THERE was once a great actor, who was asked at a drawing room function if he would recite to the guests. He readily acquiesced and asked if there was anything special that his audience would like him to recite. After a moment’s pause an old minister of God, who happened to be present, said, “Sir, could you recite to us the twenty-third Psalm?”
A strange look passed over the actor’s face. He paused for a moment and then said, “I could, and will upon one condition, and that is, that after I have recited it you, my friend, will do the same.”
“I” said the minister in surprise, “But I am not an elocutionist. However if you wish it I will do so.”
Impressively the great actor began the Psalm. His voice, his intonation were perfect. He held his audience spell-bound, and as he finished a great burst of applause broke from the guests.
Then as it died down the old minister rose and began the same Psalm. His voice was not remarkable, his intonation was not faultless. When he had finished no sound of applause broke the silence, but there was not a dry eye in the whole of that crowded drawing room, and many heads were bowed.
Then the actor rose to his feet again. His voice shook as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the old minister and said, “I reached your ears, my friends, but he reached your hearts. The difference is just this, I know the Psalm, BUT HE KNOWS THE SHEPHERD!
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