Completed by S. Wright. The writer of this epistle was not James the son of Zebedee; for he was put to death by Herod before Christianity had gained so much ground among the Jews of the dispersion as is here implied.

We have here the inscription of this epistle, which consists of three principal parts. I. The character by which our author desires to be known: James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was a prime-minister in Christ’s kingdom, yet he styles himself only a servant.

We now come to consider the matter of this epistle. In this paragraph we have the following things to be observed:— I. The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented, and that in a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what…

I. We are here taught that God is not the author of any man’s sin. Whoever they are who raise persecutions against men, and whatever injustice and sin they may be guilty of in proceeding against them, God is not to be charged with it.

In this part of the chapter we are required, I. To restrain the workings of passion. This lesson we should learn under afflictions; and this we shall learn if we are indeed begotten again by the word of truth.