Mace(i)
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?
15 suppose one of your brethren should be destitute of cloths, and of his daily nourishment,
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?
17 just so faith, if it be not operative, is intirely lifeless.
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.
19 you believe there is but one God, very well: the demons believe as much, and tremble."
20 Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects?
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?
22 don't you see his actions and his faith conspir'd, and that his faith had its perfect effect in his conduct?
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."
24 you see then, that a man is accounted just for his actions, and not for his bare faith.
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?
26 as the body then without the soul is a meer carcase, so faith without its effects is lifeless.