Thus, whether we look at the fifth chapter of Numbers or at the fifth chapter of 1 Corinthians, we learn the same solemn truth, namely, that “holiness becometh God’s house forever.” And further, we learn that it is with God’s own people that discipline must be maintained, and not with those outside. For what do we read in the opening lines of Numbers v? Were the children of Israel commanded to put out of the camp every one that was not an Israelite—every one that was not circumcised—every one who could not trace his pedigree, in an unbroken line, up to Abraham? were these the ground of exclusion from the camp? Not at all. Who, then, were to be put out? “Every leper,” that is, every one in whom sin is _allowed_ to work; “every one that hath an issue,” that is, every one from whom a defiling influence is emanating; and “whosoever is defiled by the dead.” These were the persons that were to be separated from the camp in the wilderness, and their antitypes are to be separated from the assembly now. And why, we may ask, was this separation demanded? Was it to uphold the reputation or respectability of the people? Nothing of the sort. What then? “That they defile not their camps in the midst whereof _I dwell_.” And so is it now. We do not judge and put away bad doctrine in order to maintain _our_ orthodoxy; neither do we judge and put away moral evil in order to maintain _our_ reputation and respectability. The only ground of judgment and putting away is this: “Holiness becometh Thine house, O Lord, forever.” God dwells in the midst of His people. “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I.” “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor. iii. 16.) And again, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and _are_ built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto _a holy temple_ in the Lord: in whom ye also _are_ builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph. ii. 19-22.)