The apostle tells of some who “have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.” Jude 11. “The way of Cain” was the way of offering sacrifices not commanded, and hating his brother whose works were good while his own were evil. “The error of Balaam” was the consenting for gold and honor to go contrary to his own convictions, and to seek to curse and seduce Israel, whom the Lord had blessed. “The gainsaying of Core” was the presumption of discontented and ambitious men, who sought to drive out Moses and Aaron from the place and work to which they were appointed, and to assume for themselves the responsibilities which God had imposed upon others. They said unto Moses and Aaron: “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them; wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” Num. 16:3. There are some men whom God has appointed to important and prominent positions in his cause. They are vessels which he has chosen; they are polished shafts which he has hid in his own quiver, and prepared for his own use. Others around them observe their prosperity, envy their prominence, and at once propose to put themselves forward and test their right to the positions which they occupy. The controversy between Korah and Moses was short. When all the people, warned of their danger, had departed from the tents of those wicked men, “the ground clave asunder that was under them; and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.” Num. 16. When people deal with the things of God, it becomes them to walk carefully and discreetly in the presence of the King of kings. We are to learn lessons of humility; to abide in the position where God has placed us; to be contented with such things as we have, and not to covet the gift or work that God has assigned to others. Let those who “perished in the gainsaying of Core” be an example to us, and teach us in all lowliness and meekness to esteem others better than ourselves, and to walk humbly with our God.—The Christian.