This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home in Pinewood on Lake Drive, Va. Beach, Va., this 17th day of April, 1932, in accordance with request made 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. M. Freeman, F. Y. Morrow, C. W. & M. L. Rosborough, H. L. & L. B. Cayce, Mildred Davis, Helen Storey, Sarah Hesson, S. E. McPherson, Eloise Potter, Helen Ellington and Mrs. LeNoir.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the group gathered here, and their work on the lesson of FAITH. May we receive at this time guidance in understanding faith, that we may make this lesson a living lesson. You will answer the questions as we ask them.
2. EC: Yes, we have the group as gathered here, as a group, as individuals. In the study of lesson on FAITH, this becomes a living truth as each applies in their experience that gained in meditation and prayer upon that attribute of creative forces, for it in essence IS creative in its active principle in experiences of individuals in their lives. Then, as one applies that as known, is there given the understanding as to that that may increase or enlarge, or make same become living in their experience. Ready for questions.
3. (Q) [413]: What is the comparative extent of my faith, and how may I extend and use it to achieve the most benefit?
   (A) Just as given, faith is the essence of creative forces within the active force of that of an individual to which they apply themselves in the spiritual activity of their experience. So, in the application of that known to self as an expression of that faith as is manifest in every child of God - that in its active force puts that known into operation - does this grow, expand, or BECOME the basis OF the activities of self in those directions as necessary. As the ensample, or examples, as were given by those patriarch of old, or as has been experienced in self's own experience, that once awakened to the abilities within self DARE to do for Him that as has been done even for self!
4. (Q) [255]: Staten Island, N.Y.: Should faith healing be included in the teachings of theology? If so, who is best qualified to teach it?
   (A) There has been given by those in the orthodox manner those who SHOULD, THROUGH faith, laying on of hands, anointing with oil, praying over same. There is, in the broader sense, that innate in each individual that may be awakened to those abilities in their activity, are they willing to attune themselves to the laws as pertain to the active forces in self's OWN experience, keeping self unspotted and clean from the world, and KEEPING that that brings according in the body that necessary for its awakening to its own spiritual activity. Who shall do such? Such as are called in their own experience. Knowing that as has been given, to some is given teaching, to others healing, to others ministry, to others on the various forces as are attributes of His love, His force, in a material world. One that is so given, then, let them SANCTIFY THEIR selves, THEIR bodies, THEIR minds, to his FELLOW MAN'S service; for he that lendeth to the Lord covers a multitude of sins.
5. (Q) [115]: Is my faith manifested in my East Indian incarnation sufficient for today? [See 115-1.]
   (A) Sufficient to the day is the evil or the good thereof. Putting rather in practice that as is known in the present is sufficient to make the growth attain that as MAY be even GREATER MANIFESTED in the present; for that as experience in the various spheres of activity is as the background and the STAYING forces, that through faith, through the promise, all things are brought to remembrance in thy spiritual activity!
6. (Q) [288]: Are my attempts at meditation accomplishing anything outside myself?
   (A) These are but questionings of self, and questionings of the promises as are given! Might be termed lack of faith in self or the promise, for each thought, each atom, has its own weight as is expended in whatever direction it MAY be guided by the thought of self! To be sure, it ACCOMPLISHES, then, that in self and that outside of self. He that doubteth, then - doubteth self, doubteth Him!
7. (Q) In what position may I best meditate?
   (A) As has been given, there are given to each their own respective manners, from their varied experiences, as to HOW, as to form. If FORM becomes that that is the guiding element, then the hope or the faith is lost in form! He that made long prayer, or he that not even raised his eyes but smote his breast and said, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!" WHO was justified? He that in humbleness of self, humbleness of mind, humbleness of the whole INDIVIDUALITY (LOSING personality in Him) comes; and in WHATSOEVER manner that - whether prone, whether standing, whether walking, or whether sleeping - we live, we die, in the Lord.
8. (Q) How can I make my faith more active and worthwhile in the lives of others?
   (A) By exemplifying it in self; for we individuals are as reflections to others of that we worship in OUR own selves. Let your light so shine that others, seeing their light, may GLORIFY God.
9. (Q) [303]: How can I increase my faith?
   (A) Continuing to lose self in the thought of Him who is able to make the tiny seed bring forth the great tree. As self is lost in doing HIS biddings does the FAITH grow; for growth is made through the exercising of, the LOSING of, self in Him. In Him, then, as we see the ATTRIBUTES OF the Father in the daily walks of life. By FAITH a cup of water given brings its reward to self, and quenches the thirst of the thirsty. By FAITH a kind word brings that joy to the one spoken to, and to self that knowledge of - in HIS name. Not that it BRINGS to self as a reward, but the REWARD is as of that BROUGHT to self by the act. Great difference!
10. (Q) [404]: In praying, should a prayer be kept up persistently until a definite answer is given, or should one only ask and leave the rest with God?
    (A) Seek and ye shall find. Know in whom thou hast believed, and believe - in faith - He is able to commit that THOU hast committed unto Him against ANY condition in thine experience. THY will, O Lord, be done - not mine! ASK - leave the result with Him. His promises are sure. "Heaven and earth may pass away, but my promise shall NOT pass away."
11. (Q) [2125]: What is the meaning of the name "Abercrombie" that so often comes to me?
    (A) An associate of the entity in its activity through its spiritual forces, or those that come WITH its activity in itself.
12. (Q) Please explain further regarding the name Abercrombie.
    (A) Just as given.
13. (Q) [379]: How can I strengthen my faith?
    (A) Put that thou hast to the test in thine self. Know that, as it is used, it grows.
14. (Q) [2124]: Please explain more explicitly the following answer to my question (Par. 8-A - Reading of March 6, 1932) [262-13, Par. 8-A].
    (A) As the ideal of an entity is set, and the entity knows or gives that activity, or the abilities of its ideal in a given direction, then the use of that as IS in hand as respecting such an ideal strengthens ALL attributes as RESPECTING the ACTIVITIES of same in self. So, as is given, use that thou hast in hand, for the more PERFECT understanding comes with the more knowledge of that as is known that may be used in the daily experiences of self.
15. (Q) Can this group aid further in the Lindbergh case?
    (A) Leave it as it is.
16. (Q) Is there any message for this group at this time?
    (A) Prepare ye the way for the next lesson, that should come with this - VIRTUE AND UNDERSTANDING; and as ye meditate, as this:
    LET VIRTUE AND UNDERSTANDING BE IN ME, FOR MY DEFENSE IS IN THEE, O LORD, MY REDEEMER; FOR THOU HEAREST THE PRAYER OF THE UPRIGHT IN HEART.
17. We are through.

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of Reading 262-17 - "Norfolk Study Group #1".

REPORTS

1. 4/26/32 See 254-63, Par. 3-A re. organizing a small study group to study EC work, proper approach, etc.
2. 5/19/32 Sample letter on Group Work sent to Mr. [779] by Hannah Miller, Group #1 Sec'ty:
   Under separate cover we are sending you a copy of the booklet, [See it in first chapter of WHAT I BELIEVE by Edgar Cayce, Copyright 1946, 1974 by A.R.E.] "My Life and Work" by Edgar Cayce, together with a temporary bulletin covering the ideals and purposes of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated. Since the information coming through Mr. Cayce as a channel of the Creative Force has in the last thirty years proved so beneficial to many, we desire to pass on to others this physical, mental and spiritual aid. As you have expressed an interest in our work, we take this opportunity to present the following plans for the organization of study groups in your section of the country.
   A number of individuals here in Norfolk, Virginia, have for several years studied and followed closely the psychic research carried on by Mr. Cayce. With the organization of the new Association, twenty of us organized the Norfolk Study Group #1. For the past eight months we have worked together in daily meditation and weekly meetings preparing lessons [those prepared are now in mimeograph form] which we feel will guide and help other groups wishing to study this work.
   These lessons are prepared in the following manner: Mr. Cayce has given a series of readings on the subject for each lesson. Every member of the group studies each reading and holds daily meditation seeking enlightenment on that particular subject. The experiences and questions from these meditations are presented in a subsequent reading and each member of our group then contributes their part in the lesson which is compiled by a special committee. These lessons are the recorded reactions of some twenty students in various stages of advancement to psychic information on subjects for group study work. The trend of these lessons is toward the awakening of individual psychic or soul forces through personal activity and group cooperation. Many wonderful experiences have come to our members. We now have lessons ready for distribution and are anxious that these bring others the joy and peace we have found in this work.
   It is important that leaders of such groups be well grounded in the fundamental concepts of this information, as well as be familiar with the many varied aspects of the subjects with which it treats. A group leader must have faith in the value of the information around which the studies are based, and they must be prepared to answer many questions that will necessarily arise in their group. You have manifested an interest and are familiar in a more or less general way with this work. We believe you capable and naturally fitted to lead a study group in your city. We take the privilege of presenting the following suggestions which may aid you in preparing and grounding yourself in the principles of this enterprise.
   First: You will find a personal reading from Mr. Cayce on just how to develop your talents to lead such a group very beneficial. We will gladly aid you in forming the suggestion and making out questions that will pertain directly to your special needs. (The Association has made it possible to obtain this type of reading at a very nominal fee.)
   Second: Begin a daily meditation at 6:30 A.M. We will send you a suggestion for this meditation upon request, and our Norfolk group will cooperate by holding this period of meditation with you. Too much stress cannot be placed upon this phase of preparation. In opening yourself to be a channel through which the Spirit of Truth may flow, you will be taking a great step in awakening your inner soul forces.
   Third: Over a period of three weeks we will gladly send you the following papers which will repay careful study:
   1. "How Edgar Cayce Gives a Psychic Reading". 2. "The Ideal and Purpose of Study Group Work". 3. "Suggestions for Organizing a Study Group".
   Fourth: The following books will aid you in creating a foundation in terms, point of view, and approach to this work:
   VARIETIES OF RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE by William James. TERTIUM ORGANUM by P. D. Ouspensky. GOSPEL OF JOHN from the New Testament.
   Fifth: We have created a special committee to handle your correspondence in order to answer promptly any questions you may ask as you begin studying the various phases of this work. This committee has direct access to the readings which have been collected and to Mr. Cayce who will advise and counsel with them when necessary.
   Sixth: During the coming annual congress of the Association in June, (an announcement of which is enclosed) a special period has been set aside for discussion of study group organization and work. This will be conducted by the officers of the Norfolk Study Group #1. If you can be present at this meeting, you will be able to get in direct touch with individuals who can help you plan your own work.
   After the completion of this period of study on the above suggestions, we shall send you from time to time data which will not only help you, but will assist you in interesting others in study group.
   During the summer months you can prepare yourself and look over the prospects for interesting your friends. In order to be thoroughly successful, a complete visualization of the ideal and work ahead must be held constantly in mind. Your own interest and enthusiasm will attract others. We suggest the month of September as a goal for organizing. During that month organize a study group in your city!
   It is our sincere desire to be of help to you in gaining a better understanding of this information. Please feel free to call upon us at any time. Kindly let us know if you desire to cooperate with us in following the above suggestions.
   Very sincerely yours,
   Mrs. Hannah Miller, Secretary Norfolk Study Group #1
   Address your communications: (Miss) Esther Wynne, Compiler, 2709 Lafayette Blvd., Norfolk, Va.

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