Genesis 4: "Am I My Brother's Keeper?"

Atlanta, 1901

First Christian Church

After the reading of the scripture lesson, from Genesis, iv., Rev. S. B. Moore said in his pulpit at the First Christian church yesterday:

"I bring to you this morning this short text, 'Am I My Brother's Keeper?'

"This question has been asked by many others since it was first spoken by Cain; and many times it has been asked in thought when the words have not been uttered. We are all our brothers' keepers to the extent of our ability to help.

"In this age the brotherhood of man needs to be emphasized. God has linked us together; we cannot cut these bonds asunder if we would. Paul hath truly said, 'No man liveth unto himself.'

"Cain sought in this question to clear himself by declaring his independence; so have thousands of others! In many things we are responsible for our brothers' condition to a certain extent."

Here Mr. Moore followed with illustrations of responsibility touching railroad companies, factory enterprises, banking corporations, and other active business associations — all tending to show that too often the principle prevails that laborers are cheaper than life-saving improvements, for, said he:

"Certain enterprises thrive and grow at the expense of life and blood.

"No business has a right to live in this land that lives at such fearful expense to others. We have no right to put a stumbling block in our brother's path.

"We are further keepers of our brothers' reputation. Character and reputation ought to accord. Oh, that our words and deeds might always carry good cheer for our brothers' reputation — would that we might always look kindly and charitably, that we might dwell oftener on the blessed Savior's picture stooping to write in the sand, while the fierce accusers departed under His rebuke."

--The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 27, 1901, page 10.