Edgar Cayce Readings, 3548-1

Time and Place: 10:45 to 11:00 A. M. Eastern War Time. New York, N.Y.

TEXT

GC: Now you will have before you the entity [3548], born August 4th, 1891, in Utica, New York; and you will give a Mental and Spiritual Reading with advice and counsel as to how he may develop his psychic abilities to better help others.
EC: Yes. In analyzing the body-mind, the purposes and ideals of this entity, a great deal might be said for and against the entity's application of the psychic abilities that are latent and manifested through the entity.
In a manner the entity does not need anyone to tell him what to do with these abilities. There might be warnings indicated as to the acceptance of sources of information, also as to the inclination of the entity to think more highly of that which is innate in self than there is true justification for.
Rather would this be given as counsel for this entity:
The entity will find itself body, mind and soul. There are in the three-dimensional applications of influence outside of self, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then, of course, there is the mental-body, as well as the soul-body. These are not visible to the normal eye and yet this body may discern about others not merely their own mental bodies but that such a body-mind uses in its application of physical, mental and material truths.
Then, in the study of self there is the recognition that there are forces outside of self, there are forces and influences within self. The true God-forces meet within, not without self. For when there are altars builded outside, which individuals approach for the interpretation of law, whether it be physical, mental or spiritual, these are temptations. It is concerning such that warnings were given to the peoples. Though the entity or others may say, "Oh, that's the old Jewish conception of it," but be ye Jew, Gentile, Greek, Parthenian or what, the law is one - as God is one. And the first command is "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Then those influences without - know of whom they give evidence. It is true that ye have been warned, "Try ye the spirits." But this is also that that is questioned.
Rather then as we would give, so live in thine own life, in thine own application of the divine law, that there may be no question within self. And if ye live with the divine law, who may question. To be sure, there may be questions by some who have interpreted the law to their own understanding or their own undoing. Yet there is ever the answer "My spirit beareth witness with thy spirit as to whether ye be the child of God or not."
These, then, should ever be. But there is produced by same humbleness - not as has been in some instances in the entity's self - not the lording of others. For as He gave, who was, who is, who ever will be the manifestation of the Spirit - which is true psychic force - he that will be the greatest will be the servant of all. Not necessarily being as a doormat, but ever willing, ever helpful - but to the glory of God, to the honor of self. Not to the glory of self in any manner or way, but in humbleness preferring one another.
These are the laws.
Then we would set, as for the entity, this:
Begin first and analyze thyself, thy purposes. Know that thy body, thy mind, thy soul are one. Thy body is the temple. Treat it as such - the temple of God. Don't abuse it, don't misuse it, but - in mind and in spirit, as well as in physical outlook - keep it as a place worthy of thy Father-God, and thy Savior, the Christ, meeting with thee in that body, that mind, that soul.
Then, know in what ye believe - and know who is the author of same. His purpose has been "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments and if ye keep my commandments I and the Father will come and abide with thee."
Then, are ye looking for some other? These should be questions. Remember, those who had familiar spirits were classified as wizards. They are classified with the liars, the adulterers, and those of that class - which as ye know is not in keeping with patience, love, kindness, brotherly love and the like.
Then be consistent in thy choices of that which will be thy source, thy understanding. For if the Lord thy God be with thee, who may be against thee?
Ready for questions.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

12/28/43 Friend's letter:
..., New York
My dear Mr. Cayce:-
I have been withholding answer to your kind letter of Nov. 13 to see if there was any use having a physical reading for my sister on the date you set January 14th. She is now so weak that she gives no signs of recognizing people and it looks as if your fear the reading might be too late was prophetic.
Under the circumstances would you be willing to use the twenty dollars I sent as a membership fee for my friend [3548], ..., New York, N.Y. He has psychic power and his application is enclosed. He has been helping others all his life and it would be fine if you tell him if he is on the right track. Could you give him a mental and spiritual reading at the time originally set aside for my sister? I am much interested in psychic matters but [3548]'s work is more important.
With the Greetings of the Season, [...]
1/12/44 [3548]'s ltr. to EC:
Insurance Broker ..., New York
Mr. Edgar Cayce c/o Ass'n For Research & Enlightenment, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia
My dear Mr. Cayce:
By arrangement with Mr. [...] I am taking the time that was originally assigned to his Sister and which was changed by him in his letter to you of December 28th, 1943. On January 14th, 1944 from 10:30 to 11:30 A. M. Eastern War Time I will be at ..., New York City, on the ... Floor with Mr. [...] in his office and will follow your instructions implicitly.
For your information I believe myself to have a certain amount of psychic ability and to have friends on the other side. One way in which my ability to be of help to others manifests itself is in "healing." I do this by concentrating in my thoughts on the person who is ill. This generally aids in their recovery or at least makes them more comfortable. The person must be one I know or known to some one I know. Do you get any indication of a change of technique being desirable. Is this intermediate prayer period the best way of using my particular ability to help others and what shall I do to keep the channel open? I feel that the confirmation from you will encourage my belief that the power that comes is done through my intercession.
I might also mention that I do not accept under any circumstances any remuneration. If there is any other information you can give me I assure you it will be greatly appreciated.