This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 11th day of October, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [849], Active Member of he Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Helen Ellington and Myrtle Demaio.

TEXT

1. GC: You will give the physical condition of this body at the present time, with suggestions for further corrective measures; answering the questions that may be submitted, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body here; this we have had before.
3. As we find, there are the continued improvements somewhat for the body.
4. And we find that the environments are very well, if there is not the attempt to acclimate itself TOO QUICKLY as it were to the environs and surroundings.
5. Of course, there should be just as much staying in the sunshine as possible, or as often as possible be SOMEWHAT in the sunshine; for the effect of the violet ray upon the whole body will be most beneficial - if there is not attempted to be given too MUCH of this, or to take too much of this at once.
6. After each time in the sun, especially until the body is able to get into the water (and do this as soon as is practical or possible, you see), we would have a thorough rubdown afterward to prevent any portion of the muscular forces and tendons and nerve impulses from becoming, as it were, short-circuited. For with the stimulation in this manner, we find that the superficial circulation will be more stimulated, and - with the general applications and the other rubs - will aid in preventing the tendency for the body to waste away, or for atrophying of the superficial circulatory forces of the body. Hence as there is the attempt to take advantage of the violet ray, or the sand, the sea and the salt air, be sure that the massage is thoroughly given afterward; and this is always better done with a little oil or cocoa-butter or the like. For to stimulate the extremities especially is to keep more of the flow of the impulse of the blood supply, that is gradually being built up.
7. Hence all of those things that have been suggested as aids, as helpful forces, we would YET continue; until we find that there is the absorption, or the building of a better chemical balance throughout the body - by the stimulating to the glandular force and to the assimilating forces.
8. We would keep regularly the stimulation to the circulation with the use of the Appliance - the low electrical vibrations that make the high voltage as it acts upon the system, carrying the properties into the system as indicated.
9. In the diet, we will find that the body will be able more and more to take the vegetables and fruits that are grown in the environs; and these, of course, in their very nature will enable the body to eliminate as well as assimilate better.
10. Then, we would keep the GENERAL conditions that have been indicated.
11. KEEP the optimism! HOLD to that! KNOW that as you would accomplish in Him He gives the strength, the vitality, the desire, the will if you leave it with Him!
12. Ready for questions.
13. (Q) How much sunshine each day should be taken?
    (A) As just indicated, do not overdo this - not sufficient, because of the inactivity, as to burn; nor to be deep enough to injure rather than help, unless the massage goes with it. Begin at first with a few minutes; gradually increase this as the body is able to take same, see? But do not get a deep burn - for this would be more harmful than helpful. Get in the water, though, as soon as possible; for the ability to make movements in the water will be beneficial to the internal circulatory forces, and the rubdowns afterward with coarse towels (not enough, of course, to irritate the skin, but sufficient to produce a glow) will be most helpful to the superficial circulation.
    The sooner this may be accomplished, then, the better. Don't overdo it in the beginning; take it a little at a time, but make the movements that will be possible THERE by self - and you'll find you can make better movement in the water than without it!
14. We are through with this Reading.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 849-31 on 8/30/38.

REPORTS

1. 10/18/38 [849]'s letter to EC (Saying he is better): "Battery needs some new bottles and connections for the solutions... I am anxious to get started with the battery again - we did not miss a day all summer, and it did me lots of good... We will be following every suggestion made by the rdgs. except the Epsom Salts Bath, which is impossible because of the small tub in our bath and its curious position. As soon as I can get around I can go to the nearby mineral baths. In meantime all other points are covered."
2. 10/22/38 EC's letter to [849]:
   Dear [849]:-
   Yours of 18th sounds so much like your old self could just shout for joy. Am sure you are coming along fine and will do so. Yes, would be well to get on to the appliance again soon. Am sending two bottles and the copper plate this mail so if you have the recharge then you will be in shape to get the advantage of all this for am sure the appliances solutions does things that are good.
   Do you know of Mr. [1600]? Will tell you of his case some time if you would like to hear it. He is using an appliance and getting results. My, but what a man.
   Am sure your feeling about the place is fine and will help. Does [1102] and the little lady like it also?
   There is power in prayer and meditation, [849], that man has never dreamed of and know it will help - since we have had a chain prayer at the time of the readings each day, many things are happening to the people the readings are for. Know they can not all be hallucinations or thoughts - for few of them know there are 30 or 40 praying for them at the time. If they did it might account for some of them, but they do not and the experiences some of them are having would be a study in itself for someone.
   Sure you will carry out HIS purposes and, as you do, the health and strength to do so will be given you.
   H. L. still seems to be wrestling with the programme. Haven't said NO and haven't said yes, but still working with it. Am sure he is having a time trying to get something constructive yet not sensational, and not just another psychic programme. But we shall see what we shall see. Hope H. L. does is part well, and only if it is to be constructive.
   Here is a thought for you, [849]. Has come in our lesson on Spirit [[262] series]. As is Father-Son-and-Holy Spirit so is Body-Mind-and-Soul. And in the manifesting world the same is Time - Space and Patience. So no wonder we are slaves, or yet better being patient in same, we realize the need of these for man's concept of God.
   Let me know about solutions. Didn't send these in this package for thought you might have those or can get them there easily.
   Glad you got the [religious] books and hope they will come in handy. My, the Books, the books, the books that have been written.
   Am sure would like it there. While never have been on the [Fla.] West coast, yet the readings have sent practically everyone to the west coast, and naturally would like to see it and see if could figure out why.
   [849], am sure everyone or possibly your doctor has told you that you should take Conch broth. There are a few people in that part of the world that know how to prepare it. But it is to many what the wild Ginseng is to Chinese, and would be a marvelous thing for you. Where there is any appearance of Atrophy it is most valuable but has to be prepared just right and fresh each day. Have taken it myself and like it.
   Sure would like the fishing - for in Fla. is about the only real fishing have had. Was out with [5436] this summer and he was telling me about some of his experiences fishing in Fla. Know would like it.
   Possibly the Cochineas [cup of broth from sea you mentioned] is the same as have been talking about. Don't know. Are they??? Must be amusing to watch the Porpoise. They are certainly graceful in their antics. Will never forget my first experience in seeing a school of them.
   Think you will find the Epsom Salts packs will be fine, [849]. They are not too troublesome with a few large bath towels and will do a good bit of good am sure. Possibly take the place of the bath in same.
   Will be glad to hear from Capt. [1395] - would like to see him again. Yes, have a few places near you that would like to talk with him about, and believe he might be the very man.
   Have been under the weather myself for last few days - a cold and what a cold. Don't do them by halves when I have them. Were there any man in house would be in bed, but have to try and keep up tho. Haven't been able to work for three days now - puts someone out. Hope to be alright soon. All send love and best wishes. Wish could see [1521] - give our love to [1102]. With love from all, Eddie
3. 10/25/38 Mr. [849]'s letter: "We'll start the battery today. And I need it. A touch of the spastic condition has returned, emanating from the lower part of the back, where the battery has been so successfully at work all summer. My knees, however, are drying out and going down...
   "Yes, when I think of he books about religions and cults - and now Harry Emerson Fosdick has written another one - to fill the gap between scholastic and popular books - and I greatly fear Harry's book will be as dull as the rest. That is what I must not do above all else - be dull. Yet I must read all these dull books to get information - it's a task. Hugh Lynn and I cut ourselves a good job in vowing to bring these things to the people - if we can be sprightly and factual at the same time we will have done something that most of the others have failed to do...
   "Although I cannot point to any great physical improvement since arriving here I have had a feeling of integration - of being pulled together and returned to the person who was myself. The journey and the change of climate are partly responsible - shaking me out of a mental lethargy - and the mental feeling of confidence that here is the place to get well - has helped too - and the prayer and faith. It will be wonderful to be well again, and to feel that singing within me as I wake - that attunement that tells me I am working with the law."
4. 10/28/38 He sent application for a Life Reading for Mr. [1731], saying: "Say - can I have a tube of Tim as commission - my [rectal] itch is giving me a fit."
5. 10/29/38 EC's letter:
   Dear [849]:-
   Glad to have yours of 25th. Your suggestions are good - but is a hard thing for me to stay in bed. Don't feel so hot as yet, but hope can do some work, and when can will try and get something for myself.
   Hope the old battery knocks the stuffing out of the trouble. Am sure it will help. May need a good rub with some oils on that back also.
   Wetness seems to be following you - and is not good for what ails you but let's hope you meet every need.
   That stretcher [to get you to the water's edge] might be the very thing. Do you remember the first few times they took Mr. [2597] to the ocean at the old [Cayce] Hospital and how soon thereafter he was able to outrun them all.
   When I was in Fla., some years ago [Jan. '27], there was a doctor on Bimini [island] who had someone who prepared Conch broth for his people or patients, and it was said to be the stuff. I tried several bowls of it - well certainly would give on the Old Pep. It is instead of iodine they say Phosphorus - which is like new life to parts of the system. Works much as the Gold does, and on many of the same Glands. See something about it and let me know what you hear. Imagine the conchineas [minute clams] are lovely, don't know them tho at all.
   Am reading a book now, [849] - "The Soul's Struggle" - Johnston [Robert Johnston]. Is one of the best have read in many a day. Is just short extracts taken from possibly many many of his sermons. He was at the Washington Cathedral some years ago. Met his sec'y [1648] this summer. She told me that my theories and this man Johnston were much alike. Believe they are, possible that is why I like it. Except he has the words - I haven't.
   Fosdick has some mighty dull books and some very fine I think. Talked with H.L. last evening - is still struggling with W.O.R. Has another recording next Thursday believe. Yes, you are between seasons on fruits and vegetables, but soon you will have the new crop there beginning about the 1st of Dec. I believe. Well the feel of this place to you will have a lot to do with helping you, so just keep up the good work and all is well. And HIS strength is sufficient - just hold to that one and everything will be well.
   The bottles [for the battery] are not as large as some of the others were. Only need enough solution so the lead in bottle is well into solution. Keep rest to renew the solution after several days of 15 days. That is the best am sure. Keep solution in dark, however, after it is made up.
   [849], am sending you a paper. It is possibly self explanatory, and if it isn't then is no good. Go over it, see what you think and make any corrections or suggestions you think would help. Of course as you see, want to get this going at once if the idea is any good so let me have your reaction soon.
   All pretty fair here but me. Hope to be better soon and all send love and regard to you, [1102] and the Young Lady.
   Ever the same, Eddie
6. 11/14/38 "Yesterday Mother Cabrini was beautiful in Rome. [1102] and I made a novena that ended yesterday. Yes, I am getting better - even doing a little work - have 5,000 words on the novel - the book the reading said will be 'a holy thing.' I hope so."
7. 11/19/38 He submitted questions for a Ck. Physical.
8. 11/25/38 See 849-33.
9. 12/23/38 Copies mimeographed for [849].
   A REQUEST
   Dear sir:
   I am at present engaged in the writing of a book which will attempt to survey the present American religious scene. The tentative, or working title of this book, which is to be published next fall, is 'The Coming Age of Faith in America.' Although this will probably not be the actual title of the book, it suffices at present to give indication of the spirit and manner of the treatise.
   One of the most important sections of the book deals with the modern Protestant church in America, and its efforts to keep abreast of the times and to remain as a powerful, integrated force in the life of the country. Because of the alarming rise of various types of cults and isms, many of them occult in nature, I have found that young ministers are encountering more than the usual difficulties in bringing religion to the members of their own and the younger generations.
   Because the church must look for its salvation and its evolution in America to the young ministers of today and those who will be trained under them, I wish very much to have the opinions of some of these young ministers on the subjects which I have found to be of paramount interest and importance at the present time. These questions, worded in a general manner to give as much latitude as possible in answering them, are listed on the accompanying sheet. I hope that you will find this one page wholly inadequate for your answers, and will sit down and let yourself go for a real fling of expression and opinion.
   What you say will be kept strictly confidential, of course, and if the opinions or any part of them are used in the volume, your name will not be mentioned - unless, of course, you would prefer it otherwise.
   This is a book for the younger generation in religion, by a member of it, and I hope I will have your cooperation and the benefit of your opinions. Very truly yours, [849]
   A QUESTIONNAIRE
   1. What in your opinion are the main reasons for the present decline in attendance at church and the apparent lack of religious fervor on the part of the main body of church members?
   2. Generally speaking, do you think that these faults are mainly those of the church itself, the people, the times in which we live, or a combination of many things?
   3. Can you suggest any practical working plan by which the church could re-invigorate itself and its members?
   4. As an example of the religious questions being discussed generally at this time, do you believe that the modern church places enough emphasis upon prayer and meditation?
   5. Is it your opinion that the church can develop more understanding and a better technique of prayer and meditation?
   6. Are there any signs that more stress is being placed on these subjects?
   7. Do you feel that mental or spiritual healing, a conspicuous part of the early church, could be developed within the modern church structure?
   8. Do you think it would be wise to encourage and work for the development of such spiritual powers in this age?
   9. Do you think that the church should attempt to win back its place as the social focal point of the community, and to engage more actively in social service work?
   10. The modern spiritualistic churches and many of the cults are concerning themselves with visions, revelations, and spiritual direction from other than earthly sources. Do you believe that the church should engage in any of these activities?
   11. Do you feel that the church has compromised in any extent with the modern scientific interpretation of the universe, and if so, have these compromises robbed the church of its spiritual worth and appeal?
   12. Do you feel that the complexity of modern church organization has served to focus attention upon unimportant values in Christian activity and life? 13. Do you feel that economic pressure is a danger spot for the average minister?
   14. If there are any problems which have not been brought up by these questions, will you state them so that they can be considered and discussed?

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