Those reports gave the student an insight into the popular religious beliefs of the common people. The theological creeds and formulas which are found in the libraries are written by talented, studious scholars who put their own conclusion into print and do not attempt to set out the opinions retained by the masses. Often a silent congregation retains a strong belief in some theological idea which the preacher does not recognize. Often the minister of a church, having the reputation of being firmly orthodox, teaches theories which are not accepted by his hearers. Hence, the scrutiny of all that correspondence covering so many years gave an insight into the faith of the everyday Christian which was enlightening and helpful. The testimony came from a much wider circle than the actual membership of that church, as visitors at the Temple from other quarters of the earth sent in their accounts of the way the Lord had answered their prayers. In those letters some remark or some statement often unconsciously disclosed this belief relating to prayer. Their beliefs concerning death, the Judgment, the future life, the methods used by the Lord in his administration, and the occupations of the saints in heaven most strangely harmonized when a careful digest was made. The divine plan of salvation and the Creator's purpose revealed in natural law were sometimes quite at variance with the dogmas of the pulpit. But the common theories came out so distinctly that a statement of them is a matter of no difficulty. The common people connected directly or indirectly with the Christian churches believe: That every person lives on as an individual after the body dies. That the life on earth determines the state of happiness or misery in the spiritual existence. That the soul is of the same substance as that of the angels. That the occupation of the redeemed in the spirit world is the same as that of the angels. That the departed persons know one another and keep company with those they have loved and known on earth. That they serve God as his messengers to the inhabitants of the earth. That they cannot be called nor can they visit the earth unless especially sent by the Almighty. That the condition of the wicked or of those unfit for God's service in heaven is unknown. That after the Judgment there may come the annihilation of the wicked. That heaven is a condition of everlasting progress in knowledge. That salvation depends on the intrinsic character, and that a conversion to Christ is a conversion to a godly character. That many of the ceremonies of the churches are useless, and that the various denominations should endeavor to unite in some one federation. That God is gradually building up a perfect human race on earth. That he commands his servants to come to his aid in securing that end.