This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 20th day of December, 1926, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [900].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Hugh Lynn Cayce and Mrs. Evans.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body and the enquiring mind of [900], of ... St., N.Y. City, and the dreams this body had on the dates which I will give you. You will give the interpretation and lesson to be gained from each of these, as I read same to you, and you will answer the questions which I ask you regarding same.
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [900]. This we have had here before. The dreams come to the entity through those channels and manners as have been outlined, and should be used in the way and manner as given. Ready for dream.
3. (Q) Morning of November 27, 1926. I arrived at the Cayce's and found Mrs. Cayce in the kitchen and greeting her, said: "Hello, Mrs. Edgar - I mean Mrs. Cayce, how are you and Edgar?" She was cordial enough and motioned to the next room, and entering I saw Cayce lying down with a sore eye and in charge of a young man doctor, who seemed to have a companion with him. Also Cayce seemed to have been drinking more liquor than was good for him and was in a rather bad way mentally and physically. I was surprised and disappointed. Again I found myself alone with my message of approval unable to tell it to one who I thought would be interested, even if my wife and brother were not. "Why don't you take your own medicine?" I asked Cayce. "Why don't you take a reading for yourself?" The doctor answered me: "I don't believe in those physical readings. I don't take any stock in them." Again I was bewildered and disappointed. "About six out of ten of them prove correct," he said. "Well, even at that, six out of ten isn't so bad," I replied. "Too uncertain. I don't believe them," he answered. Then Cayce got up and pressed back the sore eye that seemed extended. I was sorry that he was in this condition - that he wouldn't help himself and that he was under the influence of this man.
   (A) In this there is presented a portion of that as has already been seen by the entity, as respecting the attitude of various individuals as regarding the message and its effect upon individuals, with its corresponding reflection in the mind of the entity attempting to give same. In this there is seen the entity attempting to reach the source or the place where the entity has felt that the conditions should be in keeping with that as is attempted, yet in this household there is apparently every condition that would prove to entity that these themselves do not believe in that as is being given by or through these sources, and the entity feels the rebuke in self and at those about self, yet the entity gains that attitude that, though the channel may be inferior, the message is Truth - for it, the message, has gained approval.
   In the lesson the entity gains is that: "Others do as they may, but for ME and mine, we will serve the living God." This, then should be the entity's attitude under all circumstances and conditions, for only in the attitude will the entity hold or ever keep in that way of the approval as is necessary for the entity to gain that inner consciousness of the oneness of purpose with that Universal Force as is necessary to make same worth while.
4. We are through for the present.

REPORTS

1. 12/21/26 EC wrote asking Mr. [900]'s advice about whether or not he should go to Florida for a month as guests of Mr. [287], Mr. [2671] and Mr. [943].
2. 12/22/26 A.M. EC attempted another reading interpreting [900]'s dreams but was not able to lose consciousness.
3. 12/25/26 [900]'s letter to EC:
   Dear Edgar:
   In reply to yours of the 20th [21st], which slow mail service caused to be delivered to me only yesterday, I am certainly at a loss to advise about the southern proposition. I am like a fellow in the game of bridge who is in the middle and therefore at a disadvantage. You have lead by asking and the reading to be taken on the matter, (if you have not already taken it), holds the trump card as we all know. In bridge such a middle player usually so plays as to make the trump holder play out the next lead and I feel just about that way - that even at the risk of being accused, not without justification of hedging, I had better so reply as to let the reading answer and then play or give my viewpoint, (if it is still wanted) of what the reading means or intends should be done.
   From your letter or its tone, I judge that you really prefer not to go, but since former readings have given that to go there might help the cause of the hospital you are loath to refuse. It is true of course that you could arrange before hand a specific VISIT for 2-3 or 4 weeks having it understood that you intend to return to Virginia Beach after the expiration of that time. This it seems to me is the only way to do it. It is also true that Mrs. Cayce could for so short a time as 2 or 3 weeks remain with Edgar Evans such that his school attendance might not be impeded. Having this understood before you went, that is that you and Miss Gladys would go down for a specific period of time - if they would be satisfied with this, (and you could ascertain this by writing them offering them such a period of your time - they paying all expenses of course), I most certainly think you SHOULD go - you MUST go. Otherwise, you will simply be hiding behind excuses, dodging duties you owe to the fulfillment of your work - our achievement. It is this I sincerely advise you to do - that is to write them offering them your services for a period of time - not too excessive, they paying all expenses. As to the nature of the readings, as to whether they should or should not be taken, that you may determine after getting there. If there is too much doubt about it you can insist upon a preliminary reading being taken to ascertain whether a reading asking the questions desired should be taken or not. You can by letter assure them of your desire to maintain your home in Va. Beach and your intention to keep your home open while on your VISIT to them, which you take purely for the two-fold purpose of maintaining an old friendship, and of furthering your plans of building the hospital which is now ready insofar as you expect a doctor to take charge at once. At all events you can make them understand that a donation to the institute is the purpose of your visit and that future relationships and readings depend upon their fulfilling that obligation now.
   No doubt this short time away from home will not be pleasant for Mrs. Cayce and I don't or would not blame her for feeling not strong for it. Of course I am guessing by my own wife and the trouble I might encounter, yet these conditions must be met in a manner as is best for the ideal condition we strive to attain. I had and have troubles enough with [136] but she is gradually coming around. She has just got to or no play ball. That is, she with me is compelled to bear the brunt of criticism of others and since she likes society etc., this is hard on her, since it is my work and standards that bring the criticism. Of course, since her mother's death this has also another side and she is gaining much comfort from her dreams and their interpretation. I use them often and they are frequently effective weapons. She doesn't seem anxious to defeat a purpose that fills life with holiness, comfort and glory and lives for the day of my book's publication. The greater our sacrifice the greater our glory in that kingdom, that demands one kind or another of a sacrifice by us in this material department. We simply must and shall start the hospital. All of us must be willing to do our bit towards the achievement of such a helpful work to humanity.
   Of course, if they won't agree to a visit - and want nothing to do with any Virginia Beach proposition then, it is my viewpoint that the matter ends so far as they are concerned until such time as they choose to help us help them.
   I wonder if many feel as I do on Christmas day? Last night I had my Christmas eve dream. I held my little boy upon my lap [See Par. R5 below.]. He was 4 or 5 years old. It was Christmas day and our room was lighted up by the tree I have every year in symbolization of Christ and devotion to His teachings. Many came in and criticized me for teaching my child to believe in Christ. I replied to them:
   "If I believed in an anthropomorphic God such as you believe in, then I would NOT believe in Christ either." I went on to explain the God I believed in, and the Godliness Christ did exemplify, but they couldn't comprehend. Shaking their heads they left me alone with the child, who put his arms about my neck. It was quiet. There was only the child - and the colorful tree and the Christmas - Christ-Spirit in which I dwelt in peace. It is hardly necessary for any interpretation for this pretty dream, which was God's Christmas present to me. In our house are no extravagant presents; we are not flooded with gifts to put in a row for the admiring callers to gaze upon; but in my heart is a gift - a spirit of peace and comfort that the Lord has given to me and joy in my understanding that the Spirit Lord I know did give it to me. In my mind is some measurement of understanding, in my heart love and hope for all mankind and I meant every word of it when, seated at our dinner Christmas Eve, I thanked Him for His gift. What time or space shall quench the spirit of life I live? Death? Nonsense. Blessed be death to which I truly look forward in eagerness - only a little while - just let me write my book - serve life's cause in the material section for the benefit of materialized life - and death shall gain for me the realization of being the ideal I seek to materially represent.
   Many have asked the lesson and the why and the how of life to be put in a few words. I have tried to do it with the following result:
   THE LESSON OF LIFE by [900]
   Not for fame, and not for name, not for power, luxury or pain; not even for that called by man, success, do I strive, and work and strain, but rather that in my humble way I may contribute my small share to the whole cause of creation, doing my bit for a cause so glorious in itself, so outstanding in its ideal of life, truth and love, and last but not least a cause born, fostered and administered of a Creator whose essence permeates the whole and whose creative power is the only reality I can find within or outside of myself. My shoulder to the wheel of creation, I SERVE ITS PURPOSE for the glorification, and in the effort, behold, I become aware of myself being it. Its glory my glory, its purpose my purpose, its process my process, I lose myself in it, but to find myself again this power of life and creation. Such is the lesson of Life, and once learned and practised, its reward is eternal.
   I have tried to write the lesson of life in about 175 words and I only wish I could convey its meaning into the hearts and minds of all mankind. My best to Mrs. Cayce, the boys and yourself.
   Sincerely, [900]
   [Above was used in EC's ltr. 1/01/27 to his sister, Annie Cayce, and reprinted under 254-33, Par. R5.]
4. 1/10/27 See 254-34 in re Florida trip.
5. 7/24/54 GD's note: Today I gave [900]'s son, [142] (born 4/04/27) a copy of above poem and "Heaven on Earth" booklet by [900]. [See Source File Key #900 for booklet, "Heaven on Earth", noted in re 900-340.]

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