This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, in Pinewood on Lake Drive, Va. Beach, Va., this 6th day of March, 1932, in accordance with request by those present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Minnie & C. A. Barrett, Esther Wynne, Hannah Miller, Florence & Edith Edmonds, M. L. Black, F. Y. Morrow, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Mildred Davis and Helen Storey.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the group gathered here and their work on the lesson of WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL? Please guide and direct this group in their work on this lesson. You will answer the questions which will be asked.
2. EC: We have the group as gathered here, as a group, as individuals, contributing to the lessons in the varied ways and manners in keeping with that which has been given in that pointing to the beginning of the work in the building of the lessons. As in the cooperation, as in the developments that do necessarily come to each in applying those things (for they become things, ideas in the application), as they - the ideas - work upon the activities of each individual, then as in this the ideal or the standard that each not only measure themselves by - but see in others THROUGH that standard that they may worship, that they may honor, in THEIR ideal. Knowing first all is one. Then should come the lesson of FAITH, that is as one of the stepping-stones in balancing self to the labors, as each applies self in that as they, as individuals and as a group, set before themselves to work toward; that that may bring the understanding, that understanding of the source of the good, or brighten the lives of others through those things that have been builded, are builded, may be builded, through the application of those things as make up the lessons that are studied; for in the BEAUTY of service comes the knowledge and understanding that makes the living worthwhile. Setting aside those things that so easily beset, looking forward to that mark of the higher calling as is set in Him, knowing that the greatest service that may be done is the little word here and there, the kindly thought, the little deeds that make the heart glad, and the brightness of the Son come in the lives of all.
3. Ready for questions.
4. (Q) I hold in my hand an outline of the lesson on WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL? Advise us as to the expansion of this.
   (A) Insofar as each has contributed their portion, then, in the joining of each link let these be in the same manner or temperament of thought, that there are no stumbling stones between the truths as are presented by each individual, that there may be unison, that there may be oneness of purpose, that there may be wholehearted cooperation by all to whom same may be presented. Let each individual, themselves, apply in their own daily life that they have contributed toward the awakening of someone through THEIR thought. So does the lesson become a LIVING example known and read of men. So will the lessons, the studies, be given a soul, with life, that may live in the hearts and minds of others. Beautiful truths without personal application by the one presenting them is indeed casting pearls to swine, and will turn again to its own wallow.
   In the outline, well has been much of that prepared. Let each know and feel, understand, that same is a part of them. Unless same IS a part of them, they have little or no part in same; for, as has been given, many are called but few have answered. The harvest indeed is ripe, the laborers are few! The lords have called, do call, for laborers in His vineyard. WHO will work today? He that has seen a vision of the love of Him that has been set as thine example, as thine ideal. These founded in those that are of man's making MUST come to naught! With the cooperation of the spirit of truth it is MADE alive in Him, even as the overcoming of death itself through the applying of self to His will. Not MY will but thine, O Lord, be done in me! As the meditations should be, in the preparation of faith in self, in God, in thy ideal: CREATE IN ME A PURE HEART [Ps. 51:10] O GOD! OPEN THOU MINE HEART TO THE FAITH THOU HAST IMPLANTED IN ALL THAT SEEK THY FACE! HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF [Mark 9:24] IN MY GOD, IN MY NEIGHBOR, IN MYSELF!
5. (Q) May this group obtain through this channel at this or some other time in the near future information which will be of help in locating Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr., who has been kidnapped?
   (A) This has already been approached in MANY ways and manners. Already is there set in motion that that will give the understanding to those so deeply concerned, as to what has come about.
6. (Q) Is it meant that we should not seek this information through these channels?
   (A) Information has ALREADY been sought, OFT, through these channels - and that that has come about has been set in motion, and will be known to those so deeply interested.
7. (Q) Please explain just what is meant, as we do not understand.
   (A) The conditions as surrounding same are such that already there has been set in motion, through these channels, that which will bring to the attention of those so deeply interested as to what has come to pass. [See [4191] series.]
8. (Q) Regarding the questions on the lesson by individuals: [2124] In what way may I best attain my ideal?
   (A) Well that an individual know that in the ATTAINING of an ideal of an earthly making is satisfaction, and if of spiritual making is obtained only in SPIRITUAL understanding - which gives contentment. Then be content with that thou hast, and use with honor, praise, glory TO thine ideal that thou hast, and more and more is given as there is proper use made of that in hand; for, as was given by the Master of masters, "The kingdom is likened unto a man that making a journey called his servants. To one gave five talents, to another two talents, to another one talent. As they applied themselves, so did they obtain that NOT as favor, but as understanding - and so rewarded, as called to ACCOUNT for that held in hand. So, obtaining the ideal is making use - spiritual use, first - for 'Seek first the kingdom and all these things are added unto you.'" [262-17, Par. 14-A.]
9. (Q) [[69]'s husband]: In what way may I best attain my ideal?
   (A) In the applying of self day by day in every way, that thou KNOWEST, that makes a personal application of that thou knowest to do, without questioning of the morrow; for the MORROW has ITS evils and its goods, sufficient unto self. Today is! Use that thou hast in hand. So does the awakening come. Even as called by God to lead a peoples, as was Moses, a shepherd and the flocks in Moab. Use that thou hast in hand, for the GROUND whereon thou standest is holy! Do THOU likewise! Even as Ram, even as Phares [?] or Tama [?], each under their OWN vine and fig tree, learned first that opening self to be a channel of the LIVING forces, not the dead past - nor that that makes afraid, but THY will, O God, be done IN ME - USE ME as THOU seest fit! FIT me for THINE own!
10. (Q) From Compilers: Are we submitting the paper "Present World Conditions" for publication in the manner we should? If not, please offer suggestions.
    (A) Do with might what thine hands find to do, through the channels that have been set before thee; knowing that many minds have many ideas - and ALL are not of thine own channel, yet give each the opportunity in THEIR RESPECTIVE place. "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works that have been in THEE had been done in Sodom and Gomorrah, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes." How MANY of the Group have repented, or been in sackcloth and ashes? [See also 281-5, Par. 11-A] How are such cast out? Why could not we, who have been endued with THINE own power? FEAR has crept in! Ye have neglected to pray. Ye have neglected to fast. Keep that as is given, and parade nor flaunt not that as given, but know that there is need for an awakening and it comes.
11. We are through.

    Copy to Cayce File

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading 262-13 - "Study Group #1".

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