"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house." In the detailed account of this incident, as set forth in the book of Genesis, we read that "Noah walked with God," and that he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Consequently, when the waters covered the earth to destroy the wickedness thereon, the life of the patriarch was preserved because of his righteousness. And not only was Noah protected from the effects of self-destroying error, but all his immediate family—his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives—were kept safe with him in the ark.
Mary Baker Eddy defines "ark" on page 581 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," as "safety; the idea, or reflection, of Truth, proved to be as immortal as its Principle; the understanding of Spirit, destroying belief in matter." It might be said that by this definition Mrs. Eddy makes ark accessible to all who gain, through the faithful study of the two textbooks, the Bible and Science and Health, "the understanding of Spirit." Indeed, as the student puts into practical application his increasing "understanding of Spirit," he is lifted above prevailing mortal mind beliefs, and deliverance and protection are found to be always right at hand.
As Noah set to work to construct the ark, he did not then or afterwards apparently entertain any doubt or fear that it would not afford sufficient protection against the deluge and flood. Obeying divine instructions, he built well, and then maintained throughout the experience confidence in God's ability and willingness to take care of him. It is related that after the rains had ceased and the flood waters had abated somewhat, Noah sent forth a dove, which, finding "no rest for the sole of her foot," returned and was received back into the ark. Evidently, patient and unworried, Noah waited seven days before loosing the dove again, and even though this time she returned with an olive leaf in her bill, indicating further recession of the waters, another seven days elapsed before the dove was finally set free to find a place of security and rest.
