Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1917-09-27
Number 81
VIII To Work

1nfOugn all my SCnOOi udgsi HtttSS
a contributor, whenever | said. Il
can't do It," got the familiar answer,
"Where there's a Will there's way"
Last week got 1t again, this time from
keen-eyed, earnest clergyman, the
head of one of our large city missions.
He read behind my apathy the de-
spOndency Of failure, and when l rose
with a dull "Thank yOu," to his re-
ply that there was no position open
to me, he said abruptly: "Sit down"
Then he told me story after story OF
men, today known and respected In the
business world, who were once down
and out" This was the last; VIII
tell it in his words:
"a man went to see friend OF mine,
also a clergyman. He wanted job.
He was pretty seedy-hls shoes were
shabby, his collar solled, his suit un-
pressed.
"'There's no use trying, anyway,
he declared with a twisted smile. The
whole rotten worlds run by graft. ITO
everyone that hath shall be given"--
YOU know the rest-"but from him that
hath not" Wen, there's always the
river
"The clergyman said nothing, but
looked steadily at the speaker. The
man squirmed, fumbled with his hat,
razed at the floor, at the pictures, at
the wIndow-aRywhere except into the
other mans eyes. He knew he had
whined like a coward.
"My man. said the minister nnallys
you're down on your luck. You feel
that your life is futile, that nobody
needs YOU. What you need is work.,
not money. You've loafed; you've &c
ouired the habit of loafing and kick
ing. Now, if l give you something
to do, will you do it2 No matter how
silly it may seem, will you do itY
"'Ye-es, came the hesitating an
swer.s
"'Goodi Take that brick, and he
pointed to one lying loose in the nre-
place, and carry 1t all around Madison
square; then come back
"The man felt foolish as he picked
I'D the brick. He felt more foolish
when the elevator boy snickered but
he remembered that In his school days
he had never refused a challenge, and
ne vowed he would see it through.
SoIemniy he crossed the park and
paced round the square, carrying big,
burden past grinning onlookers with
as much sollcitude as If 1t had been
of gold instead of common red clay.
When he returned his shoulders were
straightcr. He looked pleased with
himself, though somewhat sheeplsh.
"Hello, so you've done It'll Well,
don't you feel bettcrT
"He did-undeniabiy. He had not
one cent more in his pocket, but he had
forgotten that he was hungry in con-
centrating upon the brick.
"All right; now here Is another JoD.
Take these two dollars, go to Irst-
class coffee merchants, buy all you
can CT their Best grade of coffee, ask
them for some small bags and strings,
and do it up into quarter-pound pack
nges. Go up to Park avenue, ring the
basement doorbell Of each house anu
say to the servant who comes to the
door:
"Madam, I an introducing a very
excellent brand of coffee. This Is
sample package of quarter OF
pound. should not sell it If | we're
not convinced that it is something you
will be glad to try. If you do not Ike
1t 1 should never try to sell it to you
again. Charge enough to make two
cents on each sale. Then go back and
buy some more.'"
The narrator stopped and smiled
aulzzically. 81 don't know the rest OF
the story. l like TO think the man
made good; like to think that he Is
a prosperous salesman OF high-grade
coffees and teas today. But that's NOT
the point You are writer and you
want Job. Here is story for you.
Use It or not, as you choose. 1 think
YOU. too, can make good. Good-day"