Let me say just a word, as I am very much interested in the Truths of the message which Luke has just written to you. I was present at the church^[1] where the minister discoursed on the subject of paradise, and where Luke was also present. And as I realized that something that the preacher said suggested the subject of a message to Luke, and as I am very much interested in the people of that church, as I was a pastor there at one time, I desire to add just a few words to what Luke has so truly and plainly expressed.

I often declared the doctrine that the preacher proclaimed tonight when I was minister there. I believed those doctrines to be true at one time, and I know the preacher is equally honest in his beliefs.

But, alas, my beliefs were erroneous. And as it took some years of suffering and disappointment for me to unlearn these errors and learn the Truth, so will he have to go through the same experience, unless he learns the Truth before the time of his leaving the physical body.

And so with many of his congregation who are earnest and honest seekers of the Truth—many of them having the Divine Love of the Father in their souls. The pity is that there is no way of reaching him or them with the Truth, for I know that they would not give heed to what you might say to them and would look upon you as an impostor or crank. But, nevertheless, in the future, some way may open up so that the Truths may reach these people. As I have their interests so at heart, and feel that the influence of my teachings still lingers in that congregation and produces only error and belief in that which is not true, I desire to add my confirmation to what Luke has said. And if his message ever reaches them, I hope my message may also come to them.

It is part of my penalty for teaching erroneous doctrines that I should work to have my people unlearn these teachings of error. Thus, to be able to reach them in this way would give me not only great happiness but also much relief from my penalty of regret.

I will not attempt to recite what Luke has said, for I could not make it plainer. But I do desire to say to my people that what he said is true and they must believe this.

I will not write more tonight. Thank you for your kindness in letting me write.

Well, I am in the Seventh Sphere and am very happy in my love and surroundings. But I realize that I would have been much further advanced had I known the Truth as I now know it. Oh, I tell you, the hampering of the soul's progress by a lifetime of erroneous beliefs is a terrible thing!

I will say good night and God bless you.

Your brother in Christ,

Bishop Newman