Wesley Corpus

We still experience them the same, Blasphemers of that worthy name, The pious poor they vex and tear, And judge at their unrighteous bar, And use their utmost power t' oppress The truth, and all its witnesses. "What doth it profit, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can that faith save him." (Gr.) James ii. 14. In vain thou say'st in words alone Unprov'd by works, that "faith I have!" The faith by works which is not shewn, From sin from hell can never save, Unprofitable all and void, The faith of man, and not of God. "If a brother be naked and destitute, c." James ii. 15, 16. What doth thy Gnostick faith avail, Who seest thy brother in distress, With ruthless heart insensible, And bidst the poor depart in peace, Yet dost not his distress relieve, But words without assistance give! Page 382 "So likewise faith, if it hath not works, is dead in itself." (Gr.) James ii. 17. The faith distinct from works is dead, (Not the true living faith divine, From whence the fruits of grace proceed) A mere, fond, empty notion thine, By fancy form'd with Satan's aid, A devilish dream, an hellish shade. "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." James ii. 18. The true believer's challenge hear, Who loudly dost thy faith profess, Now let it, without works, appear, Thine inward principle express, Or humbled own it cannot be, And saving faith is not in thee.