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  May 26.--I heard Dr. Walker preach this morning from the
text, "Faith without works is dead." Luther found so much in
the Epistle of James which conflicted with his own favorite doc-
trines, that he pronounced it "strange." And others have thought
it of little worth because Christ is mentioned but once or twice
and then coldly; because the doctrines of the resurrection and
regeneration are scarcely noticed; and because it treats so much
of the principles of mere morality.     But these are not good
reasons for putting up one inspired writer above another--Paul
above James. It would rather seem to be wise to adopt views by
which passages apparently conflicting may be harmonized and
discrepancies explained and reconciled.
  The great controversy concerning faith and works depends, in
a great measure, for its origin and continuance on the ambiguity
of the two words, faith and works. If by works is meant the
mere outward act, there may be salvation without works, as a man
may have great generosity without the opportunity or means of
exhibiting it. So, on the other hand, the acts of generosity may
be performed without merit. If by faith is meant only the intel-
lectual acts of belief and approval of what is true and good, this
without works is dead. But if by faith is meant the internal dis-
position, which will manifest itself in outward acts whenever
opportunity occurs, this faith is essential to salvation. So that
while Paul and James use different language, their doctrines are
the same; they view the subject from different positions, but their
views are the same. Paul looks to the origin of the act, James
to the consummation of the disposition. It is interesting in this
connection to trace the differences between the Jewish and the
Christian dispensation. That was a dispensation of works, this
of faith. In that, the external rites and observance were the all
important. In this, the feelings, the heart is regarded. In an-
other aspect, the difference appears striking. The religion of the
Bible is one of obedience and progress. The Old Testament con-
tains a system of rules to be strictly followed in forms and cere-
monies, suited to the childhood of our race in this respect. The
New Testament looks to principles of action; if these are right
all is right. But rules may be outgrown, while principles are
eternal. So that while the Jewish dispensation, being temporary,
has passed away, the Christian is eternal and must remain.
  Now, in the use of the writings of the two apostles, we must
consider the crying sin of the age in which we live and the people
before whom we appear. If it is to speculation and mysticism,
then the efficacy of works, as appears in the Epistle of James,
should be preached; if to outward observances, pompous cere-
mony, rites, etc., then justification by faith as declared by Paul
should be proclaimed.