If we be self-loathed, we shall be willing, when brought low, to sink lower still. (2 Sam. 15:25.26.) He that is self-abased before God, and so carries himself humbly towards others, must obtain honour; but if any child of God exalt himself, sure as God is, shame will come of that self-exaltation. Our reputation is the last thing we are willing to lose we cleave to it even when, in point of justification and peace with God, we have counted our own righteousness filthy rags. Let the saints take heed to their walk before God and man; but this done, so that they have in all things a conscience void of offence, let them account their reputation God's jewel, not their own. Knowledge often exceeds grace; but communion with God and poverty of Spirit go together: if the one decline, so will the other. The low place is the safe place; and whatever the tribulation, it will surely bring its blessings, God being trusted. Samson was never so strong as when, through his own folly brought low and put to shame, he said, "Strengthen me, I pray Thee, O God, only this once" (Jud. 16:28). We are wont to consider David's slaying Goliath a great deed of faith, and such it was; but more to be admired is David's dominion over himself that marked his course. His blemishes and sins were not his character. Confidence in God and self-distrust are sure companions. It is true humility and true holiness to judge ourselves dead and buried with Christ as children of the first Adam, whatever the flesh within us; and as children of God raised up together with Christ, and seated with Him, the last Adam, the head of the new creation. We thus discern, and subdue, and loathe the flesh, which, though crucified with Christ in the account of God and of faith, is ever struggling to regain lost dominion. Satan, taking occasion by the flesh, would cast us down in the spirit of our minds from our heavenly places. Resisting him in faith, we wage the war of Eph. 6. Good soldiers of Christ will have the peace of God ruling in their hearts. They cannot but live in peace; for the God of love and peace is with them. Schism and division proclaim the victories and triumphs of Satan. Would God we were all by His Spirit awakened to consider these things! The day is at hand that will make us and our ways all manifest; and we ourselves shall then no more mistake the talk of the lips for the obedience of faith. Circumstances Our Circumstances are what we make them. If they be not by faith kept under our feet, they will by unbelief become our masters. Our song of praise can never be checked unless we rejoice in Circumstances, and in things around us, more than in God Himself. It is to our shame that we are easily wrought upon by shifting Circumstances. How good for us that we have an unchangeable God to rest in! The natural man is the slave of Circumstances.