Christian's daily walk - Scudder - IX - Chapter 8 (Of company in general)

Required reading
The Christian's daily walk, in holy security and peace by Henry Scudder (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 8 (Of company in general).

My summary
This week Scudder gives us his thoughts on how a Christian should behave in company.

Firstly Scudder provides some rules which should be followed in conversation.  We should be:
(i) holy;
(ii) humble;
(iii) wise;
(iv) loving.

Secondly Scudder gives some cautions and directions concerning evil company.  He advises us to:
(i) not come into it at all if possible;
(ii) be watchful and wise when in it;
(iii) depart as soon as we can.

Thirdly Scudder outlines some directions for Christian fellowship.  When in it, we should:
(i) highly esteem it;
(ii) express all brotherly love.

What grabbed me
I appreciated Scudder's advice to pray before being with others: 'You must be much in prayer unto God, before you come into company, that you may be able to order your conversation aright ; let your heart also be lifted up often to God when you are in company, that he would set a watch before your mouth, and keep the door of your lips, and that your heart may not incline to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity, Psa. cxli. 3, 4; and that he would open your lips, that your mouth may show forth his praise, Psa. li. 15; and that you may speak as you ought to speak, knowing how to answer every man. Col. iv. 6 ; for the tongue is such an unruly evil, that no man, but God only, can tame and govern it, James iii. 8.'

When in the company of others, we should always be conscious that we're in the company of a heavenly being as well.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 9 (Rule for our religious conduct in prosperity).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.