This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 30th day of May, 1942, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [257], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [257].

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you [257], present in this room, the business conditions around him and his associates and associations, as well as the mind activities of the body, giving consideration to the war conditions, his business associates at Arthurdale, also Lorenz Kilmer, Weisburgh, [189], as well as the government conditions and his home life. You will advise him how to keep his equilibrium in every way to make a success of the various endeavors which cross his path, so that he will be able to fulfil his duties as a member of the community and as a citizen, in the proper manner in the eyes of God and man. After giving him the general advice which he is seeking, you will answer the questions in detail specifically for his guidance.
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [257].
3. In connection with making a success, and of individual associations in various departments - and in connection with individuals handling various branches or phases of associations, - success depends upon what is termed success. For, man may gain the whole world and lose his own soul, as many are doing under the existent circumstances.
4. Rather, in this direction, counsel would be according to that given of old: TODAY THERE IS SET BEFORE THEE GOOD AND EVIL, LIFE AND DEATH. There are the opportunities in the present for individuals so associated or connected, as self, to disregard their fellow men and consider self and the accumulating of material things.
5. The material world passeth away, for this endureth not - and many through these trying periods and experiences will find, as ye in thy associations are finding, that individuals of wealth and position, yea well-thought of by their associates, are experiencing that their hearts and minds are dark with fear and doubt. Yet they are driven on and ON to consider only the might and power; some by their social position, some by their connections in political and financial circles. Yea, they are successes, materially - yet how much of such a success can they present before a merciful God?
6. Then, in thy considering, - thou knowest the way, physically, mentally and spiritually. Let that be the guide, for the law of the Lord is perfect.
7. As to individuals, - that should be according to WHATEVER is thy choice, as in connection with those that may assist in carrying out plans. Instill in those, also, the IDEAL of success.
8. These should be first, - do the first things first!
9. As to the associations and connections in various war departments, - these, too, remember, are men - as thyself; some with ideals of questionable nature, some with the desire to be ahead in one direction or another. And yet a word here or there will oft keep that correct balance.
10. Never attempt ANYTHING to get ahead of another, nor do or be ruled by spite or hate. This in ALL of thy connections will bring a good conscience.
11. Never do that which will be questioned in thine own mind as to whether it is merely good business, merely "scotching," merely feathering the nest. But rather, "What will the Lord have me do?"
12. In that attitude there needs never be fear of there not being, through these periods, sufficient - and more than sufficient - to carry on.
13. Ready for questions.
14. (Q) Is it better for me to dispose of all common stocks and keep the money in cash or government bonds?
    (A) In government bonds, as we find, would be the better - or the greater portion. Sufficient cash to meet the various needs, to be sure, but keep the full quota of bonds.
15. (Q) What is the best situation for a person who doesn't want to gamble but who wants to conservatively retain what he has?
    (A) This, under the present circumstances and conditions, is to invest in real estate AND in bonds. If there is a correct understanding, this is the natural or nature's way of improving the status in such conditions.
16. (Q) Reference my stocks, which represent my life savings, although they are small, I would like to be advised, - are we facing a new order of things which will affect the stock market to such an extent that stock holders will suffer a severe loss in the stocks they are holding?
    (A) As we find, in most of these, as the situation exists, these will continue to fluctuate in such a manner as to keep the body continually disturbed as to the eventual outcome. We would rather be safe, - invest in bonds OR real estate.
17. (Q) Does that mean to sell Florsheim Shoe, Grumman Aircraft, Republic Steel, United Aircraft Products, U.S. Playing Cards, General Electric?
    (A) Sell the Shoes, keep the rest.
18. (Q) When will things return to normal once the war is over?
    (A) In two to two and a half years after the war has been declared closed, or after the fighting has ceased.
19. (Q) Based on present conditions, will the Forces advise us when the fighting will stop?
    (A) This is dependent upon many things. It COULD be over - it is possible for it to be over - by the 30th of September. But this would require a united effort on the part of those who pray, more than those who shoot! And they are not ready for it yet!
20. (Q) Could I in any way help the thought of the people to turn to prayer?
    (A) Read what has just been given, as to what thy attitude should be in thy conversation and in thy dealings with all in high and low places, and we will find there MUST be that spiritual awakening. It isn't the attempt to force the issue with anyone. God has given man a free will. Man must come to the acknowledging of his needs first.
    This may be AROUSED by those who IN their dealings with those IN authority remind them of the source of all things.
21. (Q) Would it be advisable for me and my associates to buy the Arthurdale factories and begin to improve them for use after the war is over, or is it better to continue the contractual relations which now exist between the Brunswick Co. (radio & television, Inc.) and the government?
    (A) It is best to continue this until at least the spring of '43. THEN there may be begun the attempts to take those activities for the controlling by owning, through leasing and buying.
22. (Q) Should I immediately ask the government for the order for Arthurdale to build machine gun links and to begin to order in the machinery now or wait until the Farber Company, 141 S. 5th St., Brooklyn, begins shipping the first order I have worked out for them?
    (A) After this first order is begun, then get the machinery in and begin to work in Arthurdale.
23. (Q) It takes 6 months to get the machinery in. Will we then have time to complete an order of the same size?
    (A) Will have time to complete order.
24. (Q) Should the contract at Arthurdale be taken in the name of S. W. Farber Co. and allow them to run the entire situation as they are now doing at their own plant, or would it be better for Radio & Television to take the contract and handle it themselves?
    (A) If this is to be done, it should be done at once. But if it is to be considered that this is to eventually be controlled by [257] - the works in Arthurdale - don't let the other fellow control it first!
25. (Q) Where should I place L. O. Kilmer of Oak Harbor, Ohio, for his best development and success?
    (A) In that which will have to do with wood working products, in ANY of those branches where this is a part of the activity.
26. (Q) Should I continue to act in an advisory capacity to Brunswick (Radio & Television, Inc.), Mersman Bros. and Arthurdale for the procurement of war materials, or should I endeavor to take a commission in the U.S. Army in the Procurement Division?
    (A) We would continue in the present associations, for there are those better activities, or the abilities to influence - not only in the contacts and contracting for or through various departments, but for the betterment in the greater scope of activity. AND in the long run, more help financially as well as mentally, materially and spiritually will be the outcome.
27. (Q) Considering the important problems of winning the war and world conditions thereafter, please advise me what plans to lay now to assure myself and family and associates security after the war is over by having a business from which to earn a livelihood?
    (A) As indicated, in the plans and the associations and the connections, see?
28. (Q) In my Life reading I was advised that later in life I would devote my efforts for the downtrodden members of my faith, to better their conditions as well as to gain respect for them with this government. How can I further improve myself to carry out this command which I so urgently desire to do?
    (A) As indicated, better fit self as to the needs of such in all conditions and all countries that are now in the turmoils of the war. These should be considered as a unit, NOT as just those conditions in America alone. For, all are of one faith - and should be considered as a unit. All should stand together.
29. (Q) How can I proceed to make this contact? [See 257-243 Reports.]
    (A) Understand and have those in the various countries that are looking for, and who are keeping together the needs, to compile such as to be worthwhile - and of that necessary, for not the material welfare alone. For, remember what has been given. Read the dedication of the temple when Solomon was given warning. Then also read the last admonition of Moses, and remember - "Though ye be far, if ye call I will hear."
    Teach all men, and especially thy brethren, that they must come seeking GOD; NOT as to material or political power but, as indicated; not power as for self, but seeking God first. For, remember - those material things of the earth, without the ideal, take wings - and He turns His face from such.
30. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 5/30/42 A.M. He obtained Check Physical reading, 257-243.
2. 5/30/42 P.M. He was present, submitting further questions.

REPORTS

1. 6/30/42 He obtained Check Physical reading, 257-245.
2. 8/02/42 He obtained Business reading, 257-246.

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