This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 105th St. and Ocean, Virginia Beach, Virginia, this 18th day of October, 1931, in accordance with request made by those present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Minnie Barrett, C. A. Barrett, Esther Wynne, Hannah Miller, Florence Edmonds, Edith Edmonds, Mary Louise Black, Fannie M. Freeman, Frances Y. Morrow, C. W. Rosborough, M. L. Rosborough, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Mildred Davis, Helena Storey, Marie D. Zentgraf, Annie Cayce, L. B. Cayce and Sarah Hesson.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the group gathered here who seek guidance and direction in carrying forward the work which we have undertaken. Consider the activity and the progress this group has made and please give us any individual or general suggestions that will aid us in understanding the way Thou would have us carry on. We present at this time three specific conditions for consideration: First, the work and progress on the lesson of COOPERATION; second, the time and type of a meditation for the group; third, the presentation of a series of lectures by Edgar Cayce to be given in Norfolk and sponsored by this group. Please answer the questions asked on these.
2. EC: Yes, we have the group, the individuals, as gathered here; the work as is to be done, that as has been accomplished thus far.
3. In the considerations of individuals, or of the work to be accomplished by the group, as has been given, there are individuals chosen for - and to be - specific channels through which various phases of that attempted WOULD operate or be done.
4. In the manner as has been begun is well, if all will be of one mind, one purpose, as they gather to consider the various aspects of the work, the lessons to be given.
5. As is indicated in the first of those lessons, in making preparation for a study group, or a group to perform any given work, there MUST be the wholehearted cooperation, whether in meditation, in thought, in act, or what; for, as is given, the UNION of strength may accomplish much, even as in the activities that may be accomplished in ANY phase of life, whether the spiritual life, the material life, the imaginative life or the spiritual; for, as the forces run, in the active principles they must be that as is motivative, that as is the carrier, that as is accomplished.
6. So, keep IN the way and manner as has been OUTLINED, and be faithful EACH - TO that portion. Think none that their dependence must be upon another. Put rather the dependence in the FATHER, and as the spirit moves thee to speak EXPRESS thine self! for THOU art a child OF the Creator! and each HAS its portion in that that may be accomplished.
7. In the meditations - we would set as a specific time for all to meditate; for he that may not cooperate one with another has little part in that that may be accomplished; for whether these be much or little, THEIR activity - in ACCORD - keeps harmony; harmony makes for peace; peace for understanding; understanding for enlightenment. In THIS, then, let ALL be active.
8. As to sponsoring those of discourses, that should be activated as the portion of a definite portion of group's WORK, and THESE SHOULD study the situations, the individuals - as is seen, as is felt by THEM - and so act that their part may be as the emissary or missionary in the active forces of that being gained by the group, by the group activity; for ALL have their part, and God is no respecter of persons. "As to whether ye shall sit on the right hand or the left is NOT MINE to give," said He who would GUIDE thee, wilt THOU be led by the lamb of life.
9. Ready for questions.
10. (Q) We present the following outline of the first lesson and ask for corrections and suggestions on the fuller preparation of this: 1. Definition of Cooperation; a. Physical; b. Spiritual; 2. Needs of Cooperation 3. Methods of obtaining cooperation; 1. Recognition of essential factors; A. Seeking physically to be of one mind and purpose; B. Losing self in Him and seeking His way.
    EC: (Interrupting) Change those to A - B you see. [Under DEFINITION OF COOPERATION?]
    GC: (Continuing with 10-Q): 2. A. Physical methods; a. Daily acts and thoughts towards others. B. Spiritual; a. Meditation - prayer; b. Seeking to have the mind of Christ; C. Illustration of the relation of these two methods. 4. Realization of Cooperation; Self elimination, spiritual ecstasy, joy, peace. 5. Able to give this to the world by becoming channels for His forces to work through. Any other corrections?
    (A) (Continued) This as outlined, AS given, is the manner in which this SHOULD, or would, be presented, they each having THEIR part IN the presenting of same. Hence it becomes not ONLY a LIVING lesson in each of this INDIVIDUAL group (if they'll let it grow), but will BE a living truth in the minds and hearts of those who may seek THROUGH SUCH an outlined lesson for truth and understanding. Well begun!
11. (Q) What points should we emphasize in this lesson?
    (A) As each heading is set, the EMPHASIS will be made BY the the individuals to whom it is sent. Let this be rather a well-rounded, well-BALANCED, outline - and that of the truth ANSWERING each as they are set forth here.
    COME, YE THAT ARE HERE; FOR THE WAY IS BEING OPENED FOR ALL TO HAVE A PART IN THE REDEMPTION OF MANY AN INDIVIDUAL IN THIS WORK. KEEP THE HEART SINGING; NOT AS OF SORROW BUT GLADNESS, IN PURPOSE, IN DEED; FOR - ALL - THOSE CHOSEN OF HIM SHOULD BE THE GLADDEST GROUP OF ALL!
12. (Q) Please suggest a group mediation for this group.
    (A) As the group GATHERS in the various lessons as are TO be given out, we would FIND that these SHOULD - and WOULD of themselves - VARY as to that phase of experience that each would seek enlightenment upon. Hence, as has been given in this, this is WELL to be kept until the LESSON is complete that ye may BE of one mind, ye all may BE a channel, ye all may HAVE one purpose.
13. Do that.
14. We are through for the present.

    Copy to File
    Copy to Ass'n
    Copy to L. B. Cayce
    Copy to each member of entire study group

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading 262-4 - "Study Group Reading #1".

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