Thematic Bible

James 2:1

My brethren, let not your christian profession be accompanied with partiality.

James 2:2

when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited:

James 2:3

if you should respectfully say to the suit of fine cloths, sit you there, that's for quality; and to the poor man, stand thou there, or place your self at my feet:

James 2:4

have not you made an arbitrary distinction, don't your judgments flow from a vicious principle?

James 2:5

consider, my dear brethren, has not God chose the poor of this world to be rich by faith, and to inherit the kingdom he has promised to those who love him?

James 2:6

but you, who despise the poor, are not you oppress'd by the rich? is it not they who drag you to their tribunals?

James 2:7

they who blaspheme that sacred name by which you are distinguish'd?

James 2:8

If, agreeably to the scriptures, you observe that royal law, "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self," you do well.

James 2:9

but partiality is iniquity; and the law will convict the offender of transgression.

James 2:10

for he that violates but one precept of the whole law, is as obnoxious to punishment, as if he had broke thro' all the rest.

James 2:11

he that said, "do not commit adultery," said too, "do not kill." though you should not commit adultery, yet if you kill, you are a transgressor of the law.

James 2:12

speak and act as those, who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

James 2:13

for he that has not shewed mercy, shall be condemn'd without mercy: while the merciful shall triumph at his trial.

James 2:14

What advantage is it, my brethren, for a man to say he has faith, if he has no beneficence? can such a faith save him?

James 2:15

suppose one of your brethren should be destitute of cloths, and of his daily nourishment,

James 2:16

and one of you should thus address him; "go and prosper, I wish you a warm fire, and a full meal:" without relieving his wants, would he be the better for your wish?

James 2:17

just so faith, if it be not operative, is intirely lifeless.

James 2:18

it will be said, "you have a speculative faith, but mine is practical. where is your faith, if no effects appear? as for me, my actions will vouch for my faith.

James 2:19

you believe there is but one God, very well: the demons believe as much, and tremble."

James 2:20

Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects?

James 2:21

was not our father Abraham treated as just, in consequence of his actions, when he had attempted to sacrifice his son upon the altar?

James 2:22

don't you see his actions and his faith conspir'd, and that his faith had its perfect effect in his conduct?

James 2:23

it was then, that those words of scripture were accomplished, "Abraham believed God, and he was regarded for it as a man of virtue, and was the favourite of God."

James 2:24

you see then, that a man is accounted just for his actions, and not for his bare faith.

James 2:25

was it not likewise for her actions, that Rahab, formerly a loose liver, was accounted as just, for having entertain'd the messengers of Joshuah, and dismiss'd them the securest way?

James 2:26

as the body then without the soul is a meer carcase, so faith without its effects is lifeless.