approved and accepted._ She did what she could. =Lessons.= 1. Christ's death draws men's hearts (xii. 32). Therefore send the Gospel to all. 2. True love delights in self-denial. Deny self, take up cross and follow Christ. 3. Offerings accepted by God. Alms as well as prayers come before Him (Acts x. 4). II. =Christ's Enemies= (4-6, 10, 11). _Judas_ grudges the gift--calls it waste--professes zeal for the poor. What was his real motive? Covetousness. Had been made treasurer of monies given to and spent by Christ and apostles. Hoped to get something out of it for himself. Was it waste? Gifts given to Christ cannot be wasted. Others will take note and copy. This loving gift has led multitudes to do what they can. Missionaries to give up lives for Christ, many to give money, work, service, etc. Even cup of water only given for His sake rewarded. _Chief priests._ Consult out of envy to kill Lazarus. His rising led many to believe in Christ. Their power became less. =Lesson.= Take heed, and beware of covetousness. Which are we: friends or foes of Christ? Give the Best you have to God. It matters not how poor the offering, if given in the right spirit. A legend tells how once a little boy in church had no money to place among the offerings. So he gave a rosy apple, the only gift he had it in his power to offer. Presently, when the alms were removed, there was found among them an apple of gold. The simplest gift is in the sight of God as pure gold. [Illustration: SHORT ARROWS Notes of Christian Life & Work] Our New Waifs. In accordance with the announcement in our December number, we left it entirely to our readers to select the new QUIVER waifs. All the votes have now been received, and arranged, with the result that Rose Heelis heads the list of the candidates for Miss Sharman's Orphan Home, whilst John Harrison is the successful candidate for Dr. Barnardo's Home. [Illustration: JOHN HARRISON. (_The new Quiver Waif at Dr. Barnardo's Home._)]