January 17th, 1916
Received by James Padgett.
Washington D.C.
I am here, Saint Stephen:
I merely want to say a word on the importance of the subject which Paul has written on the Resurrection.
This is one of the most vital truths in all the plan of God for the redemption of mankind, and for the preservation and existence of the church; and when I say church, I do not mean any church which claims to be the only Church of Christ, but that invisible church which is composed of the soul worship of men and women, who have received the Divine Love in their souls. It is not necessary that there be any formation of congregations and ceremonies of church worship as men understand it, but the true, sincere worship of men founded on a knowledge of the Divine Love and its possession in their souls.
While men on earth may never form large congregations and erect magnificent churches in which to worship the Father with the true soul worship and aspirations, yet when they come into the spirit world they will find that the Master has established his church in the eternal heavens, where none but the truly Christian can enter and partake of its glories and happiness.
Jesus is the head of that church here in our Celestial Heavens, as he should be of the church on earth. And as he must be when that church has for its members only those who have had the resurrection from sin and error and death of the soul into the knowledge of the Divine Love and the life everlasting. Jesus referred to this Resurrection when he said: "I am the resurrection and the life," and not the resurrection of the body either physical or spiritual.
I see that you are anxious to have these truths come and I am also anxious, and a coworker.
I will now say good night and in doing so say with all my love, God Bless you and keep you in his care now and always.
Your brother in Christ,
St. Stephen