10/01/32 EC's letter:
I was indeed glad to have yours of the 25th. I'm glad to
say that I am feeling a great deal better than when I last
wrote to you.
You are pleased to have the boys enjoying their work in
school, I am sure, and more than all that [
781] is coming
out so fine. This makes the work all the more worth while.
I'm glad for you and Mrs. [
780], and for the boy.
Mr. L. B. [L. B. Cayce, EC's father] came home a few days
ago. He has been in Kentucky and Tennessee since the early
part of June. As we were moving to a house that had little
or no conveniences, or hardly enough room, it was necessary
that we have the time to make some sort of arrangements, to
either dispose of or make room for our few belongings. I've
done a good deal of work around the place, and have gotten in
something of a basement, which gives us a little storeroom -
if it stays dry. I hope it does. Also a storeroom for coal,
and last week I succeeded in getting a little shed built to
run the car in. This enables us to make a little more room;
while it is still mighty crowded, I know we have every reason
to be thankful for it being as it is. He hadn't been home
either in a year or so. Several of his brothers are still
living in Hopkinsville, and his only sister, so I'm sure he
spent rather a pleasant visit with them, as well as to my
sister who lives in Nashville. He is looking mighty well,
but has taken a little cold and hasn't been feeling so well
in the last day or two - but said he's feeling a whole lot
better now, and that was a long time ago.
Yes, we often wonder why things happen as they do, and why
it should be that those so interested and who think so much
of each other and the work should be so far apart, when the
information has indicated so often their efforts should be
more and more combined. Possibly we are very much like the
lessons we have had in Sunday School for the last few months.
We are a little bit impatient. The promises to the children
of Jacob were that they would possess the land, it was theirs
for the inheritance. How many of them that were twenty-one
years old when they left Egypt arrived in Canaan? Only two
faithful out of the thousands that started, yet their
children possessed the land; even Moses only viewed it from
afar. The more abilities we have the more is required of us,
and it may be our time is yet coming. We are, in our own
respective spheres of material operations, representatives of
that we cherish as ideals. We give expression of it in our
daily lives to those about us, whether we think we do or not.
We only abide our time, and with patience run the race that
is set before us, knowing that in patience we possess our
souls. This does not necessarily mean sitting down and being
submissive, but it means a positive, active patience, doing
something about it at all times. As we use the abilities we
have in hand from day to day, we are given greater
opportunities; for if we are faithful over the little things
then we will be made rulers over the greater things. If we
have not been faithful, how would we have known to use the
greater things that we have just dreamed of if we had had
them? Wouldn't we have made greater blunders?
We all reach that state of being doubtful. We even come to
the point that unless we can see where the spear pierced His
side, and put our fingers in the nail prints, we will not
believe. Unless we can see those things that satisfy the
material side of our natures are supplied, we won't believe
and won't have anything to do with any of it, when in reality
- whether we are clothed, or whether we have wherewithal to
eat - these things are very little, unless we allow them to
become the more important things in our lives. We should
be able to say more and more, "Have Thy way with me, O Lord
- have Thy way!" We know His promises are sure, that the
righteous shall not beg bread; for He knows what we have need
of before we ask, and has already prepared the way of escape
before we have asked Him - but we must do the asking!
Yes, [
779], I would like for you to study the lessons [See
262-17, Par. R2 - Group ltr. to [
779]] we are preparing in
the group. Don't get the idea that the work is trying to
make any burden on you, or that it is expecting or even
desiring you to contribute any amount to the lessons. They
would only cost you twenty-five cents a month. There's
yourself and Mrs. [
780], [
427], [
4176] - at least you four.
Set apart one evening a week that you will follow the
suggestions given for the study of the lesson presented. You
will take some portion of the lesson each time you meet.
Make that appointment. Pray together over it. You will
follow the lines of suggestions given for the meditation, and
I believe you will find it will really be a very wonderful
thing. I believe it will draw the whole family closer
together. Let's make a trial of it, what do you say? Should
others want to join in, or should you find it so interesting
that you would want to ask one to come in from time to time,
maybe they will find it interesting also.
I know what you have gone through during the last two years,
[
779]. Remember poor old Job, what God said of him. "In all
the world there is not another like unto him," and the devil
said "Yes, but put forth thy hand and take what he has of the
material things away, and he will curse you to your face."
His answer was to those friends, or would-be friends, "The
Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away, but blessed be the name
of the Lord." Possibly you don't see it in the present -
POSSIBLY, I say. It has been a great deal better for you,
that as the whole world is going through that transition
period of turning more and more to the spiritual life rather
than the material things, it has been necessary for your own
development. Don't lose hold on Him. "Use that thou hast
in hand."
It is pretty hard that such cuts force you to curtail so many
necessities, and all that you have heretofore counted as
pleasures, but man's extremity often becomes God's
opportunity, with Him.
Any time you would like to have a reading, make up your
questions - but let me offer this as a suggestion: You get
this first lesson on Cooperation from the study group, form
your own group in your own home. If [
781] wants to sit in
and hear the discussions and pray with you, then fine and
dandy! Don't force them to stay, but after you have had
your lesson on cooperation, then get your reading - and we
shall see what we shall see.
Don't condemn yourself for having fallen short. Give more
and more praise to God that He has brought you thus far, to
comparatively good health for most of the family; possibly it
might be a lot better; but be more and more thankful for what
you have, and we'll know what to do with the better things
when we get them. Keep the heart singing all the while.
Know we are thinking of you, and praying for and with you
day by day. Let us hear from you whenever you have the
opportunity.
Ever the same, [EC:GD]
11/24/32 Mr. [
779] wrote about great decrease in salary,
best suit being stolen, illness, etc.
11/28/32 Ltr. to [
779] from EC:
Dear [
779]:-
You do not know just how much good it has done me to receive,
among many others, your letter written on the 24th -
Thanksgiving Day. It makes me feel often that these friends,
these loved ones of mine, are in a manner thanking our
Heavenly Father for our friendship, that they should feel on
this day - of all days - they must in some way or manner give
expression to their thoughts and feelings for those they
count among their associates and acquaintances that are worth
while to them.
No doubt you know that I have been wondering just how
everything in going with you. I have realized that you are
going through a crucial test. Be STRONG, my brother!
Remember, though we may not understand why this should all
come in such a severe way and manner just now, He WILL - if
we remain faithful - let us know why in due season, and we
will sometime understand! Know He will not tempt us beyond
that we are able to bear; know that with every trial and
every cross there will come the crown and blessing beyond
compare!
I'm certainly sorry you are having the fears of an epidemic
of the flu, and that some of your loved ones - and no doubt
yourself - are in the throes of all the pains, uneasiness
and worries that come with such just at this time. [
779],
get you a few five-grains asaphoetida tablets. Each evening
take three aspirins and one asaphoetida tablet, with a small
drink of whiskey - if you can get it; if you can't get that,
take a good strong, hot lemonade. Every morning take about
a quarter teaspoonful of soda. Keep your feet dry. It'll
soon get rid of all this cold and congestion, and prevent
any after-effects from this flu. With your weak, worried,
run-down condition, I know the after-effects of this are
often much worse than the distress caused at this time. Keep
your mind and heart open to His blessings. Know that even
though you find yourself reduced in the material things of
this life, if we continue to bless and give Him the glory,
there is being laid up for us much greater blessings than
this world could in any manner bestow. The things of this
life matter so very little! We must have them for ourselves,
for our loved ones, and no doubt there's nothing that digs
into the heart of a man more than to know those he loves so
well are denied the necessities - as well as many of the
pleasures of this material life; but we must see and realize
in it all that God MUST have His way. He purges every one
that He loves. He knows what we have need of, better than
we can ask. Though we do not see how, we will - if we will
only be patient; for it is in patience, the Master said, that
we possess our souls. What is it if we gain the whole world
and lose our soul? What will a man give in exchange for his
soul? The pleasure of this life for a season? Will he not
rather, even weep with those who weep, rejoice with those
that do rejoice, bear with those that suffer, even as we
suffer physically, that we may learn the more of Him?
It is bad indeed that necessity required the curtailment of
the amount they contributed to you in your work, that so
much animosity had arisen as to cause even further
curtailment, but may His strength be with you; for it will
not always be as this; so just hold on - a brighter day is
coming for us all. Soon there will be some changes in such a
manner that will enable us all to see the light. The whole
nation is suffering from the lack of thoughts of God. All of
us as individuals are suffering along with it. While we may
not just have been among those guilty, but as He sends His
rain on the just and the unjust alike, so does His disfavor
(or apparent disfavor at times) fall on those also who in
their heart of hearts WANT to do, are TRYING to do, the very
best they know how! He will not leave us comfortless, if we
will not neglect to pray for even those that despitefully use
us. All power is of Him, and any power that may be in the
minds and hearts of men with whom we work is only lent from
Him. Let's not censure them, but rather pray that God will
be the directing influence and power in their associations
with their fellow man; for so will we - as we ask for others
- be given that power and strength to meet our daily needs.
I understand, [
779], as the Master gave, "Who when their
children ask for bread will give them a stone, or who when
they are asked for aid and strength for the physical body,
or greater abilities, give only altruisms and beautiful
sayings? but I can only say as Peter to the man as he went
in the temple and asked him for alms, "Silver and gold have
I none, but such as I have give I unto thee." That strength
brought great abilities physically and mentally to the man,
and Jesus the Christ is the same yesterday, today and
forever, and will bring strength and health in the lives and
hearts of everyone that WHOLLY trusts in Him.
Now, let me hear from you. You know I will be very anxious
to know how you are getting along. Don't lay aside the
little suggestion I made for getting rid of the after-effects
of the flu, or in meeting it even in the present; for it will
cleanse your system so as to bring a great deal of strength
and vitality. It will clear up all those aches and pains,
getting all that poison out of your system that is produced
by congestion, enabling your blood supply to take on new
life, and reducing the temperature that is produced by the
excess poisons. All things will work together for good to
those that love the Lord and love His coming.
Give my love to Mrs. [
780] and the children. Certainly glad
[
781] is so much on the improve. How is [
427] getting along?
Is he at home now? How is [
318]? Certainly would love to
see each and every one of you. I hope another year will not
pass before I have the opportunity to see and talk with you
again in person.
With love to all from all, I am
Ever the same, [EC:GD]
12/04/32 Mr. [
779] expressed thanks for above letter which
helped him so much - "It came just at the time when I needed
such a letter... I have always had trouble understanding
the words of the Master... I have always said and repeat,
that in our class at Sunday School while you were the
teacher, I got more from your way of teaching or expressing
the lessons. Again this is true in your letter... I feel
so much better. Also I want to thank you for the little
suggestion of treatment. I started same the day I got your
letter."
4/33 He requested Ck. Physical for youngest son, [
318].
8/03/33 He obtained Ck. Physical for his mother, Mrs. [
381].
8/21/33 He referred some parents for Physical Rdg. on their
child, [
395].
12/16/33 He referred Miss [
471] for Physical Rdg.
9/30/34 "Well, I am back in ..., Ala. with the same people
with whom I held a job for 20 yrs... My work will be as
before, about half on inside and other on the road. I am
sure my experience during the last 8 yrs. will be of much
help to me in meeting and serving those in a better way
whom I contact. I was pretty sore for several days from
working in shop, not having done any kind of such work in
about 8 yrs., but I will soon be hard again and 'good as
new', as Mr. L. B. puts it."
See subsequent Check Physical Readings.
11/25/37 "My work has kept me pretty busy - been doing some
of my tedious carving for most of the summer, which I enjoyed
doing. Our business has been very good, but like all others
now a little off for this season of year."
1/17/38 GD's ltr. to Hannah Miller:
Mrs. Hannah Miller,
Secretary Norfolk Study Groups of The Ass'n,
3217 Verdun Avenue,
Norfolk, Va.
Dear Mrs. Miller:-
Mr. [
641] and Mr. [
779] in ..., Ala., are ready to start a
group...on a small scale at first; just [
641] and two or
three of the [
779] family and anyone else who might drop in
after they have begun. They have both written us for
suggestions as to how to proceed; hence this explanation to
you.
Hugh Lynn suggests that you send them a copy of the lesson
on Cooperation, a copy of Oneness of All Force, and the
entire suggestions which we have outlined to send to those
just beginning a group. I think [
641] has a copy of the
Manual, which they also should begin on. Of course, [
641]
knows the regular procedure since he has attended our
meetings and belonged to Group #6 when he was in Norfolk;
but I think it would be nice for Miss Wynne to write them
a letter...when you send the literature...and make any
suggestions she has in mind. Mr. [
779] has been interested
in the Work for many years, and is a close friend of Mr.
Cayce. It is his little boy who is named [
318]. They are
very anxious to get started and feel that gradually they can
get a good-sized group. I'm sure they can, as we will send
them the names of our members in ... who MIGHT be interested.
This will be Group #13, won't it? It's too bad they're not
all active; that's why we want to be sure that any new group
just beginning has every chance to "stay put." I think
Mr. [
779] and [
641] are both well-grounded in the basic
purposes of the Association, and will stick to the main
principles instead of running off after other more
spectacular cults as several others have done.
So, we're turning this over to you and Miss Wynne...and you
send them whatever you feel YOU would need in starting a new
group. Send a bill for any literature you send, and the
group will order more as they need it. The principal thing
is to help them get organized properly. I think Mr. [
779]
has already had two or three of the lessons himself, and
of course [
641] has; but they need practical suggestions
as to how to begin in order to hold the group together.
They want to build up such an interest that they can sort
of sponsor our trip down there.
Send all correspondence and literature to:
Mr. [
779],
... St.,
..., Alabama
The meetings will be held in Mr. [
779]'s home.
Lovingly, Gladys
Copy to Mr. [
779]
1/27/38 EC's ltr. to his friend [
779] in Selma, Ala.:
Dear [
779]:
Just in receipt of your application for Active Membership
enclosing the next three months' dues. Of course there is
no need my telling you how glad I am to have you; for those
we love and think so much of we like to feel they are "with
us" at all times. We feel they, studying the information,
will be able to judge same as they apply the suggestions in
their lives. If it is good we wish them to have it; if not
we feel they will be the ones to tell us, and to help us get
straight on things. So thanks, [
779], and may the study of
the Study Group lessons bring you and your associates the
help that so many say these lessons have brought them. No,
never the place of your Church, but a help to you in
performing the duties of same in a better way and manner.
Or, one has put it in this way and manner:
The ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC., is not
a creed, a doctrine nor a cult. It is merely a name used to
designate a group of people joined together with a certain
common attitude toward the field of religion, philosophy,
science, and LIFE. The essential element of this attitude
is that it is experimental (research). It wishes to keep an
open mind toward all the facts in every field of thought;
and its central drive is the attempt to APPLY ALL KNOWLEDGE
TO THE PROBLEM OF BETTER LIVING.
Hope you have your data in hand for your Study Group, so that
we can get Selma, Ala. Group enrolled soon.
Remember me to all, with love and best wishes,
Sincerely, [Edgar Cayce] [EC:GD]
3/08/39 "I am on the road now. Started about Jan. 15th. The
road man before did not prove satisfactory so nothing would
do but for me to try it out. The work had been so neglected
until I have kept more than busy trying to catch it up, and,
too, it has rained almost every day some. Guess I have done
very well with it considering everything. I hope I will like
it and be able to handle it, as I think it would be better
for me. I am at home most every night by driving a little
late and out early in the mornings. Sometimes I am away
2-3 nights when I am on the far end of the territory. The
game of selling is not as easy as it was years ago... When
I drive all day and try to sell with so much competition, I
am worn out when nights come. Guess it's kind of new and
different now, but will soon get the hang of it and be able
to handle it with more ease, and become a master salesman -
wouldn't that be something?"
5/08/39 Letter from [
779] to EC: "...I was in ... a week or
10 days ago and went by to meet Mrs. [
1391]. She lives out
about four miles. She seems very much interested in the
work. Also said that she expected a reading about first of
May. When I rang the door bell and she came to the door I
handed her one of the little pamphlets and ask her if she
knew anything of this man and his work and she quickly said
where did you get that and said I think he's the greatest man
living. We talked quite a little while. Said she had been
to the last two Congresses but did not know if she would get
to go this year or not..."
12/02/39 EC's letter: "Thanksgiving seems to have gotten
mixed up this year. Some states observed one day and others
another. Ours here in Va. was the 23rd, but 23rd or 30th the
people of the old U.S.A. should give thanks every day, seems
to me. Someone sent me a few lines the other day that
certainly do express my sentiments - they go something like
this - you may have seen them:"
Sho thank you, good Lord, for my physical blessings,
An' blessings in physical too.
I thank you for 'viding a nice turkey dinner
An 'viding toofs dat can chew.
I thanks you for making this country so freesom
An' friendly an' proso'ous besides.
Thank you for placing it fur from Europe,
Den making the ocean so wide.
3/18/42 Mr. [
779]'s wire:
OLD FRIENDS LIKE OLD WINE GROW MORE PRECIOUS WITH AGE. SO
HERE'S A TOAST TO OUR FRIENDSHIP ON THIS THE DAY OF YOUR
BIRTH.
8/02/42 "Cayce, I am enjoying reading the book, A SEARCH FOR
GOD. I am sorry that I am unable to express in words or in
any other way my appreciation of this book. It is so
beautifully gotten up and put in such a way that it is easy
to understand, and makes those who read it want that it is
easy to understand, and makes those who read it want to try
the lessons in everyday life. I think to study the lessons
and methods therein, a better understanding will sure to
come about. Now I am giving most thought, study and
concentration to the methods of meditation and prayer... I
note something about a new kind of rdg. of Aura Charts. I
would like further information if you can tell. I am very
interested in any rdg. data of any kind that may help a
person to better understand and find that which he seeks...
hidden talents that if awakened might be a channel of
blessings to many."
8/05/42 EC's letter: "Yes, [
779], that has always been the
mystery about the readings ever since they began - somehow
they work, when people do as suggested [See [
779]'s Report
on
8/02/42 under his Physical Rdg. 779-27]. That is the
amazing thing in the book [THERE IS A RIVER], the way Tom
Sugrue tells it. He is a very fine writer. The publishers
call it about a perfect biography of a most unusual man, but
as the man said who is the manager of the Henry Holt & Co.
publishing program [William S. Sloane]: 'If just the reading
of the manuscripts works on my wife, it will work on others.'
So he feels it is a good book. This sounds like self-praise,
but I certainly don't mean it for that. For there is one
thing for sure, the readings have been a thing apart from the
me I know, though I try to live as best I know - I realize
that I don't know very much.
"The Life Readings are attracting more attention than usual
these days, and most all say they get the greatest good from
them, and I believe most do who study their own readings.
"The Aura Chart reading is another fancy idea seemingly
hatched up in the readings [See
294-204, 288-50], but the
charts are very beautiful when they are worked out and
painted according to the suggestions. Many say they are the
real daily checks on the body. I haven't had mine painted as
yet, though have given it [294-206]. It will take a bit of
time as yet to get them developed just to the best, I guess,
but they are certainly an interesting daily reminder if they
are hung where they can be seen daily."
6/44 Mr. [
779] and son [
318] attended the Congress.
5/20/45 "Gladys, you know, as poor as I am, I would not take
a million dollars for my going to the Congress last summer
and getting to see Eddie and Muddie Cayce before they went
away. I would never have gotten over it, and, too, never
in my life did I receive so much helpful inspiration in such
a short time. To see, hear and watch the influence of his
activities made me see the Master at work in man. I feel
that one of the greatest privileges of my life was to know
and be closely associated with Cayce and his wonderful
family, and to be called his friend."
6/28/53 Letter, answering sympathy expression in re wife
[
780]'s death, see under
780-6 Reports.
9/06/61 He wired: "Son [
318] died Tuesday night..."
9/14/61 HLC's note:
What can anyone say to a father who has lost his son? In
fact, what indeed can one say to anyone who has lost someone
very close to them? Even though we may ourselves feel that
we are prepared for this change called death, there is a
certain sense of loss and wonderment and concern when the
transition takes place for anyone close to us.
This note is just to say that you can be sure that we are
holding both you and [
318] and the family in our thought
and prayers.
5/25/65 GD's note: Mr. [
779] is still on our mailing list.
He lives with his son [
781] and family. Son [
781] wrote
on
10/24/62: Dad has been doing real well lately." [See
previous health reports under
779-27 and 779-28.]
8/17/84 GD's note: Mr. [
779] started the first Selma, Ala.
A.R.E. Study Group in his home with his family and my brother
Burt Davis who was then twenty-four years old and still
living in Selma.
See also 779-19, [
779]'s note to EC; also GD's ltr.
[Par. R25] to Mrs. Hannah Miller, Sec'ty of Norfolk Study
Group of ASS'N, in re this newly formed Study Group in Selma,
our 13th Group, asking her to send literature, etc.
See Par. R31--R38 above quoting correspondence between
EC and [
779], GD and H. L. and [
779], 8/42 through 5/65.
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation