Who Are the Legalists? What Comes First -- the Faith or the Law?

First things first! 

What is more important -- canon law or the salvation of souls? You don't have to wonder because the very last law in the Code of Canon Law, Canon 1752 in the chapter on procedures for transferring pastors, spells it out clearly. It calls for "having before one's eyes the salvation of souls, which is always the supreme law of the Church."

Here's the definition of "supreme" from Merriam Webster: "highest in rank or authority, highest in degree or quality, ultimate, final." In other words, the FIRST and most important principle of canon law is the salvation of souls. It is, in fact, the first reason and principle of the Church herself, to go forth and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And why baptize them? FOR THEIR SALVATION!