This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 6th day of August, 1935, in accordance with request made by the self - Dr. [969], through Active Membership of Miss [796] in the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [969].
2. In considering the life's work, and the manner in which this has been spent in its manifestations thus far, much should be gained by the body from the various experiences the body has had. And if the body will consider seriously the purposes, aims and desires of the self, there will be seen one thing that thou lackest yet. Because the ideals have been set in material things, material accomplishments, these can and will only continue to bring discord and questionings - even in self. For thou hast found and will find that when the goal is attained the ideal has faded and little has been accomplished of a lasting or definite value.
3. Not that the efforts have not and do not bring help and aid to many; but even when aid is given to the sick or the suffering, or the mentally disturbed, unless these be relieved or eased or set aright for some definite purpose or goal, that has its basis or foundation in the Creative Forces, or is of a spiritual import, what good has been accomplished? Thy efforts become then as good seed sown upon the stony ground, that spring up; yet when the winds of adversity or the fowls of the air have descended on same they are soon lost and wither away. Other efforts become as the seed sown in that ground where briars and thorns and tares and weeds spring up and choke out the good. For thy work, as thou hast given it, is founded on temporal things.
4. Then, know what thy ideal is; of the SPIRITUAL, not of the temporal; not that around which there may be put metes and bounds, but rather put thy ideal in those things that bespeak of the continuity of life; the regeneration of the spiritual body, the revivifying of the temporal body for SPIRITUAL purposes, that the seed may go forth even as the Teacher gave, "Sin no more, but present thy body as a living sacrifice; holy, acceptable unto Him, for it is a reasonable service."
5. These things as an ideal should be founded in thine experience, as thou hast seen again and again the vision of the mountain top yet these visions have faded because thou hast not founded thy ideal in the Creative Forces that are set in Him who gave, "As ye do it unto the least, ye do it unto me."
6. With the ideal set in the spiritual, it will be seen that less and less of strife will be in the varied activities of thine associations and endeavors; not in a moment will this come about but as a growth. For ye grow in grace and in knowledge and in understanding, as ye apply that ye know day by day. Sufficient unto the day are the purposes, the aims, the desires, the evils thereof. Meet them!
7. Ready for questions.
8. (Q) What is the most suitable occupation in my case?
   (A) There has been the preparation for many occupations, yet the application has been in such a manner as to bring that not satisfying nor filling the whole purpose.
   The lecturing, instructing, ministering in lecture and instruction; WHEN thou hast found self.
9. (Q) Is it possible for me to found a school or system of Universal Medicine, where all methods of healing could be combined?
   (A) The ground for same may be laid, or the activities for same begun. But so many prejudices exist in so many fields, there is so much selfishness - not only in one school but in many schools - that this becomes almost a hopeless talk.
   Here may be seen an example of that which we have just given.
   That such an institution IS the IDEAL manner goes without question; for there is good in ALL methods - and they have their place. But from whence comes the healing? Whether there is administered a drug, a correcting or an adjustment of a subluxation, or the alleviating of a strain upon the muscles, or the revivifying through electrical forces; they are ONE, and the healing comes from WITHIN. Not by the method does the healing come, though the consciousness of the individual IS such that this or that method IS the one that is more effective in the individual case in arousing the forces from within. But METHODS are NOT ideals. The IDEAL must be kept in the proper SOURCE; and then this idea may be gradually instilled into the laity in such measures and manners that there may be gradually builded that which would stand as an ideal manner. The entity may begin same; not a financial success, but there may be made that which would EVENTUALLY make a financial success of same.
   Teach ye rather the PEOPLE, through thine lecturing, thine teaching, thine instructing, in those directions. For not all in any school or any method are hidebound; and the little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Be patient. That thou mayest begin, thou mayest finish in another time, another experience; but be PATIENT.
10. (Q) How should this be arranged, and where; and whom should I approach?
    (A) As has been indicated; little by little, by teaching. And there will, with the purpose first found in self, come those places, those openings where this may be accomplished.
    There are MANY places where such is considered, as in the district that is under the supervision of the representatives of the many States or lands. There is not that criticism in many of the States. In Florida, as found, there are - with many - many laxities. In some circles there are many hardships for those that are even open-minded. Pennsylvania is free; North Carolina more free. Texas is open, IF such is under the supervision of the spiritual import; this is true in about twenty-four of the forty-eight States.
11. (Q) Would I be successful in foreign fields?
    (A) Unless you are successful within YOURSELF, not in any city or state or foreign field may success come!
12. (Q) Should I write a life of James Whitcomb Riley and boost it by lectures on his life?
    (A) This would be very good. It's WORTHY of being presented, in the manner that thou canst; if thou wilt set thine own ideal.
13. (Q) In what localities would such lectures be best received?
    (A) This may be all over. Naturally through the Central States; as Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio. These would be the first, or those where it might be presented ESPECIALLY in certain SCHOOL associations and connections, see? as from State institutions that maintain the lectures of certain calibre or character. And this could be prepared in such a manner as to be most worth while. And it will be the most acceptable where the schools have considered properly the efforts of James Whitcomb Riley.
14. (Q) Would the School of Universal Medicine succeed most in Washington, D.C. with branches at other places?
    (A) This we are confusing again. Go back to that which has been given.
15. (Q) Will the attacks come to naught that have been made on me by the American Medical Association?
    (A) Depends upon the antagonistic attitude that the body assumes, or as to what the determinations are in the self. If ye would be antagonized, then be antagonistic! If ye would have peace, be peaceful! If ye would have friends, show yourself friendly! If ye would be WISE, be patient and humble; and don't talk TOO much. Talk in the proper place, saying the proper things; not that to satisfy but that being sought by all - the longing to know of the peace that may be had by the soul of man, that under any other name becomes the ONE great thing in the experience of every living soul; to find harmony and peace, and to be assured BY those that EXPERIENCE the continuity of existence.
16. (Q) Is my best work as a teacher, lecturer, or practitioner?
    (A) As given. Lecturer, teacher.
17. (Q) Will this be the most successful and remunerative?
    (A) Most successful and most remunerative, provided FIRST that self is located. What are you trying to do? Something for [969], to be exalted before men? Or something for the love that [969] has for his fellow man IN the life of love that IS, or should be, the ideal of every soul?
    DO that. BEGIN with SELF! We will gradually aid. You will begin now. Then seek; we will help.
18. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 7/24/35 Miss [796]'s ltr.: "Dr. [969]'s treatments have helped me... Am enclosing application for membership for Dr. [969]. He is author of ... [books on chiropractic, zone therapy, iradiagnosis] (he diagnoses through the eye) and many pamphlets on diseases and holds many degrees in healing lines. Besides he is a grand old soul but because he is a child, when it comes to business and his secretary failed to see that everything was done decently and in order when he went on a lecturing tour through Fla. & other places the jealous medical Ass'n laid in wait for him and are trying to put him out of business. He asks about his success in foreign fields. I hope you can see clearly whether these are the people who want to help him or get all they can out of him on this trip, for he trusts everybody. Because I know he deserves the best I feel that something should be done to help him GET his BEARING and SETTLE the THING he WANTS to DO and that is found this school of universal medicine here in Washington where he taught before and is well known. I know you will find this a most interesting reading and I wish I could see it but am afraid I will not be here when he gets it. ...Am enclosing check for Dr. [969]'s reading."
2. 7/31/35 Dr. [969] submitted questions, saying: "I was born Dec. 6, 1865, about 2 A.M. Do not show age at all. Almost like a young man."

REPORTS

1. 8/25/35 [969]'s letter:
   The paper or reading I must say was very fine, and I must commend your powers in this way.
   If I should be allowed at this stage to ask more information it would be direct on two or three special subjects. If this should exceed my rights at the present time, you may of course cast it aside.
   1. I have a fond ambition to give the world a Universal System of Medicine, which is to include the good in all systems. I want this to be placed in Washington, D.C., with branch offices in other cities. I hold Incorporations of Schools in Washington already, but want to make them more general. I have given much time to teaching health to the public in large classes.
   2. I want to travel at home and abroad and work for the Great School at Washington, and put forward work for the public. I have published many good books, and want to publish many more.
   3. I am cousin to the late James Whitcomb Riley, and have wanted to give the world a good life history of the great poet, as the family and relatives never agreed or got together on this. Jim has told me from the spirit that he would be with me in this work. This has been told thru mediums.
   If your time will permit, and you are impressed with the above thoughts and anxieties, I will be delighted to hear further from you.
   All my best wishes to you always.
2. 8/31/35 EC's ltr. to Dr. [969]:
   Dr. [969] ..., Florida
   Dear Dr. [969]:
   In reply to yours of the 25th, I wish to assure you that I am always desirous of being of help to any individual who is really seeking; especially one who desires to give much service to humanity.
   However, I feel that the subjects you mention were covered as much as possible in the last reading, unless it were possible for you to make out definite and specific questions pertaining to the details of these propositions - using the information last given as the basis for such questions. Do you see what I mean? Just simply to put the same questions before the source of information, without going to work at what has already been given - or without using that as a basis for the questioning, would not bring forth anything different from what has already been given, or anything that would be of great value to you. So, I would suggest that you make out definite, specific questions you wish to ask, as to just how to do this or that, which you have already undertaken to do; rather than just asking that "something" be given you on this or that. For unless you ask specific questions, you do not get specific answers.
   Know that we will be very glad to attempt another reading for you, but in order that you may receive the best, I'm sure the best approach is to ask the definite questions - about something on which you have already started to work, according to that given in the first reading.
   As many others, I have always been a great admirer of James Whitcomb Riley. I heard him lecture many years ago, and of course his poetry - and especial]y "An Old Sweetheart of Mine" will always live in the hearts and minds of many.
   Trusting to hear from you again, and that we may be of a service, I am
   Sincerely,
   ASS'N FOR RESEARCH & ENLIGHTENMENT, INC. EC:GD
3. 3/05/36 Miss [796] wrote from DC: "Came here in Nov. to attend to some business, get some of Dr. [969]'s treatments, and here I am yet."

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