Editorial March 22, 1947 Issue

Come into the Ark!

John Randall Dunn

When Paul in one of his inimitable letters urged the little band of Christians at Colosse to set their "affections on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2), he set forth an admonition which should be written in the hearts of all followers of Christ Jesus until time is no more. One's affections are one's feelings, inclinations, tendencies. How important, then, that these be lifted above and away from the mists of materialism into the clear light of spiritualized consciousness! As this is done, thought is raised above the troubled waters of a chemicalizing world and landed securely on the higher ground of improved concepts, of happier, healthier human experience.

In the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy gives metaphysical interpretations of the words "Noah" and "ark" (pp. 592, 581) which contain much food for thought. Noah is defined first as "a corporeal mortal"; then comes this spiritual concept: "knowledge of the nothingness of material things and of the immortality of all that is spiritual." Ark is described in part as follows: "Safety; the idea, or reflection, of Truth, proved to be as immortal as its Principle; the understanding of Spirit, destroying belief in matter." Then in the next paragraph we read, "The ark indicates temptation overcome and followed by exaltation."

In a generation sadly victimized by the lure of materialism and binding itself with the chains of appetite and mesmeric devotion to sentient physicality, what need there is for that which might be denominated the Noah-consciousness. So-called corporeal mortals need today, as they needed in Noah's time, an ark, an understanding of spiritual power and law, wherewith to be lifted above the enslaving errors of the senses. How grateful they should be for the light which Christian Science throws on the Scriptures, making the old Bible stories glow with present-day helpfulness!

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