1 Am I my brother's keeper?
Or serving self alone?
Are none around me better
Since I the way have known?
Do any faint or falter,
And in the darkness fall,
Because my lamp burns dimly,
Or gives no light at all?
Chorus:
Where are the brother keepers,
The faithful and the true?
Where are the brother keepers?
What answer offer you?
Our heart should long for others
The love of Christ to share.
Where are the brothers?
The Lord asks, Where?
2 If envy rules the spirit,
Perhaps it is because
A brother's gift is better,
As Abel's off'ring was!
This rule of truth eternal
Shall hidden motives tell:
They only are accepted
Who do their duties well. [Chorus]
3 Are there no words of comfort
To cheer the hearts that mourn?
Or for the weak and erring
No burdens to be borne?
God help us to be brothers,
And firm as brothers stand:
For love to God and neighbor
Should travel hand in hand. [Chorus]
Source: The Seventh-Day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book: for use in divine worship #1234
Belden was born in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1858. He began writing music in his late teenage years after moving to California with his family. For health reasons he later moved to Colorado. He returned to Battle Creek with his wife in the early 1880s, and there he became involved in Adventist Church publishing. F. E. Belden wrote many hymn tunes, gospel songs, and related texts in the early years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Belden was able to rapidly write both music and poetry together which enabled him to write a song to fit a sermon while it was still being delivered. He also wrote songs for evangelist Billy Sunday. Though Belden’s later years were marred by misunderstandings with the church leadership over his royal… Go to person page >
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files