So noted was Mutius, a citizen of Rome, for his envious disposition that Publius, observing the distressed appearance of his countenance, once remarked: "Either some great EVIL is happened to Mutius, or some great GOOD to another!" Envy is a fleshly lust that "wars against the soul". And, though all of us were once guilty of practicing it, the justifying grace of God will enable us to cast it aside, (Titus 3:3-9).
    Someone has described envy as: lithe sadness one feels at the success of another". It is one's reaction to what he considers an affront to his own sense of superiority, (Gen.26:14; Acts 13:45; 17:5). A desire to be first, prominent, or "king of the hill" soon enslaves a person to the sin of envy, (I Sam. 18:5-12). It is a simple thing for it to develop into "enmity", (Gen. 4:5). The envious man plots the overthrow, or ruin, of whoever surpasses him in service or success, (Est. 5:12-13; Dan. 6:1-5; Matthew 27:19). To envy what belongs to another (be it position, talents, wealth or wife) breeds slander, crime, murder and warfare, (Gen. 37:5-11; Acts 7:9; Num. 16:1-3;

Psalm 106:16; contrast Num. 11:26-30). The spirit of envy thrives on the question: "Why shouldn't that be MINE?" This obsession for preeminence violates the first-principle of Christian love, (I Cor. 13:4). Though silent, it is a deadly sin -- burning fury within the soul. It distorts one's vision -- throwing judgment and discretion off balance. It produces in the soul such conditions as make failure certain. It gnaws away at one's spirit until he is utterly incapable of understanding himself, (Romans 1:29). Envy harms the person who harbors it far more than it does the one he comes to despise. It destroys the joy of living and hinders true fellowship, (I Cor. 3:3; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5: 19, 21, 26; I Tim. 6:3-12). And it will eventually destroy the person who harbors it within his breast, (Job 5:2; Prov. 14:30; 27:4).
    The apostles clearly expose the danger of envy in the church. Some have even preached the Gospel out of envy -- a perversion of motivation that reveals the subtleness of sin, (Phil. 1:15). James underlined its seriousness by associating it with "strife, confusion and every evil work", (James 3:16). It must be "put off" -- a thing of the

past for those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, (I Pet. 2:1). Its only cure is to be found in the "fellowship of the spirit". Only as our lives are yielded under the full control of the Holy Spirit may we be united in the body of Christ as one harmonious whole.
    God's own people have ever been forbidden to indulge themselves in the shameful sin of envy, (Psa. 37:] Prov. 3:31; 23:17; 24:1-2, Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:26; Jas. 3:14; 5:9). It is the spirit of this world that indulges envy, (Jas. 4:3-4). The Spirit of God yearns for our sanctification, (James 4:5). The Holy Spirit, given control of our lives, will enable us to desire such things as glorify God -- not setting our desires on ourselves, but on Him and others; (Psa. 42:1; I Pet. 2:2; Phil. 1:8).
    In the wonderful provision of God's grace, that which is real, valuable and eternal is available to all -- freely. It may be shared

without ever diminishing its value or blessedness. But the blessings of joy, peace, assurance and hope belong ONLY to such as have renounced self -- inviting Christ to BE THEIR ALL!
    Let us not be envious; rather, may we enter into the sphere of life where the fulness of divine blessings freely flow!


Last Sunday morning it was decided that Landmark Church will NOT entertain a fellowship meeting this year. However, we would like to invite our brethren to plan NOW to be with us for FELLOWSHIP '79. This will be on November 22-23, 1979.
    It is expected that some other church, or churches, will plan to entertain a Fellowship Meeting this Thanksgiving. If we receive word of such we will be happy to announce it in the next issue of the CLARION HERALD.
    "We cannot choose happiness either for ourselves or for another; we can't tell where that will lie. we can only choose whether we will indulge ourselves in the present moment, or whether we will renounce that, for the sake of obeying the Divine voice within us -- for the sake of being true to all the motives that sanctify our lives. I know this belief is hard; it has slipped away from me again and again; but I have felt that if I let it go forever, I should have no light through the darkness of this life."
HOW LONG SINCE YOU REALLY PRAYED?

    From the very creation of the world, the work of the Holy Spirit has been evident -- moving upon the face of the waters; His hand garnishing the heavens, (Gen. 1:2, Job 26:13; Psa. 104:30; 147:14-18). He was a participant in the creation of man, (Gen, 1:26; Job 33:4). Man is made in the "image of God"; for the eternal fellowship of the Most High. It is to the end that we should be "to the praise of His glory".
    In the pre-Christian era the Holy Spirit is already seen at work in many ways. In an EXTERNAL way, He came upon various individuals -- endowing them with differing gifts, according to the divine purpose. In times past He bestowed upon men such diverse things as: moral courage, mental power, physical strength, practical skill, political wisdom, prophetic insight and spiritual understanding.
    It should be understood that, though He is said to have ENTERED several individuals in those days, His dealings with them was more of an IN-WORKING than it was an IN-DWELLING, (Gen. 41:38; Ex. 31:3; Num, 27:18; Neh. 9:30; Dan. 4:8-9, I Peter 1:10-11). Though very active in dealing with men in Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit did NOT permanently ABIDE with any, Psa. 51:11; Hag. 2:5; Isa. 63:11).
    In His Old Testament ministry the Holy Spirit was clearly associated with Kings and Rulers -- bestowing such endowments as were needed for the proper fulfillment

of their duties. Joseph received wisdom and administrative ability, (Genesis 41:38-40). Moses and the elders of Israel were endued with power and wisdom for leadership, (Num. 11:16-30). By the power of the Spirit Joshua was fortified with wisdom and courage to become Moses' successor in leading the covenant-nation into the possession of their inheritance, (Num. 27:18; Deut. 34:9).
    There is at least a three-fold way in which the Spirit was associated with King Saul -- the first of Israel's human kings. 1). Through the Spirit his heart was turned in order that he might prophecy -- according to the words of Samuel; (I Sam. l0:6-l0). 2) When Nahash, the Ammonite, encamped against Jabesh-gilead the men thereof said to him: "Make a covenant with us and we will serve thee". He answered: "On this condition will I make a covenant with you: THAT I MAY THRUST OUT ALL YOUR RIGHT EYES, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel!" At this time the Spirit of God came upon Saul and his anger was kindled greatly, (I Sam. 11:6). 3) But, when King Saul rejected the Word of the Lord, the Lord also rejected him from being king over Israel; "The spirit of the Lord departed from him, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him", (I Sam. 15:13; 16:14-15).
    By the same Holy Spirit, King David was both empowered to rule and inspired to write, (I Sam. 16:13-18; Matt. 22:43; Acts 1:16; 4:8; Heb. 3:7; 4:3-7). And Daniel was granted wisdom -- both to interpret dreams and to be an efficient

administrator in governmental affairs, (Dan. 4:8-18; 5:11; 14; 6:2-3). Thus, it is evident that the rise and fall of Kings in Old Testament times was effected through the power of the Holy Spirit. E.G.
Wherever He may guide me,
    No want shall turn me-back;
My Shepherd is beside me,
    And nothing can I lack.
His wisdom ever waketh,
    His sight is never dim,
He knows the way He taketh,
    And I will walk with Him.

Sovereign Ruler of the skies,
   Ever gracious, ever wise;
All my times are in Thy hand,
   All events at Thy command.

Times of sickness, times of health,
   Times of penury and wealth;
Times of trial and of grief,
   Times of triumph and relief;

Times the Tempter's power to prove,
   Times to taste a Saviour's love;
All must come, and last, and end,
   As shall please my heavenly
      Friend.

Plagues and deaths around me fly;
    Till He bids, I cannot die:
Not a single shaft, can hit
    Till the God of love sees fit.

O Thou Gracious, Wise, and Just,
    In Thy hands my life I trust:
Have I something dearer still?
    I resign it to Thy will!

Thee at all times will I bless;
    Having Thee, I ALL possess:
How can I bereaved be,
    Since I cannot part with Thee?
    Whether it be by prayer, a word of encouragement or financial assistance, the help that comes from our readers is deeply appreciated. Because of our inflated economy the cost of supplies has doubled, and mailing cost has increased almost TEN-fold, since vie started publication some 10 years ago. E.G.