our father] That is, according to the flesh, because those to whom Saint James did write were the scattered Jewes, Chap. 1. 1. justified] That is, say some, declaratively and in the sight of men, his works bearing witnesse of, or to his faith, and not causally and in respect of God; but because Saint James here disputes against those who looked to be justified by a faith separated from good workes, and that causally, and in the sight of God, it cannot stand with the scope of the Apostle, unlesse here by [justified] we understand that justification whereby we are justified causally and in the sight of God; the state of the question being, not whether we are justified declaratively, or in the sight of men by faith without good works; but, whether we are justified in the sight of God without works. workes] That is, a working faith, for in this discourse or dispute works are not opposed to a justifying or saving faith, but to such a faith which hath not workes; so that we may well by [works] as a part for the whole, or the effect for the cause, understand here such a faith which hath works conjoyned with it. Besides, how could the Apostle conclude as he doth, vers. 23. that the Scripture was fulfilled, viz. that Abraham beleeved, and it was accounted to him for righteousnesse, from Abrahams being justified by works, when he offered his sonne Isaac, unlesse by workes here we understand a working faith? Did not the Apostle mean the same thing by works, vers. 21. and by faith, vers. 23? Hence it appeares, that there is no contradiction between Saint Paul, Romans 4:2. where he proves that Abraham was not justified by workes, and Saint James, who here affirmes that he was, although they expresse themselves diversly, disputing against adversaries of different dispositions: Saint Paul disputes against those who looked to be justified or saved by their own perfect or inherent righteousness: or workes, Saint James against those who looked to be saved by a faith without works; now there is a mean between these two extream opinions, wherein both agree, and that is, that justification is by a faith which hath works, or a working faith. was not] There were many other workes performed by Abraham, abundantly testifying the truth of his faith; but the Apostle chuseth this above all other, because it was the most conspicuous work by which his faith was tryed, and God seemed to take especiall notice hereof, Gen. 22 12. offered] Genesis 22:9. That is, in readinesse of affection and full resolution, though not in reall act. See Hebrews 11:17.