The reader cannot possibly be too simple in apprehending this entire subject. It is, we may truly say, of capital importance at this moment. Let him examine it only in the light of holy Scripture. Tradition will not do; ecclesiastical history will not do: it must be God’s Word alone. In the light of that Word, let the question be asked and answered, Who are justly chargeable with the sin of Korah? Is it those who seek to exercise whatever gifts the Head of the Church has bestowed, or those who assume a priestly office and work which only belong to Christ Himself? This is a very weighty and solemn question. May it be calmly pondered, in the divine presence; and may we seek grace to be faithful to Him who is not only our gracious Saviour, but our sovereign Lord. The remainder of our chapter presents a most solemn picture of divine judgment executed upon Korah and his company. The Lord very speedily settled the question raised by those rebellious men. The very record of it is appalling beyond expression. What must the fact have been? The earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the three principal movers in the rebellion, and the fire of the Lord went forth and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who undertook to offer incense. “And Moses said, ‘Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for _I have not done them of mine own mind_. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the Lord hath not sent me. But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.’” (Ver. 28-30.) Moses, in these words, makes it a question simply between Jehovah and the rebels. He can appeal to God, and leave all in His hands. This is the true secret of moral power. A man who has nothing of his own to seek—no aim or object but the divine glory—can confidently wait the issue of things. But in order to this, the eye must be single, the heart upright, the purpose pure. It will not do to assume or affect any thing. If God is going to judge, He most assuredly will expose all assumption and affectation. These things can have no place when the earth is opening her mouth, and the fire of the Lord is devouring all around. It is all very well to swagger and boast, and speak great swelling words when all is at rest; but when God enters the scene, in terrible judgment, the aspect of things is speedily changed.