“OUTERMOST” is quite an old fashioned expression, in fact today it is almost absolete. Some years back however, on every farm lease in Essex, and on every farm plan, the measurements of a field were always given in its “outermost,” as well as its “innermost” area.
For instance, you might hire a field of 21 acres “outermost” measure, and yet only be able to plough 19 acres of it, which would be its “innermost” size. The hedges all round the field have to be allowed for, also the ditches. There might be a small pond-hole in one corner, and possibly a path running across the land. None of these items would produce corn, but all must be included in the total acreage of the farm. Swampy marshes, sandy heaths and woods, all have, to be totaled. Hence the difference between the “outermost” acres of a farm, and those capable of tillage was frequently great. The farmer had to reckon on so much “innermost” or valuable land, with a considerable proportion of “outermost” or unproductive land.
The pathway of every Christian as he journeys home, is along an uphill road. At times, we may find “still waters” and lie down on “green pastures,” but there are steep rugged places to climb, and we travel over barren uncongenial soil that seems impossible for fruit bearing. We are journeying through a waste howling wilderness, through a dry and thirsty land wherein is no water, where the desert sands are hot, scorching our feet, and where enemies mighty and numerous abound.
What a joy to know that our Shepherd not only provides the pleasant innermost “circumstances of our lives, but the contrary and difficult ones also are under His control, so that our Guide is “able to save to the outermost” ones too. Thanks be to His name!
C. E. M.