"Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow am I invited unto her also with the king. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate", (Est. 5:12-l3).
    What tragic wretchedness is so often wrought in the lives of men by foolish little acts and attitudes!
    Haman was a man whose star was rising fast at the court of Ahasuerus. He should have been happy; but he was not. Envy and jealousy will effectively prohibit joy from entering into any heart. The briar in Haman's pride was an obscure little Jew named Mordecai. This man was not at all impressed by Haman's fame. He even remained seated when Haman's royal carriage sped through the city gate.
    Mordecai's failure to acknowledge his supposed importance heated Haman's shriveled soul to a fury of jealous resentment. This Jew was still influential at the court of the king -- a thought that the pride of Haman considered unbearable. Thus, the revelation of his little-

ness: "All this availeth me nothing so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate!"
    Is it possible that there is a "fly in your ointment"? a Mordecai at your gate? Will you, in the littleness of your pouting soul, refuse to be happy so long as God permits him to stay there?
    Envy, Jealousy, wounded pride and suspicion may effectively destroy a life of usefulness LONG BEFORE the hour of physical death. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. But, whoever humbles himself, to walk joyfully in the path of God's wise appointment, will be eternally exalted.
    Have YOU counted your blessings lately? do it, and THANK GOD!

    Once again Landmark MBC of Rockford has voted to entertain a Fellowship Meeting over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Many of our brethren, from far and near, have come to regard this as an annual event -- making plans to come before we actually make any official plans. And we are grateful for the many brethren who, in the past, have participated to

make memorable occasions of every such meeting.
    It is our hope that YOU will begin NOW to make plans to be at Rockford THIS THANKSGIVING, and that together we may experience one of the most glorious times of fellowship together in the Word that we have ever known.

    This expression is found at the close of each letter that was addressed, by Jesus, to the seven churches of Asia. There are at least four things that are common TO ALL THESE LETTERS.
    EVERY LETTER DEALS WITH A PARTICULAR CHARACTER --- a victorious soldier; him that overcometh. This suggests that the nature of our common life involves a WARFARE. Our ancient fathers wrestled with principalities and powers. They fought the good fight of faith. In doing

so, many of them resisted the devices and enticements of Satan -- even unto blood. And though some may argue that the language is figurative, it is such as implies a REALITY of experience.
    EVERY SUCH ADMONITION IS DIRECTED TO INDIVIDUALS. It is not said: "to THEM that conquer", but "to HIM THAT OVERCOMETH". Our Lord deals with each individual heart; just as He sees, and will judge, each individual life. It may be that only one individual will remain true to our Lord out of an entire church. Let him not be ashamed or afraid. His name shall be confessed before the Father and the holy angels. Whoever honors Christ will be honored of the Father.
    EVERY ADMONITION IS BACKED BY SOME ASSURANCE OF REWARD. Mention is made of the fruit of paradise, hidden manna, a crown of life, a white stone, the morning star, white raiment, a pillar in the temple of God and a seat with the Saviour on His throne. But no one can adequately describe or comprehend such blessings now. Assurance of the fairness of our Heavenly Father should motivate us to face the conflict with courage -- knowing that "godliness is profitable unto all things".
    FINALLY, EACH LETTER REPRESENTS THE LORD JESUS, HIMSELF, AS THE AUTHOR AND BESTOWER OF EVERY HONOR. All fullness dwells in Him, and out of His fullness shall we receive according to His perfect will. To such as overcome, through faith, He will one day say: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom

    There seems to be a widespread inconsistency among God's people relative to the subject of directly addressing the Son of God in praise prayer and worship. Most Baptists contend that "direct address" is inappropriate in SPEECH, but almost universally address Him in such a manner with words that are SET TO MUSIC.
    The question that we must face is whether one may "SING with the spirit and understanding" what it is inappropriate for him to SPEAK -- out of a full and grateful heart. Does the Word of God forbid New Testament saints to address their Lord and Saviour in worship, prayer and praise -- or in either? What is heaven's attitude toward the Son of God? What was the attitude of the prophets and apostles? Has God, the Father, spoken on the subject? What is the attitude of the Son Himself? Are there any implications to be drawn from the Now Testament on this subject? And is it wrong to be consistent?
    GOD, THE FATHER, HAS COMMANDED THAT HIS SON BE WORSHIPPED -- both by the angels and by His special, covenant people, (Psalm 45:6-11; Heb. 1:6-8).
    SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF SUCH WORSHIP, PRAYER AND PRAISE ARE GIVEN IN THE SCRIPTURES. It was the Son of God that Isaiah worshipped, (comp. Isa. 6:1-10 & Jn. 12:38-41). As the "angel of Jehovah", He was worshipped and petitioned in prayer before His incarnation. Both New Testament words for "worship" are applied to the Father and the Son.

    It was the practice of New Testament churches EVERYUHERE to "call on the name of Jesus Christ", (I Cor. 1:2). Both apostles and disciples addressed Jesus Christ directly -- even following His resurrection and ascension, (Acts 1:13-26; 7:55-60; 9:3-6, 10-18; 10:10-16; 2 Cor. l2:7-9; Rev. 22:20). It surely is not insignificant that the first Christian martyr prayed directly to Jesus. And the final prayer recorded in the Bible is one that those who love our Lord's appearing ought to echo: "Even so, Come, LORD JESUS!"
    The doxologies of praise that appear in the New Testament are addressed both to the Father and to the Son -- almost equally.
    THE SON OF GOD HAS SHOWN HIMSElF DISPOSED TO ACCEPT THE WORSHIP OF HIS PEOPLE. He once declared "that all men should honor the Son, EVEN AS THEY HONOR THE FATHER. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him", (John 5:23).
    As "the angel of the Lord" Jesus accepted worship before the incarnation. He accepted it during the days of His flesh upon earth, (Matt 2:11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; Jn. 9:38). But Peter would not accept the worship of Cornelius; nor would the angel accept the worship of John, (Acts 10:25-26; Rev. 19:10; 22:8). Jesus also accepted worship after His resurrection, (Matt. 28:9, 16-17; Lk. 24:50-53). He NOW accepts worship in heaven; and the day is drawing near when universal adoration, worship and praise will be ascribed to His holy name, (Rev. 1:5-6; 5:1-14).

    There is no JEALOUSY in the Godhead. It is now the Holy Spirit's delight to reveal the beauties of the Saviour to believing hearts; to direct us into the ways of truth, and to glorify the Son of God as He takes the things of Christ and makes them real to us -- drawing forth from our hearts TRUE WORSHIP and praise, to both the Father and The Son.

prepared for you from the foundation of the world." He is soon coming again "to be glorified IN His saints, and to be admired IN all that believe".
    Will YOU be an overcomer?

    The Dick Ferris family is now living in their new home at 6055 Cody Street, Arvada, Colo. 8OOO4. This was made possible by offerings of $17,425.00 received from those who have appreciated their labors.