They could plainly see that one more year would be needed, besides Dorian was not in a condition to concentrate his mind on study.
So, when the long evenings came on again, he found solace in his books, and read again many of dear Uncle Zed's writings which had been addressed so purposely to him.
One evening in early December Dorian and his mother were cosily "at home" to any good visitors either of persons or ideas.

Dorian was looking over some of his papers.
"Mother, listen to this," he said.

"Here is a gem from Uncle Zed which I have not seen before." He read: "'The acquisition of wealth brings with it the obligation of helping the poor; the acquisition of knowledge brings with it the obligation of teaching others; the acquisition of strength and power brings with it the obligation of helping the weak.

This is what God does when He says that His work and His glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man'." "How true that is," said the mother.
"Yes," added Dorian after a thoughtful pause, "I am just wondering how and to what extent I am fulfilling any obligation which is resting on me by reason of blessings I am enjoying.

Let's see--we are not rich, but we meet every call made on us by way of tithing and donations; we are not very wise, but we impart of what we have by service; we are not very strong--I fear, mother, that's where I lack.