Now in all the early Christian writings the persons to be helped in the first place seem invariably to have been "the widows and orphans" of the new Society; for example, S. James, the Lord's disciple, writes how "pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widow in their affliction," etc. (i. 27).
Hermas—circa A.D. 135-40—in his list of good deeds which ought to be done, after faith and the fear of the Lord—love, concord, words of righteousness, truth, patience—places "the helping widows, looking after orphans."—Shepherd, Comm. viii.
Aristides—circa A.D. 130-40—has been already quoted.
Clement of Rome—circa A.D. 90—gives as one of his quotations: "He—the Master of the Universe—saith, . . . Give judgment for the orphan, and execute righteousness for the widows."—1 Epistle, 8.
Lactantius—circa last years of fourth century—in his catalogue of the different kinds of benevolence and works of mercy which had especially been enjoined on Christians, twice dwells on this peculiar work, and then writes: "Nor is it less a great work of justice to protect and defend orphans and widows who are destitute and stand in need of assistance, and therefore that Divine Law prescribes this to all," etc. . . . And again: "For God, to whom everlasting mercy belongs, commands that widows and orphans should be defended and cherished, that no one through regard and pity for his loved ones should be prevented from suffering death (i.e. martyrdom)" . . . "but should meet it with promptitude and faith, since he knows that he leaves his beloved ones to the care of God, and that they will never want protection." This last telling argument repeated by Lactantius had been, no doubt, frequently taught in the days of stress and trial.
These very early references might be multiplied; we find this injunction again and again repeated. It is no exaggeration to assert that among the poor and sad-eyed ones placed before the congregations of believers to help, the poor widow and the orphan occupy the first place.
The Sick.—The visiting the sick and distributing the alms of the brethren, public and private, were also urged as an
