This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 18th day of July, 1942, in accordance with request made by the husband - [4959], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

TEXT

1. GC: You will give the physical condition of this body at the present time, with further suggestions for corrective measures; answering the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes.
3. As we find, there is not the response that should have been with the application of those things suggested.
4. It would be better, then, if there would be had not only a nerve specialist but an excellent nerve gynecologist, for an interview respecting these conditions.
5. For, those pressures that continue to arise from the attempts of the body to adjust itself are working greater hardships on the body, as well as producing anxieties about the body.
6. Then, we would make those connections either with a specialist in Cleveland or in Rochester, - making those associations, see? either through Crile in Cleveland, or Mayo's.
7. (Q) Would the removal of her female organs correct the condition?
   (A) If this is properly done, and there is the ability to adjust the body in its mental hopes and its determinations for its activities, this would bring about better conditions. It will require time, and some period of recuperation - but these are the more hopeful measures for this body.
8. (Q) Is there anything she could rub over her neck and shoulders and back of head when the pain becomes so intense?
   (A) This as we find arises from those pressures deep within the body. As has been indicated, there is not the response from the osteopathic relaxation given to the centers along the spine. That is the reason why it would be necessary for the services of the nerve specialist, - Crile, or Mayo's.
9. (Q) With the menopause over, would there still continue the jerking and pulling of head?
   (A) Not if the nerves are adjusted. But you see, with the removal of the organs, this would discontinue just as soon as there were the adjustments made.
10. We are through with this Reading.

    Copy to Husband - Air - Special
    Copy to Ass'n file
    (Dr. George Crile, Euclid Ave. at 93rd St., Cleveland, Ohio; or Mayo's, Rochester, Minn.)

BACKGROUND

1. See 2722-4.

REPORTS

1. 10/09/42 Husband's letter to HLC explaining why he was unable to buy a $5 copy of the book, THERE IS A RIVER:
   Your Father knows my wife has been in wretched condition for quite sometime. He gave her three readings, and she followed all his suggestions but as to the last one. We discussed with Dr. Woodall here in Birmingham the advisability of an operation, and he had for some time recommended seeing a Dr. Chalmers Moore, of Birmingham, a noted nerve surgeon of this district. We followed his advice and went to see Dr. Moore, and he said right away what her trouble was, and said the only thing to do was to operate. Well, we finally sent my wife to the hospital in Birmingham and Dr. Moore operated on one side of her neck on a Tuesday afternoon; her trouble was not lessened a bit. Then on Friday afternoon he operated on the other side of her neck, cutting out scar tissue and muscle, he said, on both sides. She is not one bit better than before. So she has been doctoring and taking medicine and treatments now over a year, spending quite a large sum of money, in her endeavor to get well, and is not one whit better. Right now we are making plans, which are not yet settled, for sending her to Mayo's for an examination and whatever else they advise. We do not know if that will be successful.
   Having been very sick four years ago, and my wife's illness dating from almost that time, I have been under constant expense during these four years or more; can't do much work myself, and trying to keep my girl in college at the same time. The last operations were on borrowed money. The whole of the Mayo trip and expenses will have to be on borrowed money. And with the War on, my work greatly affected, everything sky-high, and expenses still piling up, not too well myself, and you can see I am somewhat in a hole, and the getting out of that hole is certainly not yet on the horizon; the present only points to getting deeper in that hole. So I cannot afford to buy a book, much though I want to. If I could afford it, I would send something on to your Father for the last two readings, but don't have it. I am sure you will understand, and that I am sorry indeed.
2. 12/10/42 Mr. [4959]'s ltr. to EC:
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, Va.
   My Dear Friend Edgar:
   Have been very busy of late, but now have a breathing spell in court until the first of next year. So want to get this off to you among the first of my much neglected mail.
   [2722] went through Mayo's Clinic, but they would not operate. Six doctors in consultation on her case said another operation would most likely leave her flat on her back, paralyzed, the balance of her life. They did, however, send her to their therapy department, and there she was given hot dry baths, massage, and instructed in exercises, all of which she is to keep up at home; they selling her a "warmer" and a "head sling". If she keeps up this work EVERY DAY she might see some improvement in six months. If she fails to keep it up, her head and shoulders will become stiff. [2722] has been real brave about it all, and is taking her hot baths and exercises, but has been unable to get some one to come to the house every day to give the massages. The trip benefitted her in the change of scenery, etc. And I do believe I see some improvement in her right now, though she still has her trouble and pain, though not quite as bad, and rests much better and with very little "rest tablets". Have spent much over a thousand dollars on my wife this year, and am pretty badly in the "hole" financially. Would love to have the book of your life, but have no reason to expect you to stand for the same. Very many thanks, though.
   Very truly yours, Mr. [4959]
3. 12/24/42 Husband's letter:
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, Va.
   My Dear Friend Edgar:
   Have just had a wonderful Christmas present, not only in the gift of a book entitled "There Is A River", and for which gift I am deeply grateful; but especially in the reading of the book, - I will not and cannot receive a finer Christmas gift. I can't do but very little reading at night any more, so must work my reading in during the daytime. When court closed last week I started on the book which you so kindly sent me, and I can truly say it is a wonderful book. First let me congratulate the writer, for he has presented his subject in a most intelligent and interesting way. And then, this is the first time I have ever had the privilege and pleasure of reading the life of a friend, and a dear friend at that, one in whom I have believed these many years. I am sure it must have been a thrill out of the ordinary to read your own life. Well, some such thrill was mine as I read this most interesting story and life. Much of it I was already familiar with, you, your gift, your earnest efforts to put it to a good use, your sincere Christian life, your willingness to help at all times, is beautifully told, along with your few "faults" if such they may be called. I could enter into it with so much pleasure for your family, your work, the mention of Kahn and Dr. Percy Woodall, the different cities, - Birmingham, Selma, and a host of other things, just made the book so entirely different, aside from the subject; and altogether it was all so interesting and intriguing that I could hardly tear myself away from it until it was finally finished. So I say again, Thanks indeed for the very best Christmas present I can possibly receive this year. And may you have many years still ahead to carry on your unusual gift and benefaction.
   May I discuss just a few portions. I am familiar with the story, having received it from your own lips many years ago, concerning your early experiences with your gift, etc., so will pass over that. Such love for your wife. I thought I loved my wife years ago, and I surely did. I would give something if I had such love yet. Please don't give me away, but I don't feel that way now. My wife has her faults, - too particular, too fussy, - the results have shown in her present trouble. A bundle of nerves. Clean, Christian, with lofty thoughts and aspirations, but everything MUST be just so and so, everything MUST be in its proper place, - that is, her idea of a proper place. But forgive me, when it's all said and done perhaps I am the one to blame after all. However, I rejoice with you in your love. I am glad there is such still existent in this world.
   I understand now, which I never did fully understand before, the trouble with the "oil venture". I knew you were not at fault, but it was never explained to me, and I didn't want to ask too much, and so I have always wondered just what the trouble was. I understand fully now; it just could not succeed.
   But about the "reincarnation". You'll have to go a longer way with me than as set out in the book to get me to believe that much though I would like to follow you all the way through. In fact, here is something which will interest you: Just before I received your book I received a "Bulletin" of the "November 1941" issue, - at least, so it was dated, a continuation of "The Book of Revelation" from the "October Bulletin". In that "study" the writer (evidently your son Hugh), quotes from one Manly Hall, and evidently adopts the same as his own teaching, concerning the Apostle John being a Gnostic, or at least, leaning towards Gnosticism. I had just been studying lately concerning Paul and his writing of the Epistle to the Colossians. Paul undoubtedly wrote that letter to the Church at Colossae because Epaphras, a "dear fellow servant" at Colossae, had written him at Rome concerning, - or actually visited Paul at Rome, - concerning the false teachings of Gnostics in the Callosae church. And it was to correct these false teachings, and to condemn the false Gnostic teachers, Paul wrote this letter. In the first two chapters he condemns some of the false teachings and weaves in some of the purest and most wonderful truths concerning the believer's standing in Christ and Christ in Him. Paul had to fight Judaism, and which he fought with might and main especially in the Epistles of Romans and Galatians; and he also had to fight Gnosticism. Gnosticism, as I understand, was a smattering of Oriental mythology, Greek philosophy, and, in the case of those in the church, with just a small portion of Christianity mixed in. Paul despised such teachings. Then this November "Bulletin" came along teaching that John, the beloved apostle of our Lord, was, or leaned toward Gnosticism. I just don't grasp it. In fact, I was about to write you concerning same when your book arrived, and so I withheld writing. If I understand Paul aright, and I have studied him and his works deeply and sincerely, he fought Gnosticism. If I understand Revelation, and I spent three years on the study of that one book, and have held a number of different classes on the study of that book, and am still sought after to start other classes in the study of it, and from what I can understand John was not a Gnostic, - as I understand the meaning of that word, - and actually was not responsible for anything written in the book. Almost everybody refers to Revelation as "John's Revelation". Whereas it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, given to John, and which John was told to "write". True John was in the "spirit" on that Lord's day when he received the message. Which, of course, he would have to be if he was to receive such a message as he did receive.
   Again: If there is one thing the Bible is POSITIVE on, from Genesis to Revelation, it is that God abhors sin, and that sin is punished by death, - the second death; which "death" is described variously but always to the same point, namely, eternal punishment. To the Jew it was Keep the Law. If they did not keep it, and none did, according to Christ's teachings, and Romans, then ALL MUST DIE. The saved ones under law are those who sincerely loved God and tried to keep His law, and who, whether consciously or not, looked forward to the Christ to atone for their sins, and which Christ has done since. Under the New Covenant it is "BELIEVE!" "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." To be "saved" is to be spared from judgement and the second death. No mention of an intermediary life or lives. All is dependent on the Here and Now, as to how eternity shall be spent. Christ gave a picture of the next stage following this life on earth in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Surely He, knowing how most of mankind desired to know something of the unknown and future, would not draw a picture which was not true. From death the next step is Hades. Hades is the place of departed spirits divided into two places and separated by an impassable gulf, - catch that; no chance ever, according to the picture and story drawn by Christ Himself, for anybody to change once death has come to the mortal body. There, according to Christ, the spirits of the departed good await the coming of Christ and their new resurrection bodies. According to Thessalonians, First Epistle, 4th chapter, 13th to 17th verses, the next step is the coming of Christ and the resurrection of both the living and the dead believers, and being ushered into heaven by Christ Himself; and which is also endorsed by First Corinthians, 15th chapter. Revelations also confirms all this. There is "one resurrection" of the just. The two beasts, after the coming of Christ in His Second Coming, are cast into hell fire Satan is "bound: for a thousand, - not cast into hell fire yet. But after his release from his bounds, and after he has tried those on earth who have gone through the thousand years of peace, then he too is taken and cast into hell fire "where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Rev. 20:10). (See also Rev. 19 and 20.) Then follows the second resurrection, which evidently is of the unjust only; all those who have died from the beginning of this earth down to that very day, including those on earth then. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
   Now, your book goes on the premise, based on readings, that the apostles erred and failed to give us the truth. If that is so, then the New Testament books are not "inspired", for they are not the full or the real truth. "And woe is me!" If they, the books of the New Testament, are not the truth, then there could be some truth in the claims of the Seventh Day Adventists, who ignore most of Paul's direct teachings, mixing some law with some grace. Which I deny as truth. If the New Testament is not inspired, then there would be some claim for the Mormans whose leader "discovered" some new books. If the New Testament is not inspired, then there is plenty of room for accepting Madam Glover, Baker, Patterson, Eddy's teaching that for 1900 years Christ left this world get along without a "key" to the Scriptures; thus letting millions and millions of souls go to eternity without help though he died on Calvary to save and laboriously taught His apostles the truth and showered them with the power and wisdom of the Holy Ghost. And which "key" to the Scriptures costs each soul Five Dollars to possess. "Mrs." Eddy being in my estimation nothing more than a whore, - and she received the "key"? Such falsity I cannot believe. I do believe the Scriptures which the faithful apostles gave their lives to seal. I do believe the Scriptures which the Holy Spirit has blessed and made possible not only through its reading and believing, to change human life, but actually to make the "world up-side-down".
   Again: Christ said to the robber on His right, at the crucifixion "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." Paradise is the part of Hades where the believers are. Which is thoroughly in accord with His oral picture as given in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. But why go on further? To believe these new teachings, - new to me, at least, though believed by most of the old so-called ungodly or un-Christian bodies of people for ages past and even now; religions for the most part whose people have fought and slain thousands upon thousands of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. And to believe with the Roman Catholics that prayers must be said for the dead, - Edgar, I can't just believe such things, even though you get that stuff in your readings.
   But believe me, Edgar, I believe in your gift; it has helped me wonderfully, and has helped many others. I guess the trouble with my wife has been she hasn't believed in it at all, or very little, for she has never been helped. And I believe in you. I think you have lived a most earnest and consecrated life. I have truly enjoyed your book, - the most pleasant reading I have had in a long, long time. All except the part concerning reincarnation. Facetiously may I add, and I am sure you will note this is in all good humor, - Why only seven lives for mortals when the cat has the proverbial nine lives?
   Seriously, Edgar I knew you would like to know just how I felt after reading "There Is A River." Well, this letter has tried to tell you. It is a wonderful book; truly wonderful, fascinating, and interestingly told. I admire you as much and even more than ever. But I can't accept reincarnation. I'm going to stick, like you, to my Sunday School lessons, etc., until I get more light, and it must be light with a capital L.
   Thank you for the gift, for the knowledge it gives of you and your strange but wonderful gift; and the help it may be to others I hope, for years to come. And wishing you and yours a very, very Merry Christmas, and a truly Happy New Year, I remain,
   Sincerely your Friend, [4959]
4. 1/05/43 EC's letter to Mr. [4959], Mrs. [2722]'s husband:
   Dear [4959]:
   Wish to answer yours of the 24th, for appreciate your letter and your frankness more than know how to tell you. While can never think on paper very well and am so poor at the typewriter, know will not get down all would like to say; but hope enough for you to know what am thinking and how very much I appreciate your letter. There are those of our friends who's opinions we value above that of others - that, I suppose is natural as the Master had closer friends than others, it seems. Am glad you liked the book - Sugrue did a very nice job of it, considering what he had to work on. As to the beliefs that he has drawn or what thoughts it may lead others to draw from the information - that he has, like any of us, am sure may be different from what the intent of the fact as may be set forth - as we all may interpret the meaning of a writer of the New Testament. Think you know what I believe as that as well - as I know myself, for this has been and ever will be - am determined to know nothing among men but Jesus the Christ and Him Crucified."
   Of course, I believe in "personal revelation" provided such is in keeping with what Jesus taught - and could I but tell you some of my experiences well, I know they are not proofs to any one; maybe not positive to my own self, but they are assurances to me. As to "Thy spirit beareth witness with My spirit whether ye be the Children of God or not" have never read a book on Mystery of the ages or any of the books he even refers to. Have and do read the BIBLE daily - have no private interpretation - yet, guess have a feeling of assurance. Never wished to believe in Re-incarnation, has been thrust on me, is so many ways do not ask others to believe it. Do not believe it is essential to salvation only that it is a fact, and all will some time come where learn whether we wish to or not. Will you pardon a story here, not to justify myself - no one need to try and justify self, only to Glorify The Christ Daily in their lives.
   But years ago, many years I had a little brother. He lived only a few months - his was the first time death touched me - and as the child I did not understand - who does? Save, "In the day ye eat there of ye shall surely die." Time went on eventually some theory that re-incarnation was presented in the information. I prayed earnestly about same, asked to be shown the truth, earnestly, sincerely, and I believe God hears prayer. Eventually, I had a very good friend - we will say a Mr. [779] and his family - a wife [780], and three lovely children - he was in my S.S. Class. He and each member of his family had more than once come to the information for help - and apparently had gotten same; two of them possibly saved from operations, tho, one of them once already in the operating room. Then I was away from Selma where they lived - one day had a very distressing letter for both the mother [780] and father [779] each begged me to come at once. The home was being broken up, a misunderstanding - the lives of the children would be wrecked. I wanted very much to go but had no money - could only Pray and pray about it. On the 3rd day, from some one whom had never heard of Columbus, Ga. wired me to meet them in Selma - they wished a physical reading. There was a round trip ticket from the station I was to Selma and return. I went, saw Mr. [779] and Mrs. [780]. Their home was saved and this last year, tho that has been some 12 or more years ago, they in tears told me of what might have been had I not been privileged to respond at that time. A year after reconciliation, a boy [318] was born. They asked for a reading, it said "Here you may have proof of the fact you have doubted. Let your Mother see the Child, she will recognize him as he will her." I believed, but was not financially able to see it consummated. She died soon, so I thought "It is all gone. Am lost - as to personal proof." Had not seen the child [he was now two and half years old], when I went to Ala. again, the [779]'s came for me, wished me to go home with them. On the way, Mrs. [780] said to me, "Mr. Cayce, we have a very peculiar child, please help us to understand him. He insists he does not belong to us, is only visiting us that his folks will come for him. He will have nothing to do with strangers, calls us by our names, Mr. [779] and Mrs. [780] and his sisters and brothers by their name. While you know the rest, say sister and brother." We arrive at their home, the child [318] is a lovely child - apparently normal in every way. I could only think what might have been had I heeded what had been said. I went in at first, he would have nothing to do with either me or my wife who was with me. He merely stood off and looked intently at me. Then, suddenly he rushed to me with his little face radiant and said "Brother". What that did to me, [4959], can never tell any one! He at once began to beg me to take him home with me - that he belonged to me, that he didn't belong there. I had to leave while he was asleep - I could not interfere. I know he was there for a purpose, what Who knows did not see him again until he was past ten. Then was in the home again - at the dinner table, the mother said to me, "Mr. C., this child has been disturbed by something but I do not know what; there are two rooms in this house, we have just moved in to, in which he will not go alone and bad enough one is the bath-room. When we ask him why, he only says 'you would not understand were I to tell you.' Won't you try and find out what it is?" A day or so later had the chance, to ask him what had noticed. He shyly said, "Well, will tell you because these folks don't understand; you will. Some one died in those two rooms and they disturb me when I go in there alone. But, if I take something alive with me, like a bird or the flower, even they don't disturb for they have LIFE and Life is God. And when He is with me, nothing can harm." When I went to leave, he was packed to leave with me with out saying any thing. Then I tried to talk with him, told him how necessary he was in that home and he must finish school there. He was resigned. Incredible story, [4959], but every word true, so help me GOD! Had you had that experience, what would you say? And that my friend, is only one of hundreds have experienced in the last 15 years. No, no, no, not proof to any one but mighty meaningful to me.
   Jesus told us the proof of any thing was in the "Fruit thereof". The letter sent you a few days ago, is an answer to our boy's belief and practice of the information. No, it may not be infallible - am sure it is misunderstood oft. It is not me, [4959] that I know, for of myself can do nothing - only as the spirit of truth may work in or through me. It is always the spirit of truth - there is, of course, the whole question - so long as I have Christ as the Ideal, am not afraid. When self or self-interest - am afraid and it has failed.
   Not so long ago, [4959], had this experience [GD's note: See this dream also under 294-196, 12/12/42]. These am telling you not to convince you of any thing - only they are what have convinced me. I do not ask any one to accept my experience. Jesus promised to "come and abide with us" conditionally. Did He mean it, or was it written badly. I believe it, and believe He meant what he said. Had a vision - dream or whatever one wishes to call such - I believe the visions had by the seekers after God of old, and Believe He is the same to day as He was then. But any way, some one knocked at my door - I was alone in the room reading. when I answered they asked "Would I go with them to a meeting that evening?" At first, I made the excuse of not going out of evening, not having finished my S.S. lesson for the next day. They insisted, I finally went out. Another figure whom I did not recognize joined us; we walked toward the Ocean at its edge; we walked into the sky. We came to a large tent where there seemed to be a meeting of some sort. We approached, the one walking with me pulled back the flap of tent, then I knew with whom I had been walking: Mr. Moody and Sam Jones. The light was unusual, very weird, felt afraid - but was assured all was well by those with me. Walked into this large place, people seemed to be gathering, hordes of them - all appeared to be unreal to me. Then a low rumbling noise from the front of the place, with lightening flashes. I asked what that was. No form or figure could be seen. A Cloud, or mass, - was told it was the All Mighty God that would speak to man. Then a voice asked "Who would warn my people?" Again and again, it was asked, then I boldly asked "Could I do so? Would if was ready or acceptable." Then out from the throng came the Master Jesus; He Blessed me and said "I will go with you all the way." Unreal - self-delusionary, am sure you will say. But [4959], it has given me a strength, a meekness and I hope a kindness that did not have before. No, this is not to be made a religion - a schism or a cult, never! These are only assurances for myself, not to be told to bring other than the assurance that God is mindful of the children of men.
   I hope you understand me, [4959]. I may be all wrong in even repeating these experiences, and know they are dangerous used in an unseeming manner - but God forbid, that I should boast of them in any sense! I realize I am possibly entering the testing period of my life - many of us can stand adversity and seek Christ and His help. Few can stand popularity and seek Him in same. Pray for me that I keep in the straight and narrow. One gets afraid at times, only HIS assurance can and will sustain.
   Hope haven't wearied you. How many personal experiences have had, as with the child, many. But they, too, I have accepted as answer to prayer. If I am fooling my self, they answer to me. There is in such a life as is indicated in my son's answer to an offer of an easy way.
   Write me again, [4959], tell me just how foolish I am. Don't wash your hands of me, for I seek only the Christ way. I have read "Oh yes - Jesus we know and Paul we know, but who are you?" Hadn't the Master spoken to me, well I am sure.
   Thank you - hope haven't bored you too much. Do hope Mrs. [2722] is better. Hope you have found just the right one to give her treatments.
   With every good wishes and May His Blessings be with you,
   [signed] Edgar Cayce
5. 7/10/43 GD's note: EC gave a more detailed description of dream [Par. R4 above] in his letter to Mrs. [3361]. See it recorded under 294-196 Reports with other dreams of EC. [Apparently the above was just too much for EC's good friend Mr. [4959] [[2722]'s husband] to swallow. There is no record of further communication from him.]

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