This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Virginia, this 2nd day of May, 1934, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [531], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [531]. The body, the mind, we have had before.
2. In the seeking, my son, for those things that will aid thee in making the material or social success in thy surroundings, let that which has been given thee be rather thy guide and thy measuring stick.
3. Each soul enters into material understanding that the soul may be more and more aware of the first cause, the SPIRIT of the Maker being manifest in thee.
4. There come periods in thine experience when doubts arise as to that which brings material success in thine experience, and thou seest about thee those that disregard law, order, or even the rights of their fellow man - yet from the material angle they APPEAR to succeed in gaining more of this world's goods. And they are apparently entrusted with the activities even among their fellow man that will have to do with the lives and activities of many souls. Then thou, in thine ignorance, proclaim: "What is the use of trying to be good? What is the use of setting a high moral or mental or spiritual standard, when such succeed in entering into the joys of the earth?" They indeed, my son, have their reward in that single experience. But hast thou looked into their hearts and seen the trouble and doubt there? Hast thou looked into their lives, in their associations with themselves, and seen the fear, the doubt, the shame even often that crouches there?
5. Rather, my son, live each day, each hour, each association, in such a way and manner that thou canst EVER look upon the activities of that day and feel not ashamed to present them to thy Maker!
6. For, life and consciousness is eternal, as the sun above thee, as the hills that bring to all men the wherewithal of their own making.
7. And thou will not, then, feel or have that inmost envy or doubt. Know that they that sow must reap that they have sown. For, in their own selves must come the fruit of that they have watered and planted, whether in material, spiritual or mental things. For, true is it indeed that as a man thinketh in his heart so do the fruits of his dealings with his fellow man show forth what have been the thoughts of the soul of that man.
8. This is not merely something for an idealist to hold, or one that is in the throes of despair in regard to self or others, but is a living, practical thing in thine experience.
9. When thou speakest kindly and gently to thine associates, to thine own house, to thine own neighbors, dost thou not find that thy heart and soul sings for joy because of that thou hast made in the experience of those to whom thou hast spoken even though there arise turmoils in the secular things of life?
10. So is life. So is thine soul growing to the fruition of those good things that may come in thine experience by the application of such tenets, experiences and activities in thine own life.
11. Be ye not weary in well-doing. He that endureth unto the end will wear the crown of joy, of life, of a contented soul.
12. Look into the hearts of those that apparently are successful in material things, and unless such successes are founded in the spirit of justice, mercy, love and long-suffering and brotherly kindness, they must fade and fall away. Yet, if they are builded in these things that are the fruits of the spirit, they will grow and blossom as the Rose of Sharon; and ever will thyself in the spirit of thy angel that stands before His face find PLEASURE and grace and mercy in the eyes and heart of thine Maker.
13. DO these things; LIVE these things, that contentment may come; not being satisfied, no - but grow in these things. For, as ye nourish and cherish these things in thy dealings with thy associates, thy fellow man, faint not because thou dost feel at times that thou art not appreciated for thine efforts among thy associates or friends; but rather let those things that would make doubts or misunderstandings give place to love. Then thou shalt find in thine experience in life that this world's goods, whether little or much, are replaced with that in self and with that which is said concerning thee - that cannot be bought with money, fame, position, or with powers that make men afraid.
14. Ready for questions.
15. (Q) You will please give a better analysis as to my proper application in business, as to just what I should do.
    (A) The analysis has been given as to the activities in business. The present associations and activities we find are well, and will lead to those things that will bring for the present experience the material needs of the mental successes in thine associations with thy fellow man.
    Let those things be turned more and more to the fruitage of that thou hast been told, concerning how thou hast applied thyself in thine associations with thy fellow man; and these will make what have been and are the mental and material stays for thee in this experience.
    Turn somewhat, as the conditions justify, to the products of thy native land [See EC's ltr. 5/10/34 under 531-1 Reports indicating that Mr.[531] is a Spaniard, though born in Cuba.] and, as in associations with those with whom thou dealest in the present surroundings. Not that there would be a sudden or decided change made in the present, but these - as thine self will comprehend will be rather the growth of the associations in their activities.
    As to the associations and connections where thou hast acted in the capacity of one that has stood staunch for those things that bespeak of thinking of and understanding thy fellow man's position, let these not pass lightly; but rather in due accord, in due associations [in undertone, aside - "Yes - blue eyes and curly hair." This was given just as clock struck twelve. Later we met Mr. [531] and he DID have blue eyes and curly hair!] let it be known - those things that bring the comprehending - that ye will stand together for the right. See?
16. (Q) What specific item or items should I deal in "as fruit of the ground" or otherwise?
    (A) Sugars and starches. [His letter 5/11/34 verified his present activities as dealing with bakery products, etc.]
17. (Q) Should I stay in Philadelphia? If not, where would be the best location?
    (A) As we find, in the IMMEDIATE future it would be well in the present surroundings. Afterward, nearer to what is known as Newark or the like, you see.
18. (Q) Is there any reason why I can't find happiness of mind, by accomplishing things in life and having that which wrongfully other men, crooks, etc., have?
    (A) As given well in that above, unless thine conscience does not smite thee this world's goods will bring only turmoil and strife. Build slowly. Leave the INCREASE, as it must ever be, to those UNSEEN forces in thine experience. But to do so one must live and act and be the fact that brings such to pass in the experience. To force an issue in taking advantage of thy fellow man is but to make a shorter cut to discontent, unhappiness, strife, and those things that make afraid. But live upright, honorably, so thou canst look every man in the face and tell him thou art guided by thine Creator, that which is just and right. Not in self- exaltation, as being better or more worthy. For, every soul has the stamp of its Creator. But if that soul does the fruits of evil, the stamp MUST become smeared, blurry - and the end is fearful!
19. (Q) Is there a stone or ring somewhere waiting for me, that I should wear? What causes the feeling that there is, and what power has such a stone in reference to one's life?
    (A) That has been builded by the knowledge which has come to self oft, as to the influences that are WITHOUT self. That thoughts are things and may be miracles or crimes is true. So, the experiences have brought that; as to how those things in their various emanations of the cosmic or etheric forces in nature gather about them - as in stones - a concentration of a force or power.
    The ruby would make for the body that not as something which would be other than the power that self attributes to same, through its actual experience. But the light or reflection from same, worn on hand or body, will enable the body to concentrate in its mental application the greater - through the influences such a stone brings to material expression.
    How? Each element, each stone, each variation of stone, has its own atomic movement, held together by the units of energy that in the universe are concentrated in that particular activity. Hence they come under varied activities according to their color, vibration or emanation.
    In this particular one (the ruby) there is that fitness with that which has been the experience of THIS soul, this entity, through material expression. Hence it is an aid, a crutch to lean upon. But, as has always been given, let it be a stepping-stone; NOT that which thou STANDEST only upon! [See his ltr. 8/15/46 under 531-9 in re ruby effect.]
20. (Q) Why is it that being one time under the influence of ether, the ring "gnome" and "gnomastic" things came into my mind, and resounded while awake as a motor continuing to rotate?
    (A) This was just the becoming aware of same, through the subjugation of the physical consciousness; and the soul or the ENTITY'S soul or self became aware of it through such an experience. And the experiences that come in the sound, in the gnomes that may appear and that may be used, let them be aids - NOT THINE SELF! For, self is to be lost only in that He would have thee do; and these experiences come rather as aids, that thou may be secure in the purpose, thought, act, to fulfill. Just as the activities with any associate, any loved ones where caresses may mean only the assurance that thou art on the path - and that He is directing and guiding thy steps day by day. Then, make of them not that which would DESTROY thee, but as blessings from Him in thine experiences with such. For these, my brother, my son, are evidences of the fact that God is mindful of thy soul, of thy self, of thy welfare. Heed them. Do not abuse them. Cast them not lightly aside; for He will walk with thee and talk with thee, wilt thou but use that He gives thee as such expressions to thee in thine experience.
21. (Q) Why is it that practically every day I hear the clock strike 12, even when I'm not where a clock is, yet the time is exactly 12? What reason for this?
    (A) That awareness of the soul to the things that are being fed to it in the experiences of the body. And the GREATER reason to self why there should never be ENTERTAINED that which would make or countenance a lie. For, has it not been written, my son, "He will give His angels charge concerning thee"? Think not lightly, then, of these things; yet dwell not upon them in such a manner as to make thy associations impractical or unlovely.
22. (Q) Why is it that those who "lose their mind" cannot control it and bring themselves back to absolute normalcy, if there has been a spark that has at one time shown the way?
    (A) Possessed by that which becomes the activity. As this: There may be the combination of those forces in nature or natural life that will within themselves work to perfection, in the leaven of thine own undertakings with which ye work day by day. [bakery products?] See? As bicarbonates or saleratus. Yet let any element so much akin be entered in, as sulphite, and there becomes then a condition which will ACT - but not in its normalcy! For the spark of that as would work with the elements of nature to create that which is helpful to man in his assimilating, from or through the taking in of those things into the body, is body-building; but another element added destroys its value.
23. (Q) Is it probable, according to a so-called spiritualist, that I will meet an elderly person who will help me in my life career towards financial success?
    (A) As indicated and given, such things should rather be builded from within. And if the soul merits such, through that it metes to its fellow man, it may bring such into the experience of the body. But to say it WILL happen - it can't be done! For, the Father Himself has given each soul that portion of Himself. What the soul does about his knowledge, about his abilities or opportunities, depends upon the will of the soul. Hence, as to whether this is to come to pass or may not come to pass - it may, my brother, to ANY soul. What wilt THOU do about the opportunities that have been and are being presented to thee?
    This to the mind of self (for it is now fading away from the thoughts of those things pertaining to that which is being presented to thee) is not very clear; yet consider, thou, that each soul has its job to do. Do it with thy might!
24. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 531-1 on 4/11/34 and 531-2 on 4/25/34, with correspondence.
2. 5/02/34 Wire, 8:23 A.M. verifying appt.:
   "SAME PLACE LAST TIME HOPE NERVE CONTROL AND EASE MIND TOWARDS ACCOMPLISHING ALL AROUND SUCCESS THEREFORE BE SURE GUIDE AND LEAVE IMPRESSION WITH ME STOP TRY REVIEW ALL MY CORRESPONDENCE AND GIVE ME ANSWERS THANKS."

REPORTS

1. 5/05/34 EC's ltr. to DEK: "I appreciate your speaking to various individuals about the Work. Now and then we hear from some of them. I just had a request from Mrs. [...]. Also you met a man down in Philadelphia some months ago; you may have forgotten him - Mr. [531]. We have had some very lovely correspondence with him, and I hope that we may be of real help there..."
2. 5/05/34 EC's ltr. to [531]: "The information gotten was forwarded to you, and I hope it has proven as interesting and as worth while as your Physical. [531-2] I understand that quite often individuals may look on such information as being idealistic without being very practical, but I believe you will see there is a practical vein running all the way through which is not unreasonable at all but plain common sense if reasoned from the practical angle. So, I hope it will be worth while to you.
   "Also I have received your letter telling me of your appointment with Dr. Dobbins. I am quite anxious to know just what he will have to report, and how he as a man impresses you. Quite often many expect those of the profession interested in a thing of this nature to be quite peculiar. I don't believe this is the case, or has been true, with those who have been interested in the work of this Association. The more often we will find those the more deeply interested and who follow the information closely are deep and hard-headed business men, and those of the procession are successful in their profession. Not that the readings have made them so, yet nine out of ten - I am sure - will tell you that such information has been helpful to them. Naturally one who has an analytical mind, and who is a well- balanced as yourself, would have a reaction that would be valuable to us; so we are anxious to know what it is, after your meeting with Dobbins.
   "I have seen so many bad effects from that injection in the spine that I don't like to see it done. Possibly it is just my own aversion, but I certainly have an aversion - and I would hate to see you take such a test. Let me give you an example. A few years ago while our hospital here was open, one of the most prominent men in Virginia in many different circles was a patient. He came there almost a hopeless paralytic, [See 2504-17] but by following the treatments suggested in the readings he got to where he was not only able to be out and had gained in weight and had good use of himself but he was able to drive an automobile, something he hadn't done in years. The readings warned the physicians about making a spinal test for him, but some of them who were juberous [dubious] about what had been accomplished in his case felt they wanted to know - and they wanted to make a spinal test. So, the physician in charge agreed and allowed it to be done. Well, it was just too bad; for immediately he began to go back, and in two years he passed on. Now I know some would say that would have happened anyway. But we had another case at the same time on whom the same test was made, one who was getting along fine at the time and he too, while still alive, hasn't been much good and has gradually gotten worse - the decline starting soon after that test. [See 957-3] Now I'm telling you this from my own experience with such things. I know hundreds may have taken the test and recovered, but I'm afraid of it. And that's my reason for it. You asked for my advice, and I'm telling you.
   "I'm anxious to hear from you, as I always am, and to know just how the last reading impressed you. I have a friend in Philadelphia whom I would like for you to meet, if you feel so inclined. You don't know me except by the readings and my letters. This man is in the construction business, and has known me and my work for a number of years. If you would like to meet him, I'll be glad to ask him to come around and call on you - or you can get in touch with him. Let me know about this. Not that I want to convince you of something, but I want you to meet some people who are interested in this work and see if they are any different or peculiar because of it. [Charles W. Dillman]
   "I'm all agog about the last paragraph of your letter. As yet I haven't received that sent 'under cover.' No doubt it will come by Monday.
   "Hoping and trusting to have been of a real service, I am..."
3. 5/11/34 [531]'s ltr. to EC: "Your letter of the 5th. Thank you. I hope you have received my 'frame' with that 'lifting picture' ['Good Samaritan'] because I think, this picture with the name shown, applies to you, being that you are helping your fellowmen. I am going to Richmond, on the 17th, then to visit some friends in Florida, where I am trying to build a business, and will return to my post in Phila. June 5th or so. I am sending you from Richmond with my compliments, for you and yours some biscuits, which I hope you will enjoy.
   "I handle for export and certain domestic market - sugar and starches - that is biscuits of the Southern Biscuit Co. and I have given this organization my soul and heart, hoping that someday I may be very successful with them. They seem to be mighty good folks, and I really love to deal with them and for them. I have a few other lines that I am trying to develop, and I feel, that as long as I can have my mind ease as to my health, so that I may plug, and through some infinite power, plus my own initiative and work, make a decent living, I am satisfied, and I am more satisfied where I can also work in some other direction which will help resolve mysteries of life, as the ones you are now handling. Somehow I feel that I came into this world to make good, and believe me I work, and love to work, and hope that eventually, things will be coming my way, as I give everyone I deal with a fair and square deal. That can't be wrong.
   "Now, I went to New York, on Friday and talked to Dobbins [See 531-2] who thinks a lot about you and states that he has seen cures made. He seems to have a good hand, guided by clean morals, and some spiritual feelings - that tells me he is truthful - when he started to work, he applied both his arms, and his mental power to help me, and I created confidence in the man. Since I can't go to New York for these cures, I asked him to get me a man in Phila. and he gave me Dr. Soden - Soden is located at 12 S. 12 (what do you know about that 'twelve again') here in Phila. a few walks from my office. I was there on Saturday, and told him my story, and we thought best that I come back Monday. I did, and he did me some good - he is a teacher at the Osteopathic Hospital, and I think - from what we discussed - he is inclined towards your type of work, as sometime he has had feelings that there is something, somewhere. He may write you, and I hope he does, as the next time I called, Wednesday, he said to me 'well sometime you'll be able to go back to your friend in Virginia and tell him you are well.' I had not told him anything that day, and that day he gave me another cure, and it seems to me I am getting better.
   "On the other hand, since I want to apply myself to the whole matter of my health and my well being and my conduct among society in such way, that I will never regret any of my actions, I hope to create, or be assisted some way to create power, such that when a passionate thought comes to my mind, or some 'doubtful' idea works into me, I may forge ahead and destroy that ill being, so that I may continue as I want to do in the right way, while acquiring the attributes of happiness. They say 'happiness' is a state of mind - naturally if a man has a good business, good health, good associates, and has no worries, he is happy. And I think we have been brought into this world to be happy, but MEN seem to be bad eggs, for some reason or another, and it is hard to be happy.
   "I am glad you told me about that spine injection, and something has been telling me no. So it means 'no' and that settles it. Now, my wife, I think is going to have a baby some time in August, and she suffers with headaches continuously, of course, she is skeptical sometime as to my beliefs, but she stops, looks and listens - she is a good listener, and I find some five years ago while undergoing an operation in appendicitis, she was given an injection in the spine, as anesthetic. Personally, I don't know of any ill effect, but, I believe that some physicians are like demons, experimenting with other humans, and the chemical reaction of the body sometime responds sometimes don't. Science in the medical field has made wonderful advances, and all looks fine, we are able to conquer many things, many illness, but, at that we are way behind, because, many of us work on theories, and I think only OURSELVES within OURSELVES can be fixed when something is wrong, and if we believe we can be fixed and know the way about it. That way, must be that 'spiritual' way. Who knows?
   "Anyhow, I repeat there shall be spinal test for me, and that settles it. Tomorrow I am going to Soden again, for another treatment, then Wednesday before I leave for Richmond, and when I come back within two weeks will carry on again, while I also hope to call and the other Doctor in Media, merely to get acquainted and perhaps complete the treatments with him. I think, Cayce, I am getting better. I hope so.
   "Now as to your friend here, I always like to make friends, send me his name and address and I'll be glad to see him or he can see me, and I shall be delighted to chat and make friends - there is nothing like making friends. And by the way, I wonder if I can get copies of our monthly bulletin. I have a copy of February, but if you have issued anything after that I wish you'll send it to me, because I am interested more than what you may think in what you are doing and what we all can do, based on truth that will make the skeptical 'wonder'.
   "So as it is, I come to the end, and skip a few lines down to say 'Adios.'"
4. 5/12/34 EC's letter to [531]: "How are you today?
   "I have just received the lovely picture. [See Source File Key #531 for picture "THE GOOD SAMARITAN" re 531-1] I certainly appreciate the thought that has prompted you to honor me with such a remembrance. I assure you it will be kept near me as long as I live. And each time I look at it I am sure it will do me good. More than I know how to tell you, I appreciate your autographing it as you did. I can only say thank you.
   "I've been rather anxious to hear from you since you had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Dobbins. I had a note from Dr. Soden in Philadelphia, to whom you were referred. I feel very sure that with Dr. Dobbins' suggestions and your insistence he will follow the suggestions that will bring the very best results for you.
   "Know that we are always glad to hear from you. And any time you feel so inclined, wherever or whenever it may be, please write. "Hoping this finds you and yours feeling the very best, and may His richest blessings rest and abide with you always, I am..."
5. 5/15/34 EC's letter: "I am just in receipt of yours of the 11th, and I can only say that I do not know of anyone whose letters I appreciate more than I do yours.
   "I have already written you about the picture, and I have it among quite an assortment of pictures, but it stands out, as it should, as well as the impulse that prompted the artist to produce from the lesson as came from the greatest teacher that ever walked the earth, and I am sure it will give out to all who gather in this little office from time to time, either to listen to the readings or for consultation, or what not, a feeling of something that hasn't been there before. That it represents what you feel I mean to others or may mean to others is a very, very beautiful thought.
   "I certainly am hoping, praying, and trusting that I may be of a little help to a faltering brother somewhere along life's pathway, for to me if ever I attain a place before the Throne of Grace, it will be upon the arm of someone I have tried to help.
   "It is quite interesting what you say about the Southern Biscuit people. Do I understand the head office is located in Richmond and that is why you will be in that portion of the country this week? I certainly wish that it was possible that while you were in the State that you could run down to the Beach for a minute. Is that all out of the question? I wish you could do this.
   "I am sure that you are making good and that you will continue to do so, for as long as you keep the fair and square deal as the ideal of your relationships to your fellow man. It may not at times appear that you are as successful in the material things as some of those that are about you who do not use such a standard, but I am very sure if you could look into their inner experience that you are able to sleep quite often when they are not.
   "I am sure you had quite an interesting talk with Dr. Dobbins. He is a good man and I am in hopes that you will find Soden just as good. I have had a note from Soden and I am today sending him some data respecting the activities of the Association.
   "Had you ever thought or considered having your wife taken care of at the osteopathic hospital there? She or you no doubt have all along had someone to whom you have gone and possibly all your arrangements have already been made, but it has certainly been my experience through the information that those who have been taken care of by such physicians who have been trained especially in this field of activity there have been a great many less accidents, a great deal less disorders and pain for the mother than for any other field, though in my own household this has not been true save in one.
   "I am sure you will be able and you will conduct yourself in such a way and manner as to never have any regrets; that is not only an ideal way, but it is the only way we will ever be able to look ourselves straight in the face without having to avert our eyes, even when looking in a looking glass. It is the only way to live, so that no matter what happens we can look every man in the face and tell him where to get off or on.
   "Yes, some men seem to be 'bad eggs'. As we remember, the Master said, 'It must, indeed, be that offenses must come, but woe unto them by whom they come.'
   "I don't think that you have made a bad choice in refusing to have the spine injection. I have just today received a report from an individual for whom we had given information where it had warned them against letting the doctors make the spinal injection. They did anyway. They will be burying her today. [547?]
   "Let me know how you get along with Soden, and I will certainly be glad for you to meet Dr. Kirk in Media. I am writing my friend in Philadelphia to call and see you. His name is C. W. Dillman, 3317 Englewood St. He is a lovely man.
   "Be sure and let us hear from you. I certainly will appreciate the package from Richmond and I hope that you can pack yourself along down, too.
   "Give my regards to your good wife, and with kindest personal regards, I am... Ever the same...
   "P.S. Under separate cover we are mailing you the March and April copies of the Bulletin. The May issue has been held up, but will be forwarded you just as soon as it is off the press."
6. 6/05/34 Ltr. from [531] to EC: "Your letter of the 15th, ultimo was held here till my return yesterday. I also have a letter from Dillman, and as soon as we get straightened out I will ask them to come up to the house and we can chat.
   "Last night I read the March, April and May Bulletins, which I found interesting and since this is an association for research and enlightenment I am going to give you my comments, as they come, even sometime the thoughts run way ahead of my fingers typing them for you to read or better, check over my typographical errors and solve the 'letter-puzzle.'
   "I assume you received the biscuits from Richmond, and if not let me know at once. Then too as to my trip to Virginia Beach if I can get a hotel where we can rest for little money every week end, some of these week ends, I'll have my brother-in-law drive me up there and I'll see you. Possibly I can arrange a trip around July and maybe during your convention.
   "Now in that convention idea and the naming of trustees, why not name me, say a representative or correspondent or something for the Latin American countries? In these countries there is a great belief in spiritists, and frankly I haven't seen one that has convinced me, but there must be some good ones, and since this spiritual idea, like astrology, and other things have been bunked up and abused so much, it is a difficult task at hand, but I am willing to do my best for the organization, as I learn more about our activities and plans.
   "Thanks for the thought about the wife, but so far I made the arrangement and she did not seem to like the idea of osteopathy, while for me, it seems, your suggestion is working fine. Let's hope. I feel a bit better, though the headaches have not altogether [See 531-2] vanished, but they are not so painful as before. I have hopes, yet, old boy, I have hopes.
   "Now, as to the bulletins [A.R.E. Bul., 3/34 on Eileen Garrett & E.C.] I want to give you some thoughts that I jotted down last eve. First where is the American Physical Institute located? Now then if Mrs. Garrett, says 'she doesn't believe in heading off any situation for anybody' isn't there some ego [See 507-1 & 507-2] to the statement of 'Uvani' or herself, and the fact that she wants you to stand up and permit of help brings to me a mis-understanding. If you are using your own light, in life, isn't it a fact that life is dynamic, not static, and that life carries on?
   "I want to know, since I am 'sensitive' if it is possible for me to develop that which will enable me to enter into the hypnosis, in my own way as may be, and return. Now, not that I say I may become a Spiritist if that is the name, no, but the point is that, Cayce, I believe ONLY YOU - or I - can through guidance, study or intuition develop OUR OWN FORCES AND FACULTIES. That there is something we can't define by name or expression, there is no doubt - it is a 'mystery' or something which we do not understand, but IS there, yet such contention does not seem reasonable. This knowledge, only defined by one self, and which may be termed 'emotion' representing itself in the mind, if used or not used it, can be developed or turned to rot. Am I right? If there is good in God, or if there is wisdom, why are there fakers, bad men, and in all human a component undefined, puzzling, which represents itself even in the best of men. Ego for instance, or self protection is a first law in life - that ego, can be turned for the goods of others or for the good of on self, if so, then what? We crucify one another and we help one another, but the 'ego' had to be there, isn't this true? In the religious belief, we use Christ as a guidance, at that a splendid guidance, the interpreter of an ideal or idea among men, which to me is like a stone thrown in a big lake. The harder you throw the stone the more waves it makes - Christ threw his so hard that his ideals have been carried on for years and years and years, it seems unending - but will it end? [picture of circle with dot in center saying 'stone in center' with wavy lines circling stone increasing to the circumference of the page with 'waves' written there]
   "That 'wave' the stone leaves (figuratively speaking) known as his memories, ideals, or 'spirit' means something, but if there is something in YOUR WORK as in Christ's work, as in my work, or any work we find that science comes along, and in what refers particularly to what you feel yourself, (and which you yourself cannot explain), that 'IT MUST BE EXPLAINED IN ORDER TO BE REASONED' because if it can't be reasoned then it can't exist it can't be true. On the other hand, we find, that this fellow Einstein tells us, that light travels 60,000 miles a second - if you or I were to travel as fast as light, before we travelled 60,000 miles it would be TOMORROW. Sure, a trip around the earth would be made before we could reach tomorrow. To me this is inexplicable, yet a theory and a foundation with reasoning for science, just as I believe there is some power, which enables a man 57 years of age, to climb a 7 foot barbed wire fence without waking or tearing his cloth, while sleep walking, or why a woman has quintuplets, and another woman a mother, imprisons her own child, her own blood in a chicken coop. You see; it's all the same! [See Source File Key #531 for clippings re 531-7.]
   "I tell you Cayce, the whole thing is deep, so deep, that only myself 'yourself' can comprehend or believe to comprehend, just as if we believe something red is blue, it is going to be blue and that settles; which further leads me to believe 'if it is possible to have LIFE without MIND' - and if so, then there is SPIRIT, and there being spirit - don't you think it is a rough job to try and harness this spirit, and to have it represented practically and to the satisfaction of every man on earth? Thus, I do not believe that it is really a spirit, that is not the name, may be it is an aura, something like the vapor of water, or better that almost invisible air we see when we start to heat a tank full of water. Yet it is something a component, and since we do not see it, we turn back and wonder what that phenomena is, but if we call it a phenomena, then we can't define it, and it can't be anything, yes, no?
   "But, if I am lead to believe that it is something from which I can draw upon, I will be creating sufficient arguments, to win my way as I develop my thoughts, because of life, being dynamic, so much that if I KNEW HOW I could live eternally, even though to men I may seem 'dead'. Yet, if, 'dead' I can't see or hear or know, and I can come back and show my fellow men, that I am not really dead, along THEIR LINE OF COMPREHENSION perhaps I would be solving a mystery, but I would be showing my men, that yes, there exists something, though it seems God, doesn't want you or I to know that much, because then we would be a step ahead of him and would be Gods over God, eh no?
   "Anyhow, I am banking on you for GUIDANCE, and I am going to do my share, and will do my share -
   I want something I know what I want I want it bad enough and I am going to get it!
   and I only hope that I may live happily, in good health and have always the moderate income which will enable me to continue, carry on, as a shining example among my fellowmen.
   "And oh yes, before I quit this spell of writing - I note your statement as to 'palmistry' [5/34 Bul. quote from 416-2, 28-A.] and I'll disagree with you - This like anything else is a thought sold to the individual seeker - often so much of a thought that the individual himself, practically follows the predictions of the one who reads the palms. I would suggest we get out of discussing this subject because it has been abused and is abused. And as to Dr. F. Homer Curtiss [Dr. Curtiss was one of the 6/34 A.R.E. Congress speakers. F. Homer Curtiss, M.D.] I want to know the address of the Universal Religious Foundation and the order of Christian Mystics. These are 'wrong names' - to believe in that 'inexplicable something you possess' or I possess and may or may not develop to understand IS NOT A RELIGION, is an IDEAL or IDEA, but 'SOMETHING' that can be acknowledged by any man who was put on earth by his parents to believe in Jewish faith or Christian faith or the faith of a Chinese or the faith of a man eating savage in Africa. I don't know what his work is, but if it is along your work, it should not be termed 'religious' because it would then be a sect. To be able for any man to create enough intelligence to SEE WHERE OTHERS CAN'T SEE IS NOT RELIGION."
7. 6/09/34 EC's letter: "I have yours of the 5th and was, indeed, very glad to hear from you. I had begun to wonder if you were still away on a trip or just why I hadn't heard. I had contemplated writing you again. So far we have heard nothing from the biscuits from Richmond.
   I am glad to know that you have gone over the data in the Bulletins. It will be a real pleasure to talk with you regarding many of the things that will be printed in the Bulletins from time to time. First, I am sure you have recognized the fact, however, that while the greater part of that as is presented in the Bulletins is work that has come through me as the channel, the work of the Association is not confined to that alone. Consequently, that that we may print as respecting the associations with other individuals who receive information, whether they call themselves spiritualists or mediums or what not, is more than just a report. It is that the Association and its members may have something to compare the work or information that we receive through this channel with.
   A lot of it is 'bunk' at times, but there are a great many individuals, no doubt, who have and who do get something from such individuals. I do not consider myself a Spiritualist, though I do, of course, believe in spirit communication. I do believe there is something in astrology, but a great deal of the information that is handed out or printed is a lot of 'bunk'. I believe there is something in palmistry, but a great deal of that given us is 'bunk'. It may be considered by a great many individuals that the information that comes through this channel at times may be just so much 'bunk', but the work of the Association and of the members that are interested in research, is to weigh, as well as it is possible, all forms of data and information and by application find out which is good or which has been proven in their own experience to be worth while.
   I certainly am in hopes that it will be possible for you to be here during the convention. I think we have some speakers that are very worth while in their own field. These, possibly, are individuals who have just as large or possibly a greater following than we have, yet our line of thought crosses only here and there. It does not run parallel at all times, but it is to consider all of these things that we have the Association and these meetings. Of course, the Association came into existence through the group of individuals who had in their own experience found the information as presented through me as a channel worth while, and it was in the light of this that they formed the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated.
   Certainly am in hopes that your wife will get along fine. I am glad to know that you are feeling a bit better. Certainly trust that you will continue on the improve. I suspect that you have oftentimes been going at such a pace that it has tended to make sort of a hardship on you, but I am in hopes that it won't be a great while before you will be feeling entirely free of all of these troubles.
   The home office of the American Psychical Institute is in New York. The American Society for Psychical Research is also in New York and is a very old institution, a branch, I think, of the British Society. The Institute is headed by a Mr. Carrington, who has been a research worker for a number of years. He has written a great many books. [Hereward Carrington]
   Mrs. Garrett's suggestion (or Uvani's suggestion through Mrs. Garrett) that I allow myself to be used by some discarnate entity, of course, is not new at all, but the information as comes through me has been rather insistent that we should really seek for higher sources provided, of course, our own soul development (nor our own mental, but our own soul development) is such that it would indicate the possibility of such communication.
   Yes, I assure you you are right, [531] - life is dynamic and not static, and to me it is static if we only have those that may not be farther advanced than ourselves directing the information.
   Yes, it is possible for you to develop your own self so as to be able to receive through whatever channel the Forces (or God, we would prefer to call it) would direct, would be the correct means for your own best soul development. I know, of course, I am running over a whole lot of things. Whether hypnosis is the best channel or whether deep meditation and hypnosis are just different words for the same state of being, I do not know. Anyway, the mode of getting in touch with the source of supply is according to the individual soul development. For, as here, some of us would be inclined to write a letter; others would be inclined to phone; others to telegraph, and so on. Just so with that that would deal with the soul of the individual, for it, the soul, is just as definite as the physical body and has all of the abilities - possibily more - of a physical body, though we are not capable of, in the material plane, being aware of other than what a soul is prompted to do any more than we are aware of what the radio will bring to us out of the ether until we have tuned it to the source of supply.
   It is hard to give a name, as you suggest, to such activity. That it is existent and that it is an activative force in the experience of a great number of individuals, cannot be disputed. As to just what the source, whether from the own ego or a force outside of themselves, I do not know that we can definitely say just yet, but just as we say the man Jesus and the Christ are entirely different. Yet, they were one and the same in Him who is the Savior of the world. The man becomes the Christ. Just so we, as individual egos, yet individual souls may become one with the Universal or God through the power that was manifested in the earth by the man Jesus, who is the Christ.
   We see by the illustrations that you gave of the man climbing the fence asleep, the mother with the number of offspring, and yet the mother with the one child abusing it because she feels that it has an evil eye. We see different manifestations of this force, not that we can wholly explain it, but we can experience. As to what we do with it and about it ourselves is the whole story. It exists, yes. If it is ourselves that we are trying to exalt, then it cannot go very far, but if it is this power outside of ourselves that moves and has its being in every living influence as the Spirit of God does, we, being His sons, His emissaries, His messengers, and yet capable of being one with Him, may use those forces, those powers, in our own experiences, and they become our very own, if we will, but our desires must be in the light of all Divine Love.
   It is deep, yes, but I am sure that if we use all we have and all we know to use now, then when we have need of the next step, that that is necessary will be ours.
   Of course, we can only give out that as we receive. If our whole trust is in Him who is the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, and if we expect and seek, He will answer, for His promises have been to every one of us. It is not ourselves or of ourselves, but that through ourselves the Christ Life, the Christ Consciousness may be glorified in the earth through our feeble efforts.
   Palmistry is only a step, an inclination. It is very much the same thing as were we to view a post in which a nail had been driven. The nail might not be there, but we can't pull the hole out. As to whether you can determine the size of the nail, the character of the nail that has left its impression there or not depends upon the ability of the individual or his acquaintance with those laws as govern such things as might be or might have been driven in the post.
   I have never met Dr. Curtiss. I know but very little about his manner of presenting his experiences.
   I agree with you, I do not understand how anyone could have ever or could ever make communication alone a religion. It might be the basis of some thought, as it must have been to the Children of Israel, as it must have been with Enoch, as he walked with God, to Noah, as he visioned that which he was called on to do, to all of the patriarchs of old. They did not all receive their directions in the same way or manner. I do not think that any of us believe that God is different or that His approach to mankind is different today from what it was then; that He has left or given us channels through which this approach may be made, is true, and we have an advocate with the Father in the Christ who has promised each individual to be with them in their ministries, for He has set us a standard, 'Inasmuch as', (or in other words) 'whatever you do unto these, the least of my brethren - and that means every soul in the earth - ye do it unto me! If we are liars to our fellowman we are liars to our God, to our Christ. If we love others, then He has loved us the more. If we are to have friends, we must show ourselves friendly. If we are to claim our relationship to our God, we must act in a manner befitting the true sons of God. I do not think this is unreasonable; neither do I believe that it is other than He taught throughout His ministry in the earth.
   Be sure and let me hear from you whenever you have the opportunity. Be sure and get down and see us if you possibly can for the Congress. If not, we will be looking for you some time in July. Certainly appreciate your letters.
   With all good wishes and kindest regards to you and yours, I am..."
8. 6/15/34 EC wrote thanking Mr. [531] for package of biscuits rec'd.
9. 6/29/34 Telegram from [531] to EC from Phila.: "MAY YOUR CONVENTION BE A SUCCESS AND BRING JOY AND HAPPINESS TO EVERYONE REGRETTING I NEED I AM UNABLE TO BE PRESENT BUT MY HEART AND SOUL IS WITH YOU STOP SATURDAY MORNING AT NINE HAVE TO BE DR. [C. Haddon Soden, D.O.] SODDEN OFFICES FOR TREATMENT AND HOPE YOUR PRAYERS WILL REACH THE INFINITE AND HELP ME TO BETTER HEALTH AND CONTENTMENT SO THAT WITH HEALTH MIND AND BASED YOUR SUGGESTIONS AS TO THE THINGS I MUST DEAL AND ON WHICH THINGS I HAVE SET TRUTHFUL IDEALS AND SPIRIT THAT I MAY FEEL SUCCESSFUL AND LIVE HAPPY AND GRATEFUL AND PROUD OF HAVING MET YOU STOP SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS TO EVERY ONE SINCERELY [[531] - His nickname, by which EC now calls him]"
10. Congress announcement:
    ANNOUNCING THIRD ANNUAL CONGRESS
    Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. June 28, 29, 30, and July 1, 1934 Evening meetings, Ragged Robin, 112 W. Freemason Street, Norfolk, Va. at 8:15 o'clock. Afternoon meetings, Home of Edgar Cayce, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., 3:00 o'clock.
    Psychic Readings - Research Reports - Music
    SPEAKERS Edgar Cayce, - Nationally known Psychic Laurie Pratt, - Astrologer, Lecturer and Author F. Homer Curtiss, M.D., - President of the Universal Religious Foundation and Founder of the Order of Christian Mystics. M. L. Richardson, D.O., - Local Physician Gertrude Ogden Tubby, - Former Secretary of the A.S.P.R. Edgar Parry, - L.R.A.M., Local Instructor in Voice Production and Artistic Singing. PUBLIC INVITED
11. 7/09/34 Letter:
    Association for Research and Enlightenment Incorporated Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Dear [531]:
    The Third Annual Congress of the Association has just closed. It was a very successful meeting from most every standpoint. The reports on cases that have been helped were most gratifying. Reports on Group work were beautiful and inspiring. The next year's work is before us.
    Among those things most needed is financial aid for the work to be carried on. Personally, the contributions thus far have left me unable to meet the immediate needs. This, then, is an appeal to the memership for a special contribution at this time for my actual needs. If each member and those interested will contribute one dollar or more, we then could carry on and meet the immediate emergencies and the needs of the work as a whole at the present.
    Won't you come to the aid of a good and worthy cause at this time? It is needed now!
    The Treasury Department of the Government has just issued a ruling that contributions to this Association by its members may be deducted from their income tax.
    You will make your contribution just as liberal as possible, using the enclosed envelope. The emergency justifies this appeal.
    May we hear from you at once?
    Sincerely, [signed] Edgar Cayce ASS'N FOR RESEARCH & ENLIGHTENMENT, INC. EC:GD
12. 7/10/34 He wrote of progress with his "starches and sweets" as recommended in his Life Rdg., 531-1, and said he was thinking of canning sweet potatoes and pineapples.
13. 7/17/34 EC's letter: I had a friend some years ago who lived in Alabama [GD's note: King Pharr, Catherine, Alabama, whose wife taught EC to make jellies and preserves]. His abilities as a farmer were almost nil. Things grew to be rather desperate. His wife was a wonderful school teacher and a more wonderful home maker. She induced her husband to consider the possibilities in canning, first figs; later it developed into many of the other products of the immediate vicinity. In less than four years he was known as the okra king of the world, and when he died just a few years ago I suppose there was not in all Alabama a man with any more of this world's goods - and all made in just a few years. Apparently, he was cut off in the prime of life, being only fifty-two or three, and he didn't begin his work until after he was forty-five - but there is a possibility in these things and I know it can be worked out.
14. 7/28/34 [531]'s ltr. to EC: "I wonder how you feel with my outbursts of sentimentalism, or perhaps of some other more fitting word, but at that, the stage where it seems to me I must write and come to YOU with my troubles or the expressions of my thoughts?
    Just returned from a picture show, named The House of Rothschild, to me a demonstration of some spiritual guidance reflected in a well balanced mind, by which amidst among certain tribulations, a human being, becomes a power and I assume feels happy. It makes me wonder, if my plans, my dreams, will ever come true at least to feel in this seemingly continuous impatient, hard working state of mine, fighting alone, if I shall ever feel contentment, the contentment of health, and of accomplishments represented by not the satisfaction of my ego, but the rejoycement of having worked and having accomplished.
    In all, I wonder, am I too impatient? If so why isn't there some divine way to control such seeming impatience, to withdraw from my mind the thoughts that may pervert, and to bring into me realization, fulfillment of ideas and ideals to benefit me, to benefit mankind, cause, I think straight, and while millions of thought come to my mind, I am alone to put them to work, to make them effective, to bring back the things I am anxious to have a nice office, a few employees, relaxation and work, but work hard to play hard.
    No, alone, as the lone eagle I carry on, and in that state, while tired in the evenings, I am happy to see that apparently I accomplish, but it is a struggle, and one that I would continue if it brought more results. A good salesman, Cayce can sell just a bigger deal, with the same tact and phraseology that he can sell a small deal. Now, I am not egotistic, nor do I want to do things that only may be possible to men of more intelligence than I have, but if the supreme being placed me on earth to be a representative, successful, materially successful business man, don't you think that now at 41 I ought to be getting somewhere? And I wonder, am I? Don't say, I ought to know, cause I do know, that I am forging ahead, but my friend, perhaps I am not forging right, my thoughts may be obscure, my plans may be dreams, and yet they may not, but, isn't there time to start showing more and better things, more and better accomplishments?
    You said, my friend, carry on as I am, and I am. Rice came to me as an adjacent to my business, solicited through an inspiration. You told me, work with starches, and now I am beginning, but I need salesmen, I need men, I need to find those that on earth will assist me to handle this agency right. Then, you told me 'fruits of the ground' and every thing seems to 'click' nicely as if I was written, it seems to show it is coming. I have an agency for an apple candy made in Virginia and I am wondering how I could get entry to chain stores, to large buyers, to programs of real merchandising, not of struggling cents here and there - someway, somehow, there must be men waiting to hear from me, and there must be a method of appeal that I must make to make them listen, to make them buy to help me increase the power and the results of my sales programs. But I don't seem to find them, it doesn't seem to click.
    Limited as I am doing my own typing, the forces cannot carry through every ideal and every plan but I can create power from nature to help me carry through, alone, if I can see more and better results, to see more coming in in larger scale from those things that I have already started myself, alone and where I have inspired other men to carry on, increase business, do better, for themselves, for the trade, for me, but yet, it is the continuous same and same every month...
    Add to this, the disturbances I get every time rain or storm is anticipated, and you have a perplexing situation, but a situation that I should be able to control. Fortunately, guided by your reading [531-2] I have been helped a lot. I had two teeth extracted a few days ago, and I wonder, if there is one with a pus pocket in front that is giving me trouble, I still wonder, but if I pull it, and these headaches at the base of the brain continue, and now, sort of a muscular pain around the shoulder blades is such that my mind is more directed to these troubles, when it is going to rain, than to my work, then, I claim what is the use? However, my friend, I feel more contented, but I am wishing I could penetrate myself into the innermost parts of myself, look into it, study it and fix everything, like starting all over again, and then with health, push and push and plan and plan and work and work - cause my friend I am no afraid of work - and see the realization of accomplishment, of having, of being able to live, not without responsibility, no, but at least seeing the path easier and easier every day.
    It seems to me there is something good in store for me, somewhere, sometime, but I am not a dreamer, and if I could only visualize such future, in a dream, in concentration, in some manner, and at least note in the present, through the powers unknown to me, the feeling of that contentment which would tell me carry on, go on, and while carrying on, see the improvement, then my friend, then I would accomplish more and more, cause I would see light, I would see results!
    But I may sin of being impatient, yes, as I said and if so, WHY? And if there is a reason for such, why not remedy it?
    Thus now my friend, I come to the end of my outburst - there is something, divine, incomprehensible which represents, manifests itself someway, somehow, and that SHOULD MANIFEST ITSELF TO ME, so that in my life career, the divine discontent of ambition of success of accomplishment for my health and benefit, which will be the benefit of others (because we must SERVE to succeed) may be material, may be represented in a way that instead of writing you this type of letters, I may see, Cayce, it is all true, I have won my ideals have been realized, I have served my fellowmen, I feel well, and possibly I may, at that not even say I am happy, though I may have realized all my dreams...
    So my friend, it is now, 10 minutes to eleven the evening of the 27th. Perhaps you are sleeping, while I am typing, hoping that you will overlook the outburst and remember, that I write because I obey the impulse..."
    Cordially...
15. 7/30/34 [531]'s letter to EC from Phila.: "Gosh, but this fellow [531] writes letters...
    Yes, friend Cayce, when I take the inspiration or I am moved by some secret emotion to type, I go ahead and type, and forget relaxation, which leads me to think, that if I haven't will power enough to relax when I should and if Ideas continue to pop in my head, and I express them as they come to me, then, what is there to be done?
    Received the bulletins this morning and wonder if you can give me the address of Miss Pratt the astrologist, and I wonder too, if I am moved by superstition, curiosity or a divine impulse, or may be fear, eh? Cause I want to know such plans, brought by you in the life reading realized, and in return will do the best I can, sincerely, and of course I'd rather be moved by the spirit of God than by worldly or material things, but, what if it doesn't happen? Is it my fault? So, I am also going to ask of this lady to SHOW ME FACTS and if she is moved by TRUTH as you say then she ought to be able to give me some proof.
    Now my friend, the more I dig into the study of my life reading [531-1] from you, the more I feel there must be something to it, but it seems my intellect does not discover how and why should those things come to past and if so, what do I have to do to make them come to past, to a realization that will bring contentment or satisfaction. As it seems, if I have now as I have a rice agency, and an apple candy agency, all of which 'ticks' in with your readings I am perplexed as to how I shall go about it, moreover when, as I told you I am a lone eagle, and must depend on man power to help me make a living, but it seems man power does not respond to my enthusiasm, it seems every man likes to follow the path of least resistance, and as you see, I wonder, wonder if I am not too impatient or I am going to come to disappointments in the near future.
    Of course, Cayce, you'll say this fellow [531] is always telling me his tribulations, but, my friend, I am seeking light and help, and there is not another human more willing than I am to work on the level, work like sixty till my arms ache, but I want to see things materialize come to a realization, to a successful conclusion.
    In the bulletin you said something about dreams. In that case I wonder if there is anything really worth looking into, on that 3321 affair? [7/19/34 He wrote of dreaming of number 3321, perhaps a lottery number?] Here, I may be guided by superstition, eh, no? Anyhow, I want to know and at that this may not matter, but, I seek to realize those things that I plan and seek to feel happier, over accomplishing something that will enable me to strengthen my faith, and if the act of God is that I should, as should strengthen my faith it is fair to ask it be shown my way, or in some way that will enable me to say, yes, it is true, it is possible it can be done, it has been done...!
    You see my friend, you see?
    Sometime I wished you'd meet the hypnotist, have him hypnotize me, you stay by the side, you go into your trance like situation and then you can dig more into me and who knows, may be, I too can say, in my hypnosis, what should be done about health and about endeavors in life to make me happier.
    And as it is. It is now 7.16, I come to a close on another one of those expotaneous [?] spells from [531] to write to his friend Edgar Cayce. Cordially..."
16. 8/04/34 EC's letter to [531]: "I have yours of the 28th and 30th. First of all, I want to thank you for your prompt response to our S.O.S. call for help. It isn't an easy thing for me to send out calls of this kind, even for the work of the Association, but the necessities require it; and I certainly appreciate the response that quite a number of the members have made to this call. I wish I could just show each and every member, personally, the work that the organization is doing, and the marvellous reports that we get from so many people; even though most of these are in very moderate circumstance and quite unable to contribute any great amount of financial support to the work, they are our brothers and sisters and we are still 'our brother's keeper.' And if we have that which may do others good, it is our duty and our privilege, and our opportunity, to send it out to them. And there come times when we have to call on all to contribute something to our welfare, to allow us to continue. I think we run the whole office and organization on a very moderate and economic basis. Of course, my own home is used as the office; and we have the two secretaries here in our home. Then my son is giving most of his time, and practically all of my wife's time is given to the work - including the home being broken into by people coming and going all the time, and everything delayed to take care of such things. I'm not making this as an excuse, or anything of the kind, but merely that you may have something of a vision of what we are doing. I believe we are filling a very definite place in the experience of a great many people.
    [531], I want to thank you for your outburst of sentimentalism (if you choose to call it such). You don't know how much good it does us; for if we didn't have such expressions from those we have tried to help, we wouldn't feel so close to them. Such expressions make us feel that we know them 'under the skin', as it were. We feel that they are even nearer and dearer to us than many of those with whom we have been associated in our daily walks of life. And for you to write us in such a manner makes us feel that the Work is very worthwhile.
    I haven't had the opportunity to see The House of Rothschild, but have seen several comments on it, as to the foundation and work of some of these people who founded the house of Rothschild. And I don't see how or why it isn't the hope and the ideal of every individual to contemplate and to consider that such might be the accomplishment of any well-balanced, well-thinking, conscientious individual. For, while there may be in the minds of some the questioning of the purposes and the ideals of the founders of such a house; yet such need not be unmindful of the promises that have been set in those things that are to the greater portion of the world the words of truth - provided they have set their purposes and ideals such that they have an objective in view, and that objective other than laudation of self or ease for self, or of fame or fortune alone. For, 'If ye will be my people, I will be your God.' and 'I will bless you, and I will keep you, and I will cause you to prosper among even your enemeies, and I will make your days joyous in the earth.' Now these are not just hollow promises. Of course, if our deeds are for self-aggrandizement, and if we forget that they are to be for the glory of God and use them merely for the glory of self, then we know what His promises have been: 'If ye forsake my ways, I will forsake you; and pestilence and trouble, and turmoil and strife, shall be in all the days of your life.' Now these are set before us. But even so, He has said: 'Though ye wander far away, if ye call I will hear.' And if you carry on as a labor of love for those things that are holy, whether you work as a lone eagle or whether you put over some big deal (if it is without the thought of self-glorification), the labor is not in vain; neither does it rack the body, the mind; nor does it become a burden.
    I'm glad that the delving into the information that has been given through this channel has brought to you, here and there, something of inspiration in the line of endeavor in which you have been engaged; as in the addition of rice to your field of activity. For it must be, you know, a uniform thing, [531]. For He said in those same promises, good or bad, 'If ye seek ye shall find.' Then, when we have established ourselves, we need not be surprised if He opens even the windows of heaven to pour out to us the blessings that may be ours. The addition also of the apple candy is quite in line. I don't see why it would be such a hard thing for you to make an association or connection with some of the 10-25 cent stores, thus establishing an outlet for an article of that kind which might be very helpful; or the more preferably some of those places where they make a specialty of unusual sorts of candies, like in many of the places in Newark, New York, or any of the larger centers, or even in the others; and these should make such an increase in your sales program as to make it very much worth while to you. Like Schrafft's, Nunnally's, those places that maintain divisions in many of the centers, such as you should be able to approach. Maybe my ideas in this direction are not worth much, because I'm not versed in selling. Well, friend Kahn [David E. Kahn] can tell you how to get to these, how to sell them; he knows the way. He's the best hand to get to people that I've ever known in my life. Maybe he says his readings have told him how; but anyway, I know he can do it easily. I certainly hope that before very long all that physical disorder [See 531-2] can be gotten out of the way; with the right way of thinking and acting, as well as the application of the physical things necessary. These are the things, of course, that make us aware that there are other sides of life than all sunshine; but if we will keep our face to the sunlight, or to the bright side of life, the shadows disappear. It is only when we allow our minds to turn towards the turmoils and strife that things look dark, whether in the physical, material or spiritual.
    CERTAINLY there is something good in store for you. Be patient and visualize it, not as a dreamer but as one concentrating the efforts or consecrating the life to the purposes of constructive forces in the lives of the fellow man. For it is what we do to our fellow man that is the real manifestation of what we think of that force we call God. For it is by that we are to be judged in the earth. For as He said, 'as ye have done it unto my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' And if your purposes are that you may glorify Him the more, and not that [531] may be the king of candy sellers or what not - but that [531] may be known among his fellow man as one who loved his brethren and lost no opportunity to do good by them and to them, you will find that your work of EVERY nature becomes more worth while. Isn't it right!
    We never realize all our dreams. If our ideals are set so low that they are realized even in one experience or one life, we become satisfied - and thus cease to grow. Rather be content with that we have, knowing that according to His directions and to our understandings of His commands, we are using that He has given us day by day for further advancement of that purpose for which we have set forth. Being content but not satisfied, thus do we grow in all things. For knowledge, understanding, happiness, are a growth; not things acquired, other than momentarily - so that the next day things must be applied again that we may again receive that impetus for all those things we have set in motion to carry forward; while if our purposes are set in the mark of the higher calling as set in Him, for a service among our fellow man, we grow daily in knowledge and grace and understanding.
    I'm glad that you have found the opportunity to read over the Bulletin. [7/34 Bul. using rdgs. 5752-5 & 5752-6] Someone has asked how it is that we seem to turn to so much astrological data all at once. This, of course, is a portion of those things that we know are questioned so much among people. While we see such depicted on the screen, it is more for the spectacular. But we have found by personal experience that there is truth in it. Just as millions say our Good Book, that we call the Bible, is all a myth, founded in superstition, and so many contradictory things are in it that we can't believe it all; yet those that would open its covers - not for the purpose of finding a history of a people, but rather as something that may be their own personal experience - may find that it is applicable in the lives of all. For what is more contradictory than human life or human experience, as any one individual may read it? What is more mysterious than the activities of individuals one with another? And these are the things that are laid before us in His words. Yes, the Bible IS a lamp to our feet, a guide to those who would lose their way. It is a help at all times. We may read it if we would be wise. We will apply it if we would be honest. It is a guide here, and will be opened in the hereafter, and we judged by what we have done to our fellow man in the light of what we have been instructed to do regarding our relationships one to another.
    It is a wonder to me how we can say that astrology is a lot of hooey, if we are mindful of the precepts laid down for us in that Book; when it says almost in the first verses; that the sun and the moon and the stars were given us for signs and seasons and for years and for our knowledge and understanding. It is something else to those who are so material that only self would be satisfied with the pleasures of self-indulgence.
    Miss Pratt's address is: Miss Laurie Pratt, Box 187, Atlanta, Ga., and I'm sure if you are able to get her to give you a chart and its interpretation you will find that it fits in nicely with your Life Reading. It has been remarkable to see how much her information has checked with some of the things we have gotten. Of course, the approach is entirely different.
    It certainly is gratifying to know that the more you study your [531-1] Life Reading the more you find it worth while. This is what makes our work really valuable, we feel.
    I'm not disturbed at this fellow [531] telling me his tribulations. It is our purpose to be of help to our fellow man; and whether there are tribulations, joys, sorrows or pleasures, we want to share them with those we think the most of. And for this very reason it makes me think a great deal more of you, and I'm hoping you will keep on seeking - and I'm sure the light will break through some fine day and you'll find yourself realizing a great deal that you have been hoping for. As you know, there's a great deal of difference in approach to a thing objectively and egotistically. If the approach is objective, as a service of love, it is easy. If the approach is egotistical, as a service for self alone, then it is a hardship; and when we reach the objective from this angle it isn't what we wanted at all; for our ideal has become our footstool and we consider ourselves - from our egotistical standpoint - far above such a thing as to enjoy even that we have attained to. But if the objective is set in the Infinite constructive force, in every form and manner, then it becomes worth while; and we keep pressing on and on and on.
    Dreams - well, we could write volumes about these things. I don't know just what the numbers mean, and I wouldn't want to lead you astray or have you grasping at something that isn't. I'll try to get some data together on dreams and send to you, that we have had presented from time to time. I know that the best interpreter of dreams is yourself. Dreams are of three characters; purely physical, visions, and real experiences. They arise from whatever is the aim, purpose or desire; for you know in days of old God spoke to man in vision and dream; and He may speak to us today if we will let Him. But if we are serving the Devil, we can't expect God to speak to us. But I'll get this data together for you; and should you have anything else that refers to this combination, let me know. Of course, don't TRY to dream it, but in your meditation let yourself go out - keeping your faith in the Creative Forces, and you will receive the things He sees that are best for you. For, no matter how hard you may work, only GOD can give the increase. Ain't that right, [531]? You may work your head off, and if you are not on speaking terms with Him who CAN make things go right, how can you ever be right? There's never been an individual in the earth yet that could make anything that would reproduce itself, except man himself. Now we are dealing with things in a material world. The increase in a material or commercial world must come from that which is creative, or that can increase or double within itself. And what we do to bring such about must be founded in the constructive or spiritual things. Not that we have to be long-faced or sorrowful. Deliver me from those individuals who make long prayers or are long-faced, or go about finding fault with all the moral things, or things that they feel are all wrong. It's none of their business! God tends to those; for the increase or the results are in His hands - and we can't do anything about it! You may go out and plow awful hard, sow a wonderful crop of wheat, but God gives the increase. You may have a lot of things that you know will be the very best sellers on the market, but you can't make people buy them. You may induce them to, yes. How? By presenting them in a way and manner that is CONSTRUCTIVE in THEIR experience. And then who gives the increase? God! Or that force or power we call God. Yes, man is used to be the agent; but are you His agent or the Devil's?
    Well, I guess I've run along enough for this time. But I'm still hoping that in the near future there may be a time when we may have the opportunity to sit down and talk at some length about these things; and not just run off here and there on paper. Let me hear from you; know that I am always glad to get a line from you. With love and kindest regards from everyone, I am..."
17. 8/30/34 Mr. [531]'s letter to EC: "Now, as to my health condition, well, yesterday I joined a health center, and I am continuing these massages, also doing some exercise. And of course, right to-day we have a splendid day, and my head seems clear, but boy when the weather changes or is going to change, I still seem to be the barometer, and headaches and funny pains at the base of the brain exists, not as profound as before, but they do come, yet, I am going to GET IN BALANCE with these treatments and by the mental and physical attitude too, and, I wished only that I wouldn't weaken in my desires to do so. The ill feature of this all, is that I weaken, forget and that's that - so if something would just guide the emotions, and imbue me with the RIGHT thoughts, wouldn't I be happy? I'll tell the world.
    As to my business - on which I depend for my existence, nothing extraordinary has happened, but I carry on, and hope for better times. There has to come better times because, I give Southern Biscuit a square and fair deal and have worked for them hard and hard. I don't expect the unseen to do things for me, by all means no, and I apply my noodle (best judgment) and try to forge ahead cause I like to work hard, but it seems the same story goes in year in and year out. Anyhow, I look forward to better things - and if life begins at 40 - with what I have learned (if I can keep it impressed in my mind) the rebirth should make me a success.
    Yes, Miss Pratt wrote, and you can go as far as you want to and she too can come back to me, with any expression she wishes, but, you know I like to dig, dig deep and get the facts and shown PROOFS. Just a hard boiled egg, I guess, I am, but as the proof comes to me, I learn and respect and then I see clearly - the more the proofs the more I can see clear and clear and clear. Get whatever information you want and when you are guided by the desire to move to the unseen world, and I come to your mind, go to it, and tell me, I am not afraid. That's what thing I have no fear of anything, all I want is plan my life so that some day when I go away, those that have been good and kind to me, be amply rewarded and well cared for, and that I may be remembered as an honest, straightforward business man. While in life, I naturally want to satisfy my ego, which will mean bringing happiness to others, cause I partake of my good feelings with anyone, yet, I like to feel a success, an achievement, not that I love praise, but I like to distinguish myself, just as you have distinguished yourself with me, as a kind and generous subject.
    Keep it up, that while it may seem 'unbelieveable' to those that don't understand, there is something in what you are doing, and if you dig, and those who remain, keep on digging, we will achieve perfection.
    So keep it up!"
18. 10/05/34 His wife gave birth to a baby daughter, [1228].
19. 10/07/34 He submitted questions.
20. He submitted questions.
21. 1/03/35 See 531-4.

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