I AM HERE. John.

I will not write now except to say that your spiritual condition is much improved, and you are advancing in your soul perceptions of the Truth and of the reality of the Father and His Love.

(Mr. Padgett asked a question.)

Yes, I know, but you must remember two things with reference to the writings in the Bible ascribed to me, namely: first, that I did not write, or authorize to be written, many of the sayings contained therein; and, secondly, that at the time I lived on earth and wrote, my knowledge of the Truth and of God was not so great or so correct as it is now. I realize that some things I then believed and taught were not in accord with the Truth as I now know it to be. Even my conception of Jesus and his mission on earth, and his return to earth, was not true. Then, although I was a close companion of the Master and had many lessons of instructions from him, I was quite an ignorant man and did not grasp the spiritual meanings of his teachings. And, up to the time of my decease, my beliefs were more colored by things of the material than by those of the spiritual. For instance, I supposed, as did the other disciples, that he was coming to earth again in a short time—at any unexpected time—and set up his kingdom on earth. Yes, this is a fact, notwithstanding that he had said that his kingdom would be a spiritual kingdom, though existing on earth. From my conception of the establishment and existence of this kingdom, I could not dissociate the idea that, in some way, it would be an actual, visible kingdom in which the Master would be the king and rule as other kings ruled, except it would be a rule of righteousness.

All this may seem a little strange to you. But if you will consider for a moment that my teachings as a Jew were to the effect that, when the Messiah came, he would actually rule on earth as a king, you will understand how difficult it was for me to get the idea or make the distinction between that kind of kingdom and one which would be purely spiritual.

At some time, I will write you more fully on this matter, for I realize its importance. And many—yes, a majority—of the professed Christians now believe that, at some time, Jesus will come to earth and establish a material kingdom and rule all the nations of the earth. And some of these enthusiastic Christians believe that they will be of the elect and, as material men called by the resurrection to become mortals again (although “glorified,” as some of them express their faith), that they will become princes and sub-rulers in that kingdom.

Well, they will be disappointed. For, when they shall have passed from the mortal to the spirit, they will forever remain spirits. The only kingdom that they will live in thereafter will be a spirit kingdom, and, whether it will be the Kingdom of the Restored Man or of the Divine Angel, they will not be on the earth.

So, pray to the Father and strive for a deeper and more abiding faith, and you will realize the Truth and this experience.

Good night.

Your brother in Christ,

JOHN.