9/29/40 Program of the Dedication Ceremonies of Library,
Office and Vault A condensed version of Thomas Sugrue's
lecture "The New Tomorrow" [see below] was printed in the
Jan. 1957 issue of THE SEARCHLIGHT]:
DEDICATION CEREMONIES
LIBRARY, OFFICES AND VAULT [Addition to Edgar Cayce's home on
Arctic Crescent]
of the
ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT,
Incorporated
Virginia Beach, Va.
Sunday Afternoon, September 29, 1940.
Mr. Noah Miller, President of the Association, presided.
Miss Florence Edmonds, Member of the Board of Trustees, led
an opening period for meditation.
Opening Remarks
Noah Miller, President.
This is a happy occasion for all of us. We have gathered
here this afternoon to dedicate the new library, offices
and record vault of the Association for Research and
Enlightenment, Inc., and in so doing pay tribute to
Edgar Cayce.
It is important, I believe, that every member of the
Association recognize the step forward which this structure
represents. These offices, library and vault have not
been built for Mr. Cayce. His part of the work for the
Association could have gone on without them. This library,
these offices and our record vault have been built by and
for the members of the Association who recognize their
opportunity and responsibility in studying and presenting
the good which they have found in Mr. Cayce's work.
This is the dawn of a new day for our Association. In this
dedication we symbolize our desires and determination to take
forward strides in preserving, studying and presenting the
thousands of unusual records in our files.
Let us not pause in our work other than to give thanks for
this privilege.
We have come to that point in our program when we are to
dedicate the vault which is to contain the records of the
Association. With a simple, yet symbolic, act we will now,
in your presence, signify the importance of the records being
preserved and studied by our Association.
Here before me are the typed copies of three original
readings. They are important readings. The first one
is the oldest written record of one of Mr. Edgar Cayce's
psychic readings. Significantly, this record bears the name,
Gertrude Cayce. As you have often heard Mr. Cayce say, the
results of this reading, the help given his wife, caused
him to give himself to this work. The date is September
23, 1911. That was twenty-nine years ago. [
538-1]
The second reading was given in March, 1931. It is one of
the organization readings for our present Association. I
would like to read you a passage from it:- [
254-54]
"In the manner as has been given, as to how each individual
is to attune themselves for that purpose of gaining an
understanding of their individual relationship to the
furtherance of the good that may be obtained through those
channels, or that phenomena that manifests itself, little -
as yet - has been done by any. Some, true, have held intact
those ideals - yet making the ideal of such a concrete
example in their individual lives have been put rather
in abeyance until further developments. Would further
developments be expected, would be well that each take that
as is desired in self, as to how self is to be used, as to
how self may act TO THAT source THAT individual has chosen
as its desire to see developed through the phenomena; for
from the desire of the heart the mouth speaketh, and as one
holds an objective near and dear in the heart, so does the
activities become in keeping with that so MUCH desired; for
where the treasure is the heart is also. Unless that as is
determined in self is wholly in keeping with those precepts,
those principles that may make for a continuity of life, hope
itself, LITTLE may be expected; for, as given, this - here -
in this place - now - may become as a shining light to many,
or may become the laughing stock of many. Do not expect
that evil days will not come upon each and every one, for
- as given - indeed offences must come, but woe unto him
by whom they come! So prepare thine OWN life, thine OWN
manifestations of that as is gained FROM same, that the evil
may not be spoken of by thine acts, thine words, the manner
of life, the manner of conducting thine OWN going in and
coming out. Should thee, thine self, feel thou art not able
to drink of that cup, then put not forth thine hand to grasp
same, and DO the FIRST THINGS first! It has been given as
to how each, in their prayer, in their supplication, should
seek, ask for, those of questionings, those of intents, those
of purposes to set forth before others that are afar, or
those that are constantly being drawn to a something that
many know not what. Art thou able in thine own heart, thine
own life, to answer the questions of such? for it has oft
been given, be able to at all times answer for the hope that
is held within THINE OWN heart. Does the manifestations of
the phenomena mean so little, even in the beginning, that
only few have offered, "Show ME, O God, how I may be of
service?" Let that answer come from that source, for those
who be upon the Lord's side need not be afraid, and if the
Lord be not in that thou doest, then have little or nothing
to do with same, in ANY manner, in ANY office, for it must
surely come to naught.
In the beginning, then, BEGIN aright!"
Today, as when that reading was given, we are responsible for
the furtherance of this work, the presentation of it to our
fellow man; for, we have found it to be good.
The third reading before me is the one which was given
yesterday afternoon, our most recent record. It was given
for the man, who eleven years ago, was the first patient in
the Cayce Hospital.
At this time I will turn these documents over to Miss Gladys
Davis, Secretary of the Association, and Custodian of the
Records. She will place them in the new vault.
Note: - Mr. Miller next introduced Mr. Thomas Sugrue,
Chairman of the Department of Publications, who delivered
the major address of the afternoon. A transcript follows:
THE NEW TOMORROW
By Thomas Sugrue
An address delivered at the dedication of the library and
offices of the Association for Research and Enlightenment,
Inc., Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Sunday
afternoon, September 29th, 1940.
Nine years ago, on the afternoon of June 6, 1931, I sat on
the stairs at 115 - 35th Street, Virginia Beach, while this
association was organized. My contribution to the meeting
was small. I suggested that the title be association FOR
research and enlightenment instead of association OF research
and enlightenment...one word was my donation. Today my
patience is rewarded: I've been told that I can use as many
words as I wish. I hope you will think, when I am finished,
that I resisted the temptation manfully, and held myself to a
gentlemanly quota.
The details of that first meeting of the association have for
the most part escaped my memory, but I remember the weather
better than yesterday's. It was a warm, sunny, peaceful
spring afternoon, only disturbed by the birds and the
insects, who were making a great deal of fuss about
preparations for the summer. There were no blustery
winds...only a small breeze that went about from flower
to flower, listening to complaints and promising to get
everything attended to, in time.
That was what I felt about this new association, as I sat on
the stairs. I felt that we were done with expecting other
people to transport us to physical and spiritual wealth
without effort on our part. I felt that we had returned
now to a normal way of doing things, and that if we would be
patient, and persist, that everything would be attended to,
in time.
It would take time because it was not an external
organization we were about to build, but an internal one.
Outside the sun shone everywhere, but only from those places
where the seed of life existed in the earth did things grow:
and the breeze was telling the young plants that the sunshine
alone could not turn them green; they had first to fill the
arteries of their leaves and stems with the magic fluid of
chlorophyll.
That was our problem. We all possessed the magic fluid of
the spirit, but in most of us it had not flowed out through
the arteries of our mind and burst into the blooms of faith,
hope, and charity. It was hidden in the barren shale of ego,
its roots dried out in the sandy wastes of vanity, conceit,
and selfishness. We thought we were pretty good as we talked
about our intentions that afternoon. Since then we have
learned that when we think most well of ourselves we are apt
to be least admirable...pride goeth before a fall. We had a
lot of things to learn: I think, now, that we have learned
some of them, because I felt very strongly that afternoon
that not a single brick would be set upon another for this
new association until the internal bricks had been levelled
and trued and solidly set in their places.
I do not mean to be too flattering when I say that we
have learned. There is before us yet the larger task of
application. No virtue is worth the sound of its name, as
St. Thomas Aquinas said, unless it be translated into the
action of love.
This building is our challenge. Now that we've got it, what
are we going to do about it?
Well, first let us see what it is that we have learned; what
it is that we possess.
The essence of human existence is the struggle for identity.
Man wants to know, first of all, who he is. The baby in his
crib, crying without apparent reason, is soothed by the sight
of his mother. He identifies himself with her. In her face
he sees the reality of his existence: she is the star to
which he clings in the strange, unknown world in which he
finds himself.
Later he struggles for identity in other ways - as an
intelligence, acquiring knowledge and using it; as a social
personality, joining with others in play and work; as a
philosophical atom, contemplating himself in relation to life
as a whole. Finally, he feels the urge to seek completion
outside himself, by identifying and joining himself with a
loved one, and by becoming with this loved one and with life
itself, the co-creator of new life, new individuals, who seek
their identity in the worlds of the flesh, the mind, and the
spirit.
In our spiritual lives we follow the same pattern, but it
takes longer for each phase to be accomplished. The search
for identity presents the Satanic question: do we belong to
God, or to ourselves? The ego demands self-rule; it wants
to be left alone, to do as it pleases. The spirit whispers
a different way, talking to us through our instincts, our
intuition, our conscience, our emotions. For these the ego
sets traps, so subtle that they are often unrecognizable as
such. And when we DO discover them, other traps are laid.
There is apparently no end to our ability to fool ourselves.
Our desires are made to look like our purposes; our appetites
appear in the guise of our ambitions; our idle dreams take on
the semblance of destiny.
If we do not desire a thing, we claim for our lack of desire
the virtue of self-denial; if we DO desire a thing, we point
to our zeal in pursuing it as proof of our vitality and
alertness - and we will not have it any other way except
that we are doing it for others.
If we want a person of the other sex, it's love; if we don't
want him or her, it's friendship. If we have no ambitions,
we are modest and humble; if we have ambitions, we seek to
serve our country and its people. If we are poor, the Lord
is blessing us in disguise; if we are rich, the Lord is
rewarding us for virtue.
If we endure pain and hardship, these are the tests of
saints; if we have happiness, happiness is the state of
the blessed.
Whatever it is that we are, whatever it is that we want -
such, the ego will counsel, is right and just and most to
be admired and pursued.
Until we have passed this barrier and arrive at the knowledge
that we are of the spirit, not of the ego, not of the
capricious will, we are continually caught in this mesh of
self-deceit; we fall before it a hundred times a day, and
only because the invisible hands of the merciful spirit are
there to lift us again and set us once more on our way are we
able to keep going.
But we will merely go round and round, falling and rising
again, unless we find the door that leads to the magic mirror
in which we may see the reflection of our true self. There
are two ways to find this door: we can be dragged to it by
suffering; or we can find it by the torch of the Christ mind,
walking up the steps of wisdom, peace, and charity.
Most of those who find the door use both ways. They start
out following the torch; they lose their way and are dragged
up the final long stairway by heartache and loneliness. Or
they are set on the path by loneliness and heartache, and
seeing the torch ahead, they follow it.
By these methods, I think, the members of the association
for research and enlightenment who have remained true to
its ideals and purposes through the years, have arrived at,
and passed through the first door. They know who they are,
and they see ahead of them, in the new tomorrow that is
symbolized by this building, WHY they are - and what they
must do because of that why.
It means a new direction, a new purpose, for their lives.
Hitherto the force of their thoughts has been centripetal -
inward, toward themselves, in self-analysis, in examination
of conscience and instincts, in listening for truth. This
was the path of the wanderer in search of himself; this was
the way of men who must keep watch on themselves lest they
deceive themselves.
Now the way is centrifugal - outward, towards others, in
an effort for the common good - in a genuine recognition of
the brotherhood of man in the reality of the spirit. Self,
having recognized self, can be trusted to act correctly. It
will be NATURAL now for self to act for the good of others;
this has become a desire in itself, for desire is now fused
with purpose, and purpose is fused with destiny. This is the
second great stage in the evolution of the spirit of man.
The members of this association have committed themselves.
There is only one way for them to go: forward, in the
service of mankind. This they MUST do before the last great
journey is permitted them: the search for the face of God,
which is the end of every man.
So now it is time to turn outward toward a greater reality
than the individual - toward the human society of which we
are all a part - toward all of the things of which the social
texture is made up - toward those supra-personal ideals to
which men devote themselves, and without which they would
fail in their quest for completion and happiness - toward
the disinterested love and service of the heart of the
world, which aches so bitterly for the folly of its desires.
From all this the association and its faithful members have
stood a little apart, preparing themselves. The time has now
come to go forth.
Let me say again that it is not my intention to flatter
either the association or its members. Neither do I
think they should be falsely modest.
Because they have learned a few things; because they have
discovered the true nature of themselves, does not mean that
they are infallible in conduct and thought - that they no
longer make mistakes. Far from it - they may even make
more of them. But there is a difference.
Now they make mistakes with the knowledge that they ARE
mistakes - not in the notion that they are right and just
acts. Therefore they have the ability to recover from them
more quickly.
And - what is more important, their mistakes have a purpose.
They will continue to err, but more and more they will err on
the side of justice.
But mistakes, sins, mean less than action.
"Love," said St. Augustine, "and then do what you will."
Then the reality of love is encountered - and love is the
emanation of spirit - it becomes the impelling force in
life, and all action naturally is in the right direction. I
believe it is true that certain members of this association
could be left to do what they will, in the certainty that
their actions would involuntarily be in the interests of
others.
But it is in this doing, this acting, which is the problem
before the members of the association now. There is a word
in the dictionary - velleity - which is defined as "inert
aspiration" - a dolorous state in which the person wants to
accomplish something but hasn't the gumption to do anything
about it.
One of the great philosophical fallacies is the vision set
forth, without any means for accomplishing it. This was the
weakness of the Platonists and the mystics of all times. The
Platonists accurately envisioned the goal of man, but were
ignorant of the way which led to it. It was Christ who
provided the way, and it is Christianity which has given man
a practical means, in ethics and morals, of accomplishing
this end. But much of Christianity has made the mistake
of substituting the means for the end - of making ethics
and morals ends in themselves, rather than pathways of
enlightenment and spiritual evolution. Many reasoning people
have turned away from modern Christianity because they find
no satisfactory explanation of codes of conduct which seem
to exist for their own sakes. But more people have turned
from Christianity in our time because they looked in a
false mirror and saw what the ego wished them to see - a
resplendent St. Michael, already saved and transcendent,
and permitted indulgence in all that he desired.
When the Roman Empire began to crumble, and calamity after
calamity was reported to the people, they began to look for a
solace beyond the material world...but they wanted a religion
which would make the way to salvation easy: they didn't
want to give up any of the pleasant living to which
they had become accustomed. Consequently many isms and
pseudo-religions sprang into life, and within Christianity
itself, which was struggling for a foothold in the empire,
there arose movements aimed at making the whole thing easier
for people.
In our time much the same thing has happened. Since the
organization of this association a dozen sects and societies
for salvation have risen to popularity and fallen again -
fallen because in them the people have followed a rainbow,
and eventually they have discovered it to be just that.
But Christianity has itself fumbled the problems of restating
its purpose, of saying to modern people in modern terms
what Christianity is, and what it means to people, and what
it means to civilization. The church has had a hard time
explaining - and proving - to people that Christianity is a
living thing - that it is life itself.
Christians have found embarrassment in people of other
religions, who have seemed to live more Christian lives than
the Christians. Again history is being repeated, for during
the decline of the Roman Empire, when a certain man named
Faustus, a Manichean in religion, was accused of not being
a Christian, he replied to Augustine himself:
"Do I accept the Gospel? You ask me if I accept it, although
it is apparent that I do, for I obey its commands. I should
rather ask if you accept it, for I see in you no signs
of your accepting it. I have left father, mother, wife,
children, and all else required by the Gospel. Perhaps you
do not know what is called the Gospel. It is nothing else
save the preaching and the commands of Christ. I have parted
with gold and silver, having ceased to carry money in my
purse; content with daily bread, without care for the morrow,
as to how I shall be fed or clothed. You see in me the
beatitudes of Christ; and you ask, do I believe the Gospel?
...But you say to believe the Gospel is not only to do what
it commands, but also to believe all that is written in it,
and especially that God was born. But neither is believing
the Gospel only to believe that Jesus was born, but also to
obey His commandments. If therefore you say that I do not
believe the Gospel because I pass over the Birth, much more
do you not believe because you treat His commandments with
contempt. If, as you say, belief in the Gospel includes
faith in the genealogies and obedience to its precepts,
why do you, an imperfect man, condemn me, another imperfect
man? Let us suppose that you are right, that perfect
faith consists of two parts, one consisting in word, of
the confession that Christ was born, the other in deed,
observance of Christ's precepts: mark that I have chosen
the hard and painful part, you that which is light and easy.
Why then do you assail me for taking upon myself the more
difficult part of faith, leaving to you, as a weak brother,
the easier task? Come, let us ask Christ Himself, and learn
from His own mouth what is the chief means of salvation. Who
shall enter into Thy kingdom, O Christ? HE THAT DOTH THE
WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. That is His answer. Not 'he
that confesses that I was born.'"
That is precisely why no sect, no ism, no cult, no
philosophical society has been permitted to form around the
work of Edgar Cayce...for the philosophy of the free mind
of Edgar Cayce, speaking through him in readings, has stated
over and over again that He, Christ IS the light, IS the way,
IS the truth...
The first duty of members of the association, then, is to be
Christians...to live as Christians, and to thus reflect in
their own lives the truth which they have found, with the
help of these readings, within themselves.
This they have done - many of them - and already it has
brought inquiries from others who have begun to wonder to
what they may cling. What is it that has helped you so?
Where do you get the strength and serenity which you seem
to possess? These questions have been asked of some of you.
You must have an answer to those questions, and to many
others.
The example will be watched more and more, as time goes on.
The explanation must be ready. Only the other day one of the
young members of the association, walking down a street in
Norfolk, found that she had involuntarily swerved to avoid
walking under a ladder. She went back and deliberately
walked under the ladder. A block farther on an old lady
started to cross in front of her, then waited for the girl to
go, since the youngster had the right of way. But the young
lady found herself involuntarily stopping, giving the right
of way to the old lady.
These actions, I think, symbolize the present state of
the members of the association: still making mistakes,
submitting to old superstitions, but doggedly fighting
against them and correcting mistakes where they can be
corrected: beginning in other things to act thoughtfully,
justly, and courteously, without taking conscious thought.
And these are the people who must now carry forward the work
of this association: they will do it because they want to,
and because now, I believe, they cannot help doing it.
What, precisely, is this work? What has this association to
offer the world?
Obviously whatever the association has to offer the world
is contained in its records, in the more than 12,000
stenographic reports of Mr. Cayce's readings, which will
be housed in this vault, and which will be studied in this
library...
That study must be made possible, first of all...without it
the association will continue to serve only the individuals
who have readings and the small groups which can carry on
their own investigations...with that study made, almost
anything is possible.
There are helps here for everyone...for the sick and for
those who help the sick...the medical doctor, the osteopath,
the homeopath, the neuropath, the physiotherapist, the
directors of sanatoria, the psychologists and psychiatrists,
the surgeons, the scientists, can all be aided, can all be
enlightened, and through them and their ministrations all
peoples, everywhere, can live more healthfully and fully.
This is not moonshine; this is not idle dreaming. This can
be done - but it will take time, work, perseverance. The
remedies must be tested, must be presented to the proper
persons, must prove their efficacy. But they are here;
they exist, now, at this moment.
Those who are studying the laws of psychic phenomena -
so-called, can be enlightened and helped. In the readings
there is information on the laws of telepathy, clairvoyance,
and all the other manifestations of the supernormal. These
can be tested; these can be proved; these can be presented.
Those who study the human body as a psychic vehicle, who are
interested in the laws of personality, talent, genius, etc.,
can be enlightened and helped, so that vocational guidance
can become an exact science. This is not foolish bragging;
this can be done. But it will take time, it will take
patience, it will require forbearance in the face of
ridicule, criticism, and neglect.
Finally, there is in these readings a philosophy, a system of
living, that answers the challenge of the present day. This
is an age in which, as the poet said, "the old faiths loosen
and rend;" the beliefs our fathers and forefathers lived by
are crumbling. Science has pushed back the stars, magnified
time, expanded the universe, found a new world in the atom,
turned topsy-turvey every notion that man possessed regarding
the world in which he lived and the other worlds he saw
shining in his night.
It has come swiftly, and it is moving even more swiftly -
toward the end of the age of power and materiality, toward
a new tomorrow when the only wealth which men will seek
is wealth of the mind, and the only knowledge that will be
prized is knowledge of the spirit...let me read you what one
person has written of that day...:
And in that time, so the prophets have written; when the
Twentieth Century shall have passed away, and the sign of
God-man is in the sky: peace shall reign upon the earth,
and no man shall hate his brother.
Neither shall there be war, nor pestilence, nor poverty,
nor any other of the shameful things which man has done
unto himself since first he knew shame.
And a great land shall have risen out of the ocean of the
Atlantic, and many islands also, to care for those who were
forced from their homes in the land that destroyed itself,
that was called Europe.
Nations that are great shall have perished, and all men,
seeking to be brothers shall have put their hands to a common
pledge, and raised up a single force to rule them: the force
of wisdom.
Then wisdom shall sit in the palaces of cities, and on the
mountain tops, and breathe in the hearts of men.
Wise men shall sit in judgement, and order the ways of their
brethren, and listen for the voice of God.
For wisdom is the knowledge of God, and of His whereabouts,
and of his laws and His mercy, and the beauty of His
creations.
So wisdom brings peace, and teaches love, and sets the face
of man toward his spirit.
And in that time these things shall be, and the earth and the
sky and the sea shall open to man their secrets.
Atoms shall put their shoulders to the wheels of commerce,
so that trees may grow unharried, and rest in their graves
of coal and oil without hindrance.
Sound from heaven shall bend itself to the ears of man, that
he may hear the music of the spheres, and understand the
rhythms of his soul.
Colors and perfumes shall rise up from the sea to fashion
beautiful images, and nourish the dreams of the young.
And through all the land, love, like a famished child, shall
sit down to a feast, and rise up filled with joy.
No soldiers shall march; no guns shall sound; no bitterness
or lies shall do disservice to the lips of anyone.
NO debts shall be made; yet all promises shall be fulfilled.
Death shall come to meet no man; all men shall go to meet
death.
In the spring forget-me-nots shall blanket the fields, and
the hearts of maidens shall turn to the hearts of men, and
the sun shall follow its course in the heavens.
And God shall be pleased a little, looking at man, and tint
the roses with a deeper red, and raise the skylark in the
sky.*
Today that age is being born - in travail and sorrow, with
suffering for everyone. To show others the beautiful thing
that is ahead; to help others endure the present for the sake
of the future; to help a little in anticipating such a day
...even to lay a few stones of the path that leads to its
achievement...this is a high and glorious privilege...
and it is a high and glorious privilege which I believe the
members of this association have been accorded: today it
challenges them; tomorrow it must be done.
All men seek God; all men, eventually, find Him. It is the
wandering that is long and painful, that can be shortened and
gladdened by wisdom, mercy, and charity. That is what the
members of this association can do...they can help men to
find themselves and their God...each, as the poet said, in
his own tongue...
A fire mist and a planet,
A crystal and a cell;
A jellyfish and a Saurian,
And a cave where the cavemen dwell.
Then a sense of law and duty,
And a face turned from the clod;
Some call it evolution, and others call it God.
* [Poem by Thomas Sugrue using prophecies from various
sources.]
A mist on the far horizon,
The infinite, tender sky,
The ripe, rich tint of the cornfield,
And the wild geese sailing high,
And all over upland and lowland,
The sign of the goldenrod,
Some of us call it autumn,
And others call it God.
Like tides on a crescent sea beach,
When the moon is new and thin,
Unto our hearts high yearnings,
Come welling and surging in,
Come from the mystic ocean,
Whose rim no foot has trod,
Some of us call it longing,
And others call it God.
A picket frozen on duty,
A mother, starved for her brood;
Socrates drinking the hemlock,
And Jesus, on the rood;
And the millions who humble and nameless,
The straight hard pathway trod;
Some call it consecration,
And others call it God.
["Each In His Own Tongue," by William Herbert Carrutha.]
That is the challenge to the members of this association:
to help others to know the truth: the truth which shall
set them free.
Already much has been done. This building is a monument
to the association for research and enlightenment; the
association for research and enlightenment is a monument
to the work of Edgar Cayce, the work of Edgar Cayce is a
monument to truth...
Remember this, and remember also the words of the Psalmist:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and
though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the
mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the
city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most
High.
Conclusion - Edgar Cayce
There is only one thing I want to say. That is, "Thank you."
As you know, two years ago I had a dream which gave me the
first concrete idea as to a manner in which this building
might come into actual existence. As I thought of it, it
seemed far away. The Readings have indicated for years that
when a sufficient number of individuals had been convinced
personally as to the value of the information, they would
help pass it on to others. When I had this dream, I sent a
copy to every member of the Association. [See
11/15/38 ltr.
under
1469-1 Reports. See also under
254-103 Reports.] Today
we are able to see the result of this letter. The money,
time and energy which have made this possible have come
from those whom I have tried to help.
One of the carpenters, working on the building, said to me
the other day, 'Well, Mr. Cayce, I've heard about you...I've
heard a lot of people say a lot of things about you, but I
don't think I've ever met a man just like you. I don't know
what it is, that is different, but there's something!" He
possibly has never seen even a copy of a Reading; he doesn't
know what it is all about. Yet, when we started putting in
our library, the first set of books was given by this man.
It is helpful to know that our efforts stimulate such
attitudes in individuals.
We are dedicating this building for a service to humanity.
"Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, my brethren,
ye do it unto me." The service to our fellow man is the
greatest service we can do for our Maker. For, it is seeing
in our fellow man something we could worship in our Maker
that leads us on, to hope for, to be the very best possible
channel for good. The work of studying our records and
preparing them for distribution is just beginning. We need
your cooperation and the assistance of every member of the
Association. We are ready to go forward.
Thank you! Thank you for helping me to make this possible.
Let us close with a word of prayer:
Gracious God, we thank Thee for Thy blessing to us. We thank
Thee for the gift of Thy love, and the manifestations of
Thyself in the earth through Thy Son, Jesus Christ. As we
have come here this afternoon to dedicate this building for
the purpose that we may better serve our fellow men, may we
each dedicate...rededicate...our lives to Thee. For it is
in Thee that we live and move and have our being. Be Thou,
O God, the guide. Direct us in the things we do and say, and
help us to choose Thy ways. Now, may the blessings of the
father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be on each and every
one, as we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.
10/04/40 Wife [
2072]'s letter to EC:
Dear "little Eddie",
I dreamed of you last night and one night the first of the
week; then [
1861] said he dreamed he was down at Virginia
Beach last night but couldn't seem to find you. Well, I
guess you can see by that how much you are on our minds.
Thank you for your letter.
By the way, when was little Anna Seay's birthday? Do you
remember?
Eddie, [
1861] is giving a violin recital at ... College
for Girls where he teaches next Friday night, October 11,
at 8:15 o'clock. Wish you could slip over, slip into a seat
and listen and then surprise us with a stay with us over
the weekend. We'll take good care of you and send you back
for the others who need you. Couldn't you? Just imagine
[
1861]'s joyous surprise if you'd walk up to him after
the recital. (Sh! I haven't told him nor won't breathe a
suggestion.) He is playing the Caesar Franck Violin Concerto
for me and because he loves it so much. This will be the
first time I have heard him in anything of any consequence.
Last Wednesday he played a Brahms and a Rondo for the Woman's
Club. Mother [...] will be in New York and will, much to her
disappointment, not be here for it.
My new mother is dear as can be to me. Beautiful soul,
heart; sweet, soft, tender, mother-love voice.
Thank you for your words. I have had a little more time in
the mornings for meditation and it is good.
You spoke of going to the Doctor? Hope THAT isn't serious
and that it's only temporary - if for treatments. A big
kiss and hug for GOOD HEALTH wishes to you!
Received a lovely letter from Mrs. [
1770] this morning; a
letter recently from [
1771], and a treasured water color
painting of an unusual flower, called Angel's Trumpet, that
she did in California and sends us now (to be framed) as
a wedding gift. [
1771] has a beautiful touch and I adore
having some bit of her work. She and Mrs. [
1770] are two
lovely, lovely people and I have you to thank for knowing
them.
What did Mr. [
2290]'s trip bring forth? What of the
dedication of the Library? We'd be glad to hear.
[
1861] and I have been much interested in the prophecies
of R. J. Rasmussen (published in Los Angeles) so many of
which have come true lately. Have you heard of him? His
prophecies come to him at anytime, in normal consciousness,
as visions unsolicited upon his part, while walking or
talking or going about his usual duties. Nearly every
prediction he has made has been fulfilled. He has prophesied
(1) Roosevelt will be "defeated by a Republican" (2) The
development, before 1959, of photography so that important
events that have taken place many years ago may be
reproduced, at first dimly, but by 1963, "these records
in the atmosphere" will be as plain as motion pictures on
a screen, and (3) In 1946 we will be able to tune in on
perfected radios and pick up voices and music of ancient
peoples. "We will have proof then that the spoken word
never dies and is still in the ethers." Nov. 12, 1938 he
prophesied the removal of the capitol and seat of government
of Britain to Canada. I think you might be interested in
his "The Flaming Future 1940-1941-1942" published by "The
Publisher's Press," 1044 South Olive St., Los Angeles.
Where may we send for information regarding the magazine
Parapsychology? We'd like to know something about the
content of the journal and perhaps subscribe.
What has happened to the "Little Prophet" and her prophecies?
We subscribed to the Nanticoke Press until next June, but
there have been no messages for over a month. Have written
the publishers but received no reply.
I guess I'd best close for this time - what with all these
questions!
Most lovingly,
Your Little Anne [
2072].
10/07/40 EC's letter to [
1861] and [
2072]:
Dear - "little sweetheart" [
1861] and [
2072]:
Very fine to have yours of the 4th this morning for need
about every thing to encourage me this morning. Besides
having a lot of trouble lately with gall duct, today I have a
very, very bad cold; many, too many for the last six months,
so I don't feel good at all, but your letter is a real tonic
and am sure will make me feel a lot better trying to write
you. Good to know I am in your thoughts, that you dream of
me. Just hope they are good, or possibly was a warning you
that you should write.
Little Anna's birthday was the 22nd of April. Yes, remember
having a birthday party with her once. Sister recalled it
also. Remember it so well because your birthday was two
days before one of our sisters.
Sure wish it were possible for me to make it to the recital.
Don't know of any thing would rather do, but am not much of
a fit companion for any thing just now. Had to forego the
appointment this morning. Felt so bad. Went to the Dr.
instead but feel a bit better. Still up, but feel like bed
might be better for me, but have an appointment for afternoon
will have to try and make if possible. Hope can, but don't
know as yet. Will have to wait and see, but sure would be
fine to slip in and hear that recital and then let it be
known that was there. Will have to try and make that some of
these days, so can have good long talk with each of you. Too
bad his Mother will miss this but possibly she will hear many
more but am sure she would like to be there. Know I would.
Is lovely that you think so much of your new Mother
- well, know what such can mean for had one of the
sweetest Mother-in-laws any man ever had.
Thanks for the prescription. Could only have that really,
and not by mail. Well, might help a lot more but thanks
many, many times.
Heard from Mrs. [
1770] some weeks ago - they seem to be
having a lovely time in Hawaii, am sure the picture is
beautiful. [
1771] has talent. They have described some of
the flowers in Cal. for me. They are not new to you, but
they must be lovely, but Mrs. [
1770] has the ability to make
things sound beautiful any way.
Mr. [
2290] wasn't able to bring the Dr with him but he had
a check up. Was on the improve but not through with his
treatments as yet. Asked to be remembered to you both;
spoke so often and so lovely of you both.
No, haven't seen the prophecies of Rasmussen as yet. Some
one else wrote me about them and promised to send me a copy.
Would like very much to have them.
Wonder if he is right about Roosevelt. According to many
conditions I am against him. Yet, am afraid that he is
necessary to save the world just now. May be all wrong,
but looks like that to me.
Parapsychology is published now by Gardner Murphy Columbia
University. Mention H.L. if you will when writing them. Is
a good record.
There seems to have been quite a stir about the 'Little
Prophet' [Faith Hope Charity Harding] family quarrel so
I understand. Don't know why they have quit publishing
anything; possibly the Father objected.
Like your questions. Hope have answered them for you. Write
when ever you find the time. Certainly appreciate them.
Will send you a copy of the Dedication Ceremonies. Haven't
gotten into the place of course, but do have the files in
place. Am glad of that for many reasons. Will be nice
when we are able to finish the offices.
Love to you both
Sincerely Eddie
11/04/40 Wife [
2072]'s letter to EC:
Mon.
Dear Eddie,
We received the dedication ceremonies and couldn't help but
thrill with gladness at what the library, offices and vault
will mean to the preservation of your work, for with it
catalogued, filed, and cross-indexed it has a FARTHER
reaching value, one that spreads far into the future, for
generations to come, to study and apply to similar cases.
It is all I can do to hold myself down here when I would like
so to be helping with the filing, indexing, etc. of all those
readings. Wish I could do something toward helping to get
them in reference order for I love that sort of work - filing
and indexing - ESPECIALLY occult and mystical data. Couldn't
you and Hugh Lynn find something I could do along that line
& that I could do here. Such work comes the nearest to being
what I've always wanted to do I cry inside because I can't
get to it to help do it. I could find time to do something
if you'll only dig it up. Please - I'm dead sincere! I'm
offering my services without pay and promise loving handling
and care of whatever you give me to do.
There has been nothing further done about the recital and
[
1861] will not give it unless he is asked to now. There
is a good deal of work to practicing and getting prepared for
one and he had put a good deal of practice in and couldn't
help but feel somewhat disappointed.
We hope you are better than you were at the first of October.
The sacral region of my spine is not corrected yet. [GD's
note: This paragraph was copied into
2072-2 Reports.] It
moves and slips frequently and the nerves are sensitive there
at times. The upper part of my spine has stayed adjusted,
though.
So far as we know now we are planning to pursue the
treatments for [
1861] in N.Y. again during Christmas vacation
(on or before Dec. 14th) as your reading stated. How we
pray they will give some further results! If finances permit
we'll see if the sacral region of my spine won't do better
by an adjustment then, now since the upper part has "set"
for awhile.
We received a copy of Parapsychology yesterday and note a
good deal of Carrington work therein.
Are you familiar with Alexander Cannon's works and books?
There are few writers today who have written so capably,
concisely and well, I believe. His book on hypnosis and
its uses is excellent, but every one of his books are.
Eddie, have you ever gone forward into the future in a
reading - that is: given an ENTIRE reading on the future
of an individual?
I love [
1861] more daily. I don't believe many people could
ever understand the harmony between us.
Love to you - deep and sincere.
Affectionately, [
2072] (or Anna)
(P.S. and PLEASE I'd like some work!)
11/08/40 Wife [
2072]'s letter to HLC:
Dear Hugh Lynn:
Thank you so very much for your letter and the suggestions.
I am indeed happy that I can help. I was almost holding my
breath for fear you might think me too far away; but any of
the suggestions are just what I CAN do and would really love
doing.
Yes, [
1861] has a Remington portable typewriter that I may
use.
As to choice of work: I should like most of all to make
subject index cards on the physical and life readings OR work
upon "extracts". You may send some of the matter immediately
for I will be glad to start anytime.
We may be able to work upon the securing of books and
magazines from publishers, occult organizations, and authors,
as well, if you will give us further details regarding
this phase, i.e., the manner in which you wish the letters
written, etc., if there are not already too many other
members working on this. [
1861] has kept in touch with some
occult publication houses and we might, therefore, be able to
write these regarding their very best material.
We shall be glad to co-operate the best that we can and as
much as we can.
Very sincerely, [
2072]
1/01/41 [
1861]'s letter to EC:
Dear Mr. Cayce
It seems most fitting that my first letter of the New Year
should be to you, who always are sending forth such good
thoughts. I am quite sure that it is often the thoughts
of such a friend as you that helps us on in the world, and,
in sending you best New Year's wishes, I hope that you may
feel these good thoughts that you have been sending forth
returning to you and that they give you the same comfort
and satisfaction that yours have given others.
[
2072] has most likely kept you pretty well informed as to
our activities, etc. I have been depending upon her to write
to you for the both of us, as she is a much better letter
writer than I am. However, I do think of you so often and
sometimes dream of being with you. If you only lived in
... we could see you so much more often, as train and
bus schedules are so poor from here to Norfolk. Yes, we
certainly are counting on seeing you next summer and also
coming down to the Congress meeting.
We had quite a busy trip to New York, took in a number of
concerts, including the NBC Toscanini broadcast at Radio
City. However, I can't say that I have ever liked New York.
There is something about its aura that makes me shrink from
there and I am always glad to get away from that place. I am
just hoping that we won't have to go back there again soon.
Yes, the 6th will be all right with me for the recheck
reading. I will be in my home, ..., at the time of the
reading. The questions are enclosed on a separate sheet
of paper.
Wishing for you and yours peace and happiness in the coming
year,
Your fond friend, [
1861]
1/09/41 EC's letter to [
1861]:
Dear [
1861]
Don't believe Miss Gladys wrote you that I was ill and didn't
get your reading on the 6th as planned. Gosh and what a sick
kitten I was. Don't know just what happened, whether I got
my wires crossed, drinks mixed or ate something that wasn't
good for me, but woke up today a week ago the sickest sick.
Couldn't keep any thing down, not even water for days and
days, and only today have I been able to get my clothes on.
Hope am alright but feel a bit shaky yet, but am making the
period for you now for afternoon of the 14th. Hate the delay
very much, but hope it hasn't and won't cause you too much
anxiety.
Let me know if that time suits, or any other questions we
might add. Hope this finds you and [
2072] just fine and
with love to each of you.
Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
1/14/41 See
1861-6, a Check Physical Reading.
6/22/42 See
1861-12, a Check Life Reading, and interim
readings.
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation