"HITHERTO" is a retrospective word.

As Christians we look back and say in the words of Samuel, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" (1 Sam. 7:12). We have proved His faithfulness thus far. Trials and troubles have beset our goings. Waves of difficulty have hurled themselves against our frail bark. Tempest-tossed and storm-driven we have been inclined at times to cry, "We perish! We perish!" But we have reached the present, and "there has not failed one word of all His good promise."

"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." He who said, "Certainly I will be with thee," has made His presence known. In the love of His heart and in the skilfulness of His hand He has guided us, and He has shown Himself "wonderful in counsel and excellent in working." Amid all our weakness He has been strong. Amid all our unfaithfulness He has been faithful. Amid every fierce attack of the foe He has been our_ strong fortress.

Now, from our "Hitherto," we look back and see something of the way which the Lord our God hath led us in the wilderness. Rightly we may be a wonder unto many who know something of us. And we may well be a greater wonder to ourselves, who know something more of the treachery of the flesh within, of the plague of our own hearts:were it not for "the Saviour's present grace," for His advocacy and priesthood, His ceaseless intercession and unfailing ministry on our behalf, we should have swerved from the path and been overcome by the power of the foe. So, gladly we say, "Hitherto!" So, gladly we sing, "Hallelujah!"

'"HENCEFORTH!" With this word on our lips we have the future before us. The prospective view is wrapped up in the exclamation. The journey is not completed. The race is not yet run to its finish. The goal is not yet gained.

Looking forward, we delight to know that all the future is in the hands of our gracious Lord. It is "the God of all grace," who has proved Himself to be such throughout our way, who has called us to His eternal glory, by Christ Jesus. And that is our ultimate.

A young man about to give up his earthly calling for conscience sake, visited an aged, weather-beaten servant of God to consult with him. As the younger man unfolded something of his fears for the future, he was interrupted by the veteran believer with the words, "There's no future but glory for the Christian." That is our certain future. The inheritance is reserved for us in heaven. We are preserved for the inheritance while on earth.

As we say "Hitherto" we exclaim:

"Thus far by grace preserved, Each moment speeds us on."

And as we utter "Henceforth," we add:

"The crown and kingdom are reserved, Where Christ is gone."

"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8).

We see "that day" approaching. May it be ours to be "like unto men that wait for their lord." Inglis Fleming
"ASK, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE"