Verse 26 The spirit; the vital principle.--So faith without works is dead also. See (Romans 4:1-15:) The instructions of Paul and of James on the subject of faith and works are the two opposing walls which guard on each side the narrow way of salvation, and their antagonism has accordingly attracted great attention in every age. Paul, on the one hand, enjoins it upon men not to rely upon any duties which they may have performed in times past, to secure the favor of God. He points them to faith in his mercy. On the other hand, James shows them that it is vain to rely upon faith as a substitute for doing the will of God now. He points them to the path of obedience. In a word, Paul teaches men that they must rely upon faith, for the forgiveness of past sins; James warns them against making it the excuse for the neglect of present duty.