“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but _the word of our God shall stand forever_.” Isa. 40:8. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but _My words shall not pass away_.” Matt. 24:35. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky! We praise Thee for the radiance That from the hallowed page, A lamp to guide our footsteps, Shines on from age to age. The church from her dear Master Received the gift divine, And still that light she lifteth O’er all the earth to shine. It is the golden casket Where gems of truth are stored; It is the heaven-drawn picture Of Christ the living Word. WILLIAM HOW. The Study Of The Scriptures [Illustration.] Searching The Scriptures. "Study to show thyself approved unto God." 2 Tim. 2:15. 1. What did Christ say to the Jews concerning the study of the Scriptures? “_Search the Scriptures_; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39 2. For what were the Bereans commended? “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and _searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so_.” Acts 17:11. NOTE.—“If God’s Word were studied as it should be,” says a modern Bible student, “men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these times. But there is little benefit derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or comprehend its deep and hidden meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view, and no positive instruction gained.” 3. By what comparison is it indicated that some portions of God’s Word are more difficult to understand than others? “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be _the first principles of __ the oracles of God_; and are become such as have need of _milk_, and not of _strong meat_.” Heb. 5:12. 4. In what way is this comparison further explained? “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a _babe_. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of _full age_, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Verses 13, 14. 5. What writings are specifically mentioned as containing some things difficult to understand?