Editorial July 31, 1902 Issue

Love's Brotherhood

"Am I my brother's keeper?" — The words were spoken in self-justification by the first murderer. Incited by jealousy, Cain, when he saw that Abel's offering had found favor in the sight of God over and above his own, slew his brother. He did not compare the sacrifices, did not think of the justice of the reward, he was conscious only of offended personality. Love would have helped him rejoice in his brother's greater success, love would have helped him to emulate his brother's higher sacrifice, but hate was the murderer. We turn from the scene quite insensible that our name may be Cain.

Is it too strong to say that the impulse of every act is either love or hate? There is no middle ground, —that which is not love is hate. Apathy, indifference, inactivity are not the conditions of love, therefore they must be modified conditions of Love's supposed opposite.

When the man on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho fell among thieves, the priest passed by, repeating in his heart, "Am I my brother's keeper?" and did nothing, — so also the Levite; but the "Good Samaritan" said in his deed of mercy, "I am my brother's keeper."

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