Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1890-10-11
S4#a4f RtaafHB
EDITED BY REV. F. l.. LEEPER.
THE GIRL WITHOUT A TALENT.
Christian Union.

herself trying to settle down to aSun-
day afternoon nap on the parlor sofa,
with those words persistently ring
ing in her ears. She shut her eyes
and waited patiently for a browse. 1t
could not be induced even with favo.
ring conditions.
"If it isn't just like a minister to
get one all stirred up and then not
tell them what to do! l surely can't
be missionary, and never yet sue
ceeded in holding a Sunday-school
class. Here l am peering through
the pickets into the vineyard much
as Adam and Eve might have peered
into Paradise. Deary mel" and
she rose from the sofa and took seat
on the little uncomfortable hair.cloth
stool by way of penanCe. She reso>
lutely settled down to a meditation.
81 know" she declared to herself:
cpl just ask him what to do" And
she did that very evening. To him
she announced in her frank way:
"It's a stubborn fact that all this
afternoon have lighted candle and
searched diligently, and can't find
single available gift or grace; so, if
you please, sir if you want me to 60
to work, you must find some spot in
the vineyard that dosen't require tall
ent." atl4r
The minister grew thoughtful. II
want an organist for the Mission
Sunday School," he said, after a lit
tie. s. F.NI.
"Just as 1 thought" moaned this
would-be laborer. 81 don'tknow the
difference between a scale and key
board. .f, r....... q
"Do you sing ?"o4..t t
Occasionally. In fact, fill the
room and then empty it. Cousin
John says it isn't quite so upliftingas
the yell of Comanche Indian. He
has lived on the plains, you know"
"You can't visit the sick for me"
began the pastor, and then hesitated.
Dora was lame, and could not get
about easily.
81 would be sure to say the wrong
thing, even if could get there
answered Dora. 81 always used to,
When Auntie was sick 1 read the
horror column of the newspaper to
her, and left her with Taylor's work
on Dying After this do preach
your text-'Go work today in my
vineyard--if you are equipped with
talents. None others need apply
"What is your speciality?" in
quired the minister. eve all have
some speciality, you know"
at really isn't worth mention,
ing"
perhaps I shall differ with YOU
"Well it's the care of plants. Only
this and nothing more They will
always blossom for me. l love ever
to pot and weed them, and the guam
tity ofgeraniums l slip for my friends
is something Incredible"
The minister did not reply at once
Indeed, not until Dora rose to 60.
"Wait a bit-or, better yet, cal
tomorrow. will let the sun rise OF
my plan first"
Dora went the next day. The pas
tor was man of few words. IN.
plan is this" he said: &C. that vol
shall give each child in my mission
Sunday-school potted plan
with such instructions as you know
how to give. In three months hol,
a flower show. will furnish prize
for you to bestow on the best-cared
for plant, for best collection of plants
for prettiest bouquet of wild flowers
1t is no longer art for arts sake, bu
art for humanity's sake"
He waited for her approval.
"All very pleasant-but-is it Chri:
tian work ?"
"Ycs, it's the vineyard, thong
perhaps a by-way instead of a higf
way. 1t will work variously. Thin
of tenement.house windows full {
bloom, Think of soul>culture whic
comes fromI care of the flowers
Think Of the hold we shall get o
that community. Think of the at
ditions to our Sunday-school. TIL
fact is, think in any line, and
means a blessed service with def
mite result"
Enough" answered Dora, risin
at once to action. 81 will go to wOr
today"
fyOu have ever potted seventy
five geraniums, begging jars herean
there. YOU will know how tired Dol