This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 11th day of March, 1942, in accordance with request made by the self - [2697], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [257].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Born June 20, 1893, in Washington, D.C.

TEXT

1. GC: You will give the relation of this entity and the universe, and the universal forces; giving the conditions which are as personalities, latent and exhibited in the present life; also the former appearances in the earth plane, or giving time, place and the name, and that in each life which built or retarded the development for the entity; giving the abilities of the present entity, that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: (In going back over years from the present - " - '39 - '38 - anxieties in some lines - '37 - '36 - '33 - changes in associations - '28 - yes - change of outlook and activity - " etc., on back to birth date.)
3. Yes, we have the records here of that entity now called [2697].
4. In giving the interpretation of the records as we find them here, these we choose from same with the desire or purpose that this be a helpful experience; enabling the entity, in the application of the understanding as might be gained, to better fulfil those purposes for which it entered this sojourn.
5. From the activities in the earth, and in those interims of sojourn between the earthly appearances, the purposes have brought what might in the present be called the environmental or hereditary influences. These find expressions in the activities represented by astrological aspects.
6. Not that certain astrological influences exist because of the position of the planets or astronomical conditions, but rather because of what the soul-entity has done, does do about those influences.
7. For, the soul's entrance is the manifestation and the expression of the universal consciousness or God. Thus the relationship the entity may bear to that consciousness brings urges, latent and manifested, - whether in the realm of the physical consciousness or the realm of the spiritual consciousness.
8. As a composite of the latent and manifested urges existent, we find:
9. The entity is one studious in nature; one who loves animals or pets; one rather inclined to be stingy or "close" - according to some associates.
10. We find that the entity is one rather set in its tenets or beliefs; one that must learn to open the hand to the needy, else he will open the door to the physician.
11. In giving aspects of abilities and the latent urges manifested, these may be expressed in astrological terms; as:
12. In Mercury, - one of high mental abilities, especially gifted in relationships to detail, interest in financial institutions or organizations or corporations.
13. One in Mercury AND Venus, as related to Jupiter, rather inclined to set rules or examples for self as well as for others.
14. As to the appearances in the earth, as related to the activities in the present and that find expression in the emotional nature of the entity, - we find that these have been quite varied. These are not at all of the appearances, but those that wold be given in the present:
15. Before this we find that the entity was an associate of Campbell who taught or gave expression to that for freedom of activity, without a variation by that symbolized in other than those statements in the Testament itself.
16. Thus we find in the present an adherence to such a relationship being a part of the entity's consciousness; a contribution toward the establishing, or reestablishing, of William and Mary College.
17. Thus an interest in the educational activities of its associates and of a nation.
18. Before that the entity was in Scotland, during those periods especially when there were warrings between the common people and those as related to church - in regard to those activities.
19. Thus we find the entity was close in association with those activities for freedom; in affiliation with those in authority in high places.
20. Hence in such relationships we will find those tendencies and inclinations throughout the experience.
21. For, the entity aided in that establishing of the manners of conduct that came to Cromwell; in the name then Peedele.
22. The entity gained in the experience; setting the freedom of worship as well as of speech as a foremost purpose in the dealings and relationships with others.
23. Before that the entity was in the Promised Land, during those days when there were activities after the Prince of Peace had walked in the earth.
24. The entity was among the Romans who were set as those that garrisoned the land, as well as in military rule. The entity acted rather in those capacities of supervising the collecting of customs, or the setting in order of the natives as well as those of its own peoples.
25. Thus the entity was acquainted with the teachings of the Master as hearsay; later becoming acquainted with Matthew. These brought about changes in the entity's faith or belief, and activity.
26. Thus, as it were, set in a purposefulness in relationships to those in military authority, to aid in bringing messages of the activities that had been the experience of man to the Roman land.
27. The entity thus was acquainted with the variations as to the acceptance of same by peoples in the varied positions through that experience.
28. The name then was Pebelus.
29. Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, when there were those reestablishings of the Priest and the coordinating of those activities from the Atlantean land, as well as the consideration given the Natives of the land.
30. The entity was one set in authority by the peoples from Atlantis, as a descendant of the Atlanteans, to aid in establishing a means of exchange between varied groups of varied lands.
31. Thus there was the establishing or the bringing about of better relationships with those groups where there were the attempts to dispense or establish the tenets or truths which has been acclaimed or acted upon in that land.
32. The entity was thus acquainted with those groups in the land of Said as well as Mu, and in On and Og.
33. These brought about developments through the experiences.
34. The name then was Ax-Exten.
35. As to the abilities of the entity and that to which it may attain, and how:
36. First, analyze thyself. Know, as given of old, there is within thee that consciousness which may be made aware of the activity of the spirit, concerning which ye learned from thy friends in the Palestine land.
37. The spirit is willing, the flesh is ofttimes weak; yet with that ideal kept ever as the motivative influence in the relationships with thy fellow man, as with thy neighbor, there may be kept that peace which is promised only in Him - who IS the advocate with the Father, even Jesus the Christ.
38. Then, keep thyself unspotted from the world, rightly dividing the words of truth, condemning none.
39. In the material activities, - that having to do with finance, which has been the experience of the entity through the greater expression may be found. Through this the entity may find the abilities to give to its fellow man the knowledge that it walks oft with Him who hath given, "My peace I leave with you - not as the world knoweth peace, but even as the Father hath manifested before you."
40. Keep the faith that is thy heritage from those experiences in the earth, that thy ways may be in keeping with that He would have thee do.
41. Ready for questions.
42. (Q) What future developments can he have in the Campbellite Church for the best interests of his spiritual development?
    (A) Not as a Campbellite Church, but AS one walking close with Jesus the Christ, often.
43. (Q) Wherein is his best sphere of mental and material development?
    (A) As indicated, the financial activity as related to individuals, groups, corporations or nations.
44. (Q) What is the next step based on his present experience at the Treasury Department for his larger mental development for the benefit of the government itself and for the man himself to better serve God and man?
    (A) Keep that as set before thee, knowing - as He hath given - every individual in a place of authority has the opportunity to manifest unto the glory of the Father. THAT do.
45. (Q) Has he had any other association before in any plane with Edgar Cayce?
    (A) In the Palestine as well as in the Egyptian land.
46. (Q) With [257]?
    (A) In the Egyptian.
47. (Q) Is there any additional work that he can do, considering his present duties, to aid America to win the war?
    (A) Do with thy might, and thy prayer for direction by Him, what thy hands find to do day by day.
    Let thy prayer oft be, "Here I am, O Lord, use me - send me." And be willing, as He may direct, to be guided by Him - the Christ.
48. We are through.

    Two copies to Self (one for Mr. [257] if you wish him to go over the information with you)
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 2/12/42 He submitted questions via Mr. [257].
2. 3/02/42 Mr. [257]'s letter: "Mr. [2697] sends this [see below] to you!
   Write him a personal letter and keep in touch as he is a fine man. He is also [333]'s boss - he works 3,000 people in all - he spends ten million daily."
   BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE "BODY OF CHRIST"*
   There are steps involved, not only on the part of the one who is the object of this grace, but on the part of God's as well. It is god who takes the initial step.
   God's part is expressed in a golden chain of sovereignty in Rom. 8:30 (CV): "Now whom He designates beforehand, these He calls also, and whom He calls, these He justifies also; now whom He justifies, these He glorifies also."
   Our part in steps responsive is recorded in Rom. 10:9 (CV) "that, if you should be avowing by your mouth the declaration that Jesus is Lord, and should be believing in your heart that God rouses Him from among the dead, you shall be saved".
   In their order the steps are as follows:
   1. God designates beforehand. See also Eph. 1:4. 2. God calls. See also John 6:44. 3. We hear. See also Romans 10:17. 4. We believe (in the heart) Romans 10:9. 5. We make a declaration of faith with the mouth that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead (Rom. 10:9). This is evidence of the "one baptism" which is "in spirit" according to 1 Cor. 12:13 (RV). 6. God justifies. See also Rom. 5:1. 7. God saves and glorifies. See also 1 Thess. 4:16--18.
   * Composed of Gentiles and some Jews who lose their identity as such in the "Body of Christ".
   The "Bride Church" which embraces the church at Pentecost is made up of Jews and some Gentiles (proselytes). The kingdom of the heavens, the hope of the favored nation, is now in abeyance while it is blinded for a season. During this blindness the "body Church" is developed and glorified (1 Thess. 4:16--18). In becoming members of the church which is His body we have been "translated out of the kingdom of darkness, into the kingdom of the Son of His love" which is universal and not confined to the earth. "In spirit we are even now "seated together with Him in the heavenlies" until the glad day of Christ when it becomes a reality.
3. 3/06/42 EC's ltr. to Mr. [2697]:
   Mr. [2697] ..., Md.
   Dear Bro [2697]
   Through our mutual friend Mr. [257] have your application for membership in the Ass'n, that presents the work I have been doing for more than 40 years now. Making the appointment for the reading for the afternoon of the 11th, 3.30 to 4.30 E.W.T. - trust may be the channel of help in some small way.
   The enclosed data - Becoming a member of the Church which is the "Body of Christ" is of special interest to me, as was for several years when a boy the caretaker of the Church where Campbell and Stone met to unite their efforts. Old Liberty, Christian Co., Ky. was will acquainted with David Lipscomb and Granville Liscomb, J. H. Harding and J. A. Hardin, as well as F. B. and F. D. Swrigley.
   Wish might have the opportunity to talk with you, am sure we have many interests where we might meet on safe ground.
   The work in which I am engaged may seem strange to you, so am under separate cover [sending?] a little booklet as presents same. Hope you may find time to read, as it will give you a better insight than might in a long letter. But does the reading of same bring questions, please don't hesitate to ask, for do not wish to fool myself or any one else.
   The idea of Re-incarnation has been presented through the readings through the years, and not from a study of any eastern theory. But am persuaded the BOOK teaches same, or should I say, better understood if such a theory is accepted at least.
   Do hope may be the means of help - for know of myself can do nothing - only as the Spirit of the Christ may work in or through me.
   Hope haven't taken too much of your time, trust we may be of mutual help.
   Sincerely, Edgar Cayce

REPORTS

1. 3/17/42 Mr. [2697]'s ltr. to EC:
   Dear Brother Cayce,
   I have your letter of March 6 but because of the pressure of business together with the fact I am recuperating from an attack of the "Flu" it was necessary to postpone answering.
   I am indeed glad to know that the paper Mr. [257] sent you was of interest - You mention the names of a number of gentlemen identified with our Brotherhood - Of course, I have heard of some of them but as you must know they were before my time -. I have, however, had the benefit of close association with some outstanding men of our church - viz., Rev. Frederick D. Power, Rev. Earl Wilfley, both deceased, Rev. Pinkerton, Rev. F. B. Sapp and others. Dr. Power and Wilfley made deep and lasting impressions on me, perhaps, because I was more closely associated with them - These two men occupied the pulpit of what is now known as the National City Christian Church and is in fact the National Church of our brotherhood.
   My family and I have been attending a little Christian Mission church in our community where we feel less conspicuous in our devotions and that appeals to us -
   My parents were members of the Christian Church and I have been since childhood.
   I am greatly interested in your work and I read the literature you so kindly sent me - It must be a source of tremendous satisfaction to you to be able to help so many -
   You are doing the Lord's work and I sincerely trust you will be spared for many years to continue your noble purposes and mission - for it seems you must have been called by HIM.
   I should deem it a privilege to meet you and shall look forward to that occasion. Should you come to Washington sometime in the near future won't you please grant me a few minutes of your time.
   I received my reading yesterday and am deeply appreciative - Mr. [257] is expected in my office this week at which time I hope to obtain his aid in thorough understanding the full significance of this most unusual paper.
   I am at a loss to express my appreciation and say simply - may the Lord bless you and keep you -
   Sincerely
2. 11/30/42 Mr. [2697]'s ltr. to EC:
   My dear Mr. Cayce -
   I received your letter dated Nov. 10, 1942, advising me about the book of your life on the eve of my departure from the city and have just returned - hence the delay in replying - I trust you will pardon the seeming indifference quite to the contrary, I am exceedingly interested and am looking forward to the receipt of the book whereupon I shall read it without delay -
   I appreciate your thinking of me and I hasten to thank you - I am also pleased to know it will be autographed with an individual message - You may be sure I shall prize this highly -
   I note the cost is $5.00 but I am enclosing money order in the amount of $10.00 to cover the the cost plus a box of cigars on whatever you may care to use the balance for - I hope this will be accepted in the spirit tendered and that it will give no offense.
   I shall continue to look forward to our talk someday and in the meantime may God Bless and keep you and may your wonderful work continue -
   Sincerely - [2697]
3. 3/25/42 EC's letter:
   Mr. [2697] ..., Md.
   Dear Bro [2697]
   Thanks very much for yours of the 17th - glad to hear from you. Feel very much as a young lady must have felt whom I met some years ago on a street care in Texas; was with Mr. [257] and Maj. Wilson at the time, they were talking. Maj. Wilson and Mr. [257] kept calling me "Cayce." Finally the young lady turned to me and said, "Beg pardon, but how do you spell your name?" When I said "Cayce" she said, "Are you a member of the Campbellite Church?" "Yes." "Are you a Democrat?" "Yes." "Well, shake," as she offered her hand, "I am a Cayce also." So it is in meeting one vitally interested in the Christian Church there is a closeness that doesn't come from any thing else that I am aware, unless as above.
   Understand from the records of my family the early settlers of Va. were closely identified with Mr. Campbell as they were in Tenn. and Ky. where great number of family moved in later years. Have heard of Rev. Power, tho never met him. Yes, all those names that I mentioned were identified with the early church movement in Ky. and Tenn. Didn't think you knew any of them but was sure you must have heard of them. Think the man who made the greatest impression of me of all the ministers I ever met was D. L. Moody, while not of the Christian Church, was a great Evangelist, and knew him very well when possibly needed some spiritual council, at least from that Ass'n that I began a class as a young man that possibly has had a bit to do with Foreign Missions. Dr. William Hardy was a member of that class, the first medical Missionary to Tibet. He is still there, so I hear, as well as two that went to China; another to Hawaii and to So. Africa. An interesting fact the class I try and teach now is supporting a native mission- ary in Africa who works under the young man, Mr. Taylor, who is in that class of mine in 1898, - has been in the Congo many years, he is also of the Christian Church. Thank you for your interest in the work have been doing now for more than 40 years. That its basis is in Christian living, is what appeals to me. Do hope may have the privilege of meeting you. Have many friends in Washington, and hope to visit there some time this spring, surely hope to meet you then.
   Hope when you have an opportunity to go over your reading with Mr. [257], you will write me again and tell me what you think of same. Be assured I have nothing to sell nor any theory that I wish to have others subscribe to, for am, I believe, like Paul "I am determined to know nothing among you but Jesus the Christ and him Crucified".
   Thanking you again, and may His Blessings be with you and yours
   Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce
4. 5/18/43 Mr. [2697] requested a Physical Rdg. for his aging mother but due to illness and rush of appointments EC was not able to make an appointment.

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