This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the David E. Kahn home, 20 Woods Lane, Scarsdale, N. Y., this 8th day of November, 1937, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [165], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [165] and daughter, and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the entity, [165], who is present in this room; the information received through this channel on May 29, June 17, June 28 and August 26th of this year relative to school for boys,
2. The efforts made within self and with and through others for the development of the school,
3. The bad decisions made by entity and the steps taken to overcome their effects,
4. The lack of success in obtaining boys who can pay their way in school,
5. The lack of success in obtaining financial aid for such boys as Johnnie Wierda and Raymond Boggs of Passaic and Raymond Hammitsch of Brooklyn who are in need of the school, and, the existing need for knowledge of the steps required and the method of taking them, and the enlisting of human and divine aid, that the school may function and endure.
6. You will answer questions on the subject as I ask them.
7. EC: Yes, we have the entity here, [165]; and those disturbances, those desires, those purposes, the conditions that have existed in their varied phases and the failures in the progresses; and the varied effects created.
8. First, we would give as this, for consideration by the entity of the problems, the needs, the desires, and that together with what has been given:
9. First consider, then, the conditions as a whole, as to the abilities of the entity, the innate influences that have prompted and do prompt the entity from within, and from without.
10. As has been given, intimated, and directed specifically for the choice of the entity to make: Through such an activity there might be in this experience a greater satisfaction, yea a greater growth made by the soul-entity in its activities; in such directions that the directing of the application of self directly in such a school would make for that hopeful experience into the lives of many in this particular sojourn; a growth that would surpass any activity in which the entity might engage itself.
11. Then, we consider those problems that have arisen in the experience, in the attempts to interest others; the failures, yet successes in the DEEPER sense - for self. Disappointments, yes - associations, and in making application of same, have become in many directions as stumbling-stones, or as discouraging problems.
12. Yet consider that first which is the ideal, upon which every soul should rely for the strength, for the understanding as to what associations, problems, disturbing forces have meant and must mean - even in one's OWN experiences.
13. Consider the experience of He that in the flesh came as an exemplification of man's relationship to the Creative Forces, or God, and those disappointments, those activities that were about that entity, that soul! how even He was forsaken by those that were so oft in His presence, that were in the presence of that influence which shone into the lives, into the hearts and the minds of those who were aided, who were materially and mentally benefited.
14. But in all of those confusions, all of those disappointments that came by the very attempts to fulfil His purpose, He never faltered.
15. And then we see in the last moments there came into His own experience that great trial, and He said, "Can ye not watch one hour? But sleep on - take thy rest, for the day dawns, and the Son of man must go forth to meet ALL that IS disappointment in the hearts of not an individual alone but each and every soul!"
16. Thus we begin to see what purpose, desire, HAS meant, MUST mean, in the hearts of those that have determined within themselves that, "Others may do as they may, but for me and my house, we will serve a living God!"
17. Then the self should take all of these into consideration. Not that there is not to be considered also that failures have jeopardized the abilities of self or associates to meet the immediate needs of the material man, have jeopardized much that appeared to be those channels through which help might be expected - and the RIGHTS within self even come to naught.
18. But did He fail thee in that hour in the garden? Did He fail in that hour of trial?
19. Will ye fail those boys, yea those souls, thy brethern, now?
20. For as He hath given, and as ye may experience, "As ye do it to the least of thy brethren, ye do it to thy Maker," who hath given thee abilities in opportunities. And because of discouragements and because of failures, and because of heartaches, and because of those things that make men afraid, will ye turn thy back upon the opportunity before thee, now?
21. Then what is the real problem?
22. Hold fast to that as ye purpose in thy heart, that there WILL be the opportunity for those that are through their own shortcomings losing, or have lost, sight of their relationships.
23. Then put on rather the whole armor. Look within self, first. Clear that doubt of thy association, thy connection with that divine source, that WITH which ye may conquer ALL; and WITHOUT which even all the fame, all the fortune of the age would not bring that ye have purposed to do into the experience of even ONE soul - the relationship of the soul to its Maker and the Maker's relationship to that created!
24. Ready for questions.
25. (Q) How can entity make himself more fit for this work?
    (A) Look within, and rely more upon that promise - yea, the many promises of Him who is Life and Strength - yea, the very salvation of a sin-sick world!
    Do not confuse self, do not overstep self, but as hath been said, "When ye call I will HEAR - and answer speedily."
    This applies to thee - yea, to each soul, to be sure; but make it thine own cry, WITH the WILLINGNESS in self to be led, to be guided, to be directed, by that as HE hath given, "Ask in my name and ye - believing - shall have."
    Can there be a greater promise? Oft ye, as so many, feel - or act - as if this meant someone else.
    Is not thy soul as precious in His sight as though ye had taken a city, yea as though ye had directed a nation?
    For ye are gods in thine own making, if ye hold to Him. Not in self, as of self's disappointment. Know that disappointment is with Him, and He is just as hurt. But be ye rather joyous that ye are counted worthy to be a channel, an opportunity, through which even one soul may find the way. For he that hath saved a soul hath indeed covered a multitude of shortcomings!
    In such meditation, then - in such may the self awaken to that strength of purpose, that DETERMINATION to CARRY ON! Though the world forsake thee, if thy Lord is upon thy side, ye stand even as Eleazar before the hosts of the Lord. [Num. 3:32]
    But whom the Lord would exalt, He first brings low that they may know the strength is of the Lord - and not in hosts but the still small voice that beareth witness with thy soul, thy spirit, that ye walk that straight and narrow way that leadeth to understanding. And in saving those of thy own shortcomings, ye find ye have been lifted up.
26. (Q) Are there any individual contacts that should be sought that will offer opportunities for securing students?
    (A) Keep continuously in that way and direction that has been given, for these will open in their own way, and they will bring into the awareness of self those that may be aroused to THEIR opportunity to become a help in a cause that is just - and right.
27. (Q) How can the program of the school be made better to meet its established purpose?
    (A) Study each day those needs of the individuals, that self and associates may contact, as to how their needs are for the awakening.
    For as has been given, do TODAY that thou KNOWEST to do, having little thought of the needs of the tomorrow, and on the morrow is given that ye have need of.
    How does He give? "Give us today our daily bread," not only the material but the mental and spiritual. "Direct me as I direct my fellow man, forgive me as I forgive." And thus we see cooperation, brotherly love, patience, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness, coming as MANIFESTED experiences into the hearts and minds and lives of others.
    And these are the fruits of the spirit of truth.
    Then as ye mete these day by day, ye find them becoming not only as stepping-stones for thine own self but the ladder of truth upon which others may climb.
    Ye cannot ask others, then, to do that ye would not do thyself. What ye propose, then, ye must DO - in body, in mind, in spirit.
28. (Q) I desire to correct any mistakes in activities or presentation of program that are hindering development. Please advise specifically.
    (A) Again it would be said, look within - and have ye asked, have ye sought that others do that ye are not doing, and willing to do, yourself?
    These then, cherished, grow; manifested in thy dealings with those differences, those counsels, those sayings, will make the crooked paths straight.
    Keep to that line, not only of endeavor but CLAIM the promise - EXPECT the promise of Him; whom ye WOULD magnify in the experiences and lives of the children, yea of ALL ye meet day by day!
    If ye find that it is self or self's ambitions being lauded, then ye know wherein ye have failed. Turn to Him for counsel. For He is MINDFUL of thee, else the abilities - yea the call - would not have come. Of THAT ye may be very, very sure.
29. (Q) Through what channels can financial aid be secured for the education and training of Johnnie Wierda, Raymond Boggs, and Raymond Hammitsch?
    (A) As we find, there are connections made, there are some associations that have to do with the profession in its very VARIED ways.
    Then follow those lines. For these will bring that necessary, in the material way, for the carrying on for those ye are concerned about in the present.
    Do not give up. Though it may become, though it does become necessary - even as it did with Him, to leave Jerusalem, yea to leave the coasts even of his own beloved land, yet there was never the failure to turn again to those when and where they needed Him the most.
30. (Q) Through what channels can the school obtain financial backing?
    (A) Keep on hammering, keep on directing the efforts through those channels as pointed out. These WILL in the very persistency bring results. Not as to become as pests, no - but rather as the NEEDS, rather as the DESIRES to SERVE. And we will find these WILL come.
31. (Q) What man or woman would become sponsor for the school?
    (A) Seek rather than being said John, Jim, Tom, or this or that. In thine own self, in thine own seeking, ye will find those that turn a deaf ear to all the beauties of that ye purpose; ye will find those in sympathy yet materially unable; ye will find those that give grudingly; ye will eventually come to those where there may be the outpouring of the whole as is necessary - if ye will persist.
32. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self (two copies, one for daughter)
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy to Hugh Lynn Cayce

BACKGROUND

1. 8/26/37 He obtained 165-25 giving further information in re starting a school for boys.
2. 11/01/37 He submitted various sample fliers on the school (See under 165-25), mentioning various problems in connection with meagre beginning, saying:
   "We have in sight one 12 yr. old who has a sponsor, after Nov. 18th. One boy from Buffalo who is lame and stutters, for Sept., 1938. We have two boys whose parents can pay $15 a month if we can get scholarships for balance. A four year old is offered, and the care of a bird dog at $3 per week."
3. 11/08/37 He was present, submitting further questions.

REPORTS

1. GD's note: Subsequent to the above rdg. Hugh Lynn Cayce visited Mr. [165] in his apt. and went over the rdg. with him, helping to interpret it and making suggestions.
2. 12/12/37 Mr. [165] wrote to Hugh Lynn:
   Since the eventful evening at ... Ave. I have been working to clear decks, within and without. I do not yet quite understand the best methods to pursue but the way is clearer today than yesterday. I am constantly aware that your thought and prayer and consideration and strength have been helping simplify the jumble entitled 'the life of [165].'
   A definite procedure. "Look within thyself first. Clear that doubt of thy connection with that divine source, that with which ye may conquer all; WITHOUT which - would not bring that ye have purposed to do into the experience of even one soul." "When ye call I will answer speedily." "Be ye joyous that ye are counted worthy to be a channel." "In meditation then may the self awaken to determination to carry on." "Ask in My name and ye, believing, shall have." "Not only stepping-stones for thyself but the ladder of truth upon which others may climb." "Thru which 1 soul may find the way."
   The reading of the 8th of November becomes more than the sermon I chose to consider it, it is itself a ladder to be used in the journey.
   The manager of Berry Bros. Detroit, Mr. Bond, is in New York this coming week. I have interviewed him 3 times. I have written Dave Kahn that he will be there and will have him contact the eastern man whom you know, Mr. Totten, in the hopes of boosting the matter. They have not turned me down as a prospect for the job of technical head, yet.
   Am turning over my inventions to various persons so my decks may be clear for whatever develops. It will be of interest to you to note that a telegram from Mrs. [1438] in California ask definite questions regarding the possible promotion of some of my ideas in California by her son [1430]. (By the way have you sent copy of her life reading to her in ..., Cal., Hotel ...) You will remember the remarks of Walter Gavigan in that connection.
   Hope you will get time to send me suggestions as they arrive. Also ideas as to Mr. Gavigan and possible help with, to and from him by Association in time to come.
   Please give my best to your parents. It was fine to see them. Glad my daughter could contact them and you. She is in New York this week singing in finals of the contest she is in, that leads to Broadway publicity and one concert, to the successful person. There are five in the finals out of an original 25 selected musicians. We are rooting for her. I understand from Dave that your sessions in New York were very successful and helpful to a lot of people. Please let me know what feeble things I can do to help.
   Yours sincerely, [165]
3. 12/28/37 Hugh Lynn Cayce wrote Mr. [165]:
   "It is our hope and prayer that you will find the coming year filled with activity that will lead you toward greater expression of your abilities. I hope that you will use the reading as a practical document, not a sermon. It does point the way. It does not make the path easier - rather it points to the harder way but the goal is higher than that of many a simpler, easier - yes, and perhaps more selfish path.
   "We will be more than interested in your activities, whatever be their direction...
   "It was a pleasure to meet your daughter in N.Y. Your reading could hardly be called a characteristic approach but perhaps the personal interest made up for this. Anyway, the real contact is the simplicity of my father in relation to the whole picture.
   "Happy New Year to you all!" Sincerely, Hugh Lynn Cayce
4. 1/06/38 Mr. [165] wrote Hugh Lynn Cayce, sending him a copy of a letter to Mrs. [1438] in re the school [See under 1438-3 Reports] and calling his own rdg. 165-26 "one of the finest human documents I ever saw, if it is entirely human":
   Your fine letter of the 28th is here. Its contents are much to the point. But I fear often that I cannot ever reach complete knowledge of methods of procedure. I'm fully willing but the business of minute by minute living seems to require the doing of hindering things. I shall try however.
   I think I get your definte suggestion as to meaning of word "sermon." Possibly I think of it in a different way than others, but the word sermon is a good one, because my father was a preacher. His sermons were practical documents. I agree that most of them are not. I shall revise my language however, and use the phrase, practical document.
   I am waiting. Not idly of course. Am at typewriter many hours each day. The Detroit matter refuses to come to a head, as yet. I am of a mind to visit them in a couple of weeks. I sell an occasional manuscript and sending out several for each sale. My inventions are interesting finance. Mrs. [1438] seems interested in my plans and possibly the last reading of hers will be helpful in reaching conclusions. I want to join forces with Mr. [317] if possible during the year. How right the reading was on that, for last year. Perhaps the future lies in [1438] est. Would like your reaction on that. I think I am making progress inwardly. The pride and selfishness are there, useless and a millstone, it takes more than 'scat' to dispossess them.
   Am enclosing copy of my letter to Mrs. [1438]. [See under 1438-3 Reports.]
   Hope sincerely that your progress and that of your father, will be great this year. The foundation is laid.
   My best regards to you all.
   Sincerely, [165]
5. 1/31/38 He wrote HLC from Ill. in re A.R.E. work:
   Yours forwarded from New York is here. Sorry my mail has not reached me. I have been here constantly since the middle of December. Am glad you are planning to open house in New York. I feel that there is a great center for activity that will accomplish a lot of good through the work for your father and of the association.
   Sorry to miss seeing you. It does not look as if I would be there, and yet it is impossible to tell. I have at least fifty strings out and I hope some of them, say at least one, comes through.
   I shall be glad that you personally can be in New York. The contacts you will make there will be just what you would like and the need for you there is greater I know that in Va. Beach.
   I should like to answer the three questions you are asking of the Association members.
   1. The Association is trying to do two things. a. Offer help in matters of body, mind and spirit to those who need and ask. b. Show people how to be helpful to themselves and to others. (All this could be amplified of course.)
   2. The individual gains through membership the right to secure the assistance mentioned above, the acquaintance with Mr. Cayce and the others of the Association that has come to mean so much to us who have been members, the bulletins of information that can be found nowhere else and is of inestimable practical value in the matter of living. 3. A psychic is a person who has learned to partake of the vast fund of universal knowledge and information without having it modified by the physical senses. Saw [257] for a little time here at the Furniture show. Had a letter today from him with a helpful suggestion as to another job.
   I gather from Mrs. [1438]'s Life Reading that she was the mother, in Egypt, of the opponent of [341]. Quite close to the doings of that period. She would be much interested in knowing some of the facts of that period. When is the History to be published?
   Hope to have time to be with you more than in the past. There is something within you that eludes me to a degree but has possibilities almost unmeasurable.
   I have been growing a tiny bit in the right direction. Working at, at any rate.
   My very best to all of you, especially the Judge.
   Yours very truly, [165]
6. See subsequent notations under 165-2 report.
7. 7/21/1938 Mr. [165] wrote to Hugh Lynn:
   The reports from the Congress indicate a grand meeting and I am sorry not to have been there.
   I notice your plan to have regional representatives who can be of assistance in various ways. If I can be of help here in Detroit please command me. I am in the city about half the time and out through the state of the remainder.
   Am not over the financial hill yet but it looks possible within 60 days at which time I hope to renew my paying membership. In the meantime I hope to get the monthly bulletins.
   This hearing-aid business is one of close, intimate, contact with individuals who are living in the silences. They need physical and spiritual help. Time has proven that our Aurex instruments are long steps ahead of the field in bringing music again to deafened ears of children and adults. West. Electric - Bell Laboratories - Graybar, cannot duplicate what we have. They have been trying to buy us out, without success.
   I recall daily your reaction to my listening to the last reading your father gave me - in Dave's house. It is penetrating slowly. Both the meaning of your reaction and of the reading. Is there a Detroit group that does or should gather together on occasion? My best to all you. And all wishes for the success of the Association.
   Yours sincerely, [165]
8. 10/04/38 EC wrote: "Before me is a list of those who have signified their desire to join with us in the hours we try to be of service to others [Time of the rdgs., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.]. I find your name among them - Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the morning. This I feel will have a very definite part in making each hour more hopeful and helpful to those who seek through this channel for help. Prayer has recently saved the world from a horrible conflict, I feel confident. I can only say Thank You. It is cooperation we need in this work, and this is the way to obtain it, all knowing they have a part in same."
9. 6/10/39 Mr. [165] wrote HLC:
   I am greatly disappointed. Again I cannot be with you. But am already looking forward to next year with its Congress, and feel that I must not let these opportunities to join with you go by.
   Please let the Judge know that I miss the personal contacts with him, as with all the rest of you. But, if not in the flesh, I still do have contacts with you and with him that are powerful and helpful.
   Here in Detroit as you may know, we had an evening session last month that shows the need for regular meetings at least once a month. With the arrival of fall we will undertake to establish them in spite of the great loss we will have in the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Dillman. If you can, late in the summer, give me a list of the Detroit members, I will undertake to get them into organized condition so that we all may profit from the group study of the work.
   I marvel at the persistent organized progress you have made during the past three or four years. The needs are turning into the substance and you are making into a part of our recognized human achievements this great work of the Judge. It is distined to be the corner stone of the greatest of the sciences. I for one am proud to have had, and to be having a part in the work, even if it is an humble one.
   I hope that the Association is recognizing the fact that Hugh Lynn Cayce is to be thanked for a devotion and an ability and an understanding that are absolutely unique. You spent years mastering yourself first, that you might do what you are doing. And I would like to add that rightly paid in any intelligent commercial enterprise, you would receive ten times your income in this work. We know the compensation in the work itself, but that is not enough. It does not provide annuities.
   Shall look forward to getting a report of the Annual Meeting. I know you will have a feast for mind, and body and soul. Sorry I cannot participate in it all at first hand.
   My best to you and the Judge, to your mother and to Gladys, to Lucille and Dave, if they are there, and I hope they are - and to all the others.
   Yours sincerely, [165]
10. 8/20/39 Hugh Lynn Cayce's letter to Mr. [165]:
    My neglect in answering your letter of June tenth was in no way an indication of my lack of appreciation of some of the things you said in it. You know that it always does me a great deal of good to get a letter from you and it came at a time that made it really helpful.
    We did have a good Congress this year and I am sorry that you missed it. All of the meetings were very successful. There were special features about which I am going to write you a little later. I refer, particularly to John J. O'Neill's address at the dinner. He is Science Editor of the Herald Tribune, one of the outstanding science writers of this country. He was greatly impressed with the work and I believe is going to be very helpful in presenting it in a manner that we both agree it deserves.
    This summer I have had two big jobs, one I am doing very well and the other is being neglected. Tom Sugrue is here with us for the summer. As you know he has been ill with Arthritis for two years. The doctors gave him up as a hopeless invalid. He is following the readings now and is definitely on the improve. I have entire care of him and it takes a good bit of time each day. Tom is finishing a novel of his own and also working on the book of my father`s life.
    The second job and the one which I am slightly neglecting, is the finishing of a book of my own built around cases which I used on the program "Mysteries of the Mind". The idea for the book has been accepted by publishers but a job to lot it out just as I want it. I am hoping to get it out of the way early in September.
    Dad has finally taken a little rest. He and my brother left last week for about a ten-day fishing trip on the St. Lawrence. I expect they will stop at the Fair for a day on the way back. I hope you have secured a copy of the report on the Congress program. Some of the readings will be of particular interest to you. Please keep in touch with us and come down this way the first chance you get.
    Sincerely yours, HLC
11. 1/22/40 Hugh Lynn Cayce's letter to Mr. [165] (the same form letter being sent to all active members of A.R.E.):
    "The time has come - again - for all good men to come to the aid of the party. Enclosed you will find a leaflet on the Association's Building Program, and also a Reading which was the basis for this program.
    I am undertaking to write personal letters to every member of the Association, to acquaint each one with the program. Naturally, I know that you are going to be interested in having a part in this. Regardless of what you are able to do financially, I want you to realize that I need, and shall deeply appreciate, your counsel and advice.
    Here, in brief, is what we are going to try to do. These leaflets describing the Building Program, with Subscription Blank, are going to all members of the Association. We hope to raise in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars. This sum will enable us to build a new Reading Room, a fire-proof Vault, a Library, and two Offices, on the rear of our home. Here the Readings will be filed, and we will begin at once a complete cross-indexing of them, at the same time extracting material for loose-leaf books on various subjects. With the beginning of this indexing and extracting work we believe, as is indicated in the Reading, that the Publication Program can be developed to bring in more than sufficient revenue to cover this phase of the work. I am going to undertake to do this indexing work myself, with some additional clerical help.
    With this new set-up, it is going to be possible for us to have a place where members of the Association may give time to the extracting and segregating of information on various subjects, to studying the Readings, and to preparing articles for various types of publications.
    This is our first real effort to preserve, in a permanent form, the records which my father has given his life to accumulating. We have the greatest collection of data in the world on an individual psychic medium's work, and it deserves scientific study and presentation.
    I hope that you will make it a point to get in touch with members of the Association in Detroit and say a good word for this Building Program. We are going to need the thought, prayer, and efforts, of every individual who feels that this work is worth carrying on and preserving.
    I trust that the New Year will bring you great happiness and success. Let us hear from you whenever you have the opportunity.
    Sincerely, Hugh Lynn Cayce
    hlc:gd
12. 11/18/40 Mr. [165]'s daughter wrote that he was killed suddenly in an automobile accident on 11/14/40.
13. See subsequent notes under 165-2 Reports.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation