“AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?”
By S. M. Spicer
The scene in which this language was uttered forms a most striking preface to the dark annals of a sin-cursed race. Indeed, it seems as if the first out-speaking or manifestation of fallen human nature, descended at one leap to the darkest depths of crime, comprehending at once almost the whole catalogue of human folly and wickedness. When envy was permitted to enter the bosom of the first murderer, he probably had no idea of the darker links of crime which were to follow in the chain. He thought not how soon that bitter hatred would spring up which dealt the murderous blow. And, next, what a fearful falsehood! as he said “I know not” when God called to him, “Where is Abel, thy brother?” Thinking to hide the truth from God, how little he knew of the character of that all-wise, holy Being! Next follows the bold, insulting question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” as much as to say, You have no right to ask me such a question. When we look over the astonishing features of Cain’s crimes, we wonder at God’s forbearance, and that he did not at once blot out the life of the vile offender. But we have introduced this chain of crimes for the purpose of considering at this time the last item as given in the narrative, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain’s purpose in this question was not only to conceal the terrible crime committed, but to ignore all responsibility of obligation toward his brother. This seems comparatively the smallest item among his crimes; yet the principle involved lies at the foundation of the second great command of the law, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” A recognition of the specific duties herein required forms the basis of the social compact, and every failure to meet individual obligation and responsibility tends to loosen the bonds and interrupt the harmony of society. It was an all-wise God who fully understood the nature and relations of his creatures, who announced the laws by which they should be governed; and his omniscient eye, noting not only the outward act but the inner motive, can easily determine the character and desert of every individual. But practically on this question, when and how do we virtually ask, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” We answer: In our own family circle, when we show unkindness to any member, or even indifference to what is necessary to his welfare and happiness. In the neighborhood, when, scrambling to make every surrounding circumstance contribute to our personal interest or gratification, we forget or disregard the rights of all around us. In the church, when we see a brother or sister falter or turn aside to the ways of sin, and neglect to kindly warn of danger and entreat to return to righteousness. In our listlessness, when we are called upon as God’s stewards to use every talent he has given us, to assist in giving bread of life to every hungry, thirsting soul, and to hold up the light of truth, till it illumines the darkest corners of the earth. We ask this question in our lives of indifference, as we mingle day by day with the multitude traveling on their thoughtless way. How seldom we even think of the eternal consequences pending while that giddy throng is drifting, by course of influences, through the devious paths of sin on, on toward the vortex of ruin! “Am I my brother’s keeper,” that I should be interested to notice his condition, to speak a warning word, to point out his danger, or to kindly persuade him to choose a better life and its glorious rewards? In the busy walks of life, how many cross our path all unthinking, if not ignorant, of the better way, and soon after, perhaps, suddenly drop into eternity unprepared, unwarned, when perhaps a transient word from our lips might have been blessed to the saving of a soul from death? “Am I my brother’s keeper?” says the employer in the various manufactories of our land while the busy laborers toil on, and he knows comparatively nothing of their homes or homeless condition. Often, some one may be sent adrift by trivial circumstances, and be compelled to seek from place to place the means of subsistence, again and again repulsed, meeting not one kind inquiry or word of encouragement. Who knows or thinks how many, thus disheartened by neglect or injustice, may have been swept down into the common current of destruction? How many fill drunkards’ graves because a brother did not care to warn or keep him from the first temptation! How many of the worst criminals might trace back their dark pathway of sin to a time when, with heart and hand yet unstained, they failed to find a “brother’s keeper”! When the books are opened at last, what fearful records will reveal the neglect and unfaithfulness of those who, all along time’s history, have said, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”—S. M. Spicer.