Vain Conversation by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 6, 1873

“Vain Conversation.”

By R. F. Cottrell

An apostle teaches the church that they are redeemed by the blood of Christ from their vain conversation received by tradition from their fathers. 1 Pet. 1:18–20. The word conversation, in former times, had a wider range than at present, since it is now applied almost exclusively to mere talk. It extended to actions in general, to our dealings or commerce with men. Hence, it is said, “Let your conversation be honest among the Gentiles.” For vain conversation in our text, Campbell gives us “foolish behavior,” which extends to our general habits and deportment.

It is evident that the religion of Christ is intended to correct our false habits in every particular, so that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we should do all to the glory of God. If a man cannot glorify God in the use of that most poisonous plant, tobacco, or in eating unwholesome food and drinking intoxicating liquors, it is his duty to abstain from these things, and use only those things which he can use to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity.

Some “stumble over the health reform,” one of the very things which ought to commend our work to the hearts and consciences of all. This work is of God; for it tends to his glory. The precious blood of Christ was shed to redeem us from our vain conversation, our foolish and sinful behavior.

Let those who would be Christians indeed—those who would not have the blood of Christ shed in vain for them—leave all the false and injurious habits received from our fathers, “purify the soul by obeying the truth,” cleanse themselves “from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord,” and do nothing which cannot be done in the name of Christ and to the glory of God.

R. F. Cottrell.