Reading 254-54

TEXT OF READING 254-54

Text

Date: 3/4/1931 Sex: M ReadingID: 1192

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 4th day of March, 1931, in accordance with request made by self and those individuals present.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Annie and L. B. Cayce, Sarah Hesson, Sara Atkinson, Mildred Davis, Gray Salter and Frank H. Scattergood.]

Time of Reading 3:30 P. M. Eastern Standard Time.

1. GC: You will have before you Edgar Cayce, present in this room, and the phenomena that manifests itself through him. Also those individuals closely associated and interested in the furtherance of the work, and the circumstances that surround these and the phenomena itself. You will answer the questions for those so vitally interested, present in this room, answering the questions to each individually, as they themselves have asked them.

2. EC: Yes, we have the phenomena - active - and those conditions and circumstances that surround same at the present time, with those individuals vitally interested in the furtherance of the work and the circumstances and conditions that surround them in the present circumstance.

3. 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 laughingstock of many. Do not expect that evil days will not come upon each and every one, for - as was 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.

4. In the beginning, then, BEGIN aright!

5. Ready for questions.

6. (Q) Question of L. B. Cayce. How or in what capacity can I serve with the organization that I may accomplish the greatest good and help and serve the many? (A) Seek rather from the source of all light and life, rather than through these channels - for why take second- HANDED orders, if it be from God? else there remains still that trust in man, who being weak is oft evil spoken of, but pray ye the Lord THAT He may SHOW thee the way.

7. (Q) Questions of Gladys Davis: In what manner and way can I make myself a more perfect channel for the furtherance of the work? (A) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, rightly dividing the words of truth, AVOIDING the APPEARANCES of evil. In thy concepts, through various vibratory forces that present themselves through certain channels, these bring that that makes for some understandings that are hard to be dealt with, but in making thine self a channel, and dividing the words of truth, know that the Redeemer liveth, and THY hands may be used as manifestations of His LOVE, HIS joy, HIS hope, HIS peace.

8. (Q) How can I prevent the nerve-racking conditions which I experience, and keep calm and evenly balanced under these? (A) As has just been given.

9. (Q) What causes them? (A) As has just been given.

10. (Q) Outline the specific directions in which I can use my abilities to serve the most, and advise me regarding such. (A) As developments come through the channels that have been outlined for organization of, furtherance of the principles, policies, and efforts of a group, there will of necessity be many varied characters to deal with. Lose not thy patience because anxiousness is sought by many that do not wholly understand. Remember the enthusiasm of Zacchaeus, and that day the Lord supped with him. Be not impatient with those who BECOME anxious, and as conditions, circumstances progress, ASK and ye SHALL receive. Let each join hands with Him, for if the work undertaken be not HIS work, have nothing to do with same, and the judge shall be thine OWN conscience; for conscience IS that which awakens the mind of the soul; the SOUL, that of thine self that is the nearest portion of the dwelling place OF the Holy of Holies Himself - the SPIRIT of the Master.

11. (Q) Questions of Mildred Davis: Just what place should I fill in this work? (A) When thou hast determined within thine own heart and soul as to the place the work, the manifestations of same, has in the heart of Him thou lovest, then be that same channel that thou wast in that place; for in WHATEVER capacity one serves, when the service is for HIS work, is an EXALTED service - for “he that giveth a cup of water in my name shall in no wise LOSE HIS reward”. Do with thy might what thy hands FIND to do, and there will be the joy, even as was said of old, “MARY hath chosen the better part”.

12. We are through.

Copy to Edgar Cayce ” ” File

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 3/6/31 See EC’s letter to Mrs. [264] re. Cayce Hospital being closed and ANI dissolved, Miss Annie Cayce starting nursing home, etc.

R2. 3/7/31 EC’s ltr. to Mr. F. F. Bradley in answer to Mr. Bradley’s ltr. See under 254-53, Par. R1.

THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL INVESTIGATORS, INC.

SCIENCE HEALTH EDUCATION SPIRITUAL AWAKENING Virginia Beach, Virginia

Mr. F. F. Bradley, 2626 So. Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill.

Dear Mr. Bradley:-

I am in receipt of a copy of the letter you wrote to Mr. Kahn on the 3rd.

We have had some information as to just what should be the attitude of individuals who would go about to re-organize and carry on the work. Copies of these readings will be sent to those whom we feel are interested, and while we do not want any individual to subscribe to the work unless they feel these readings are sound in every respect, we hope that they will prayerfully consider the suggestions made and then either meet WITH us for the pre-organization meeting or communicate their ideas and ideals to us that we may properly consider them before entering into any permanent organization.

I don’t know how to express to you my appreciation of the things you say in this letter to Mr. Kahn. In the greater part, I can truthfully say, I (physically, at least) am wholly in accord. There are a few questions you suggest which I think should be approached very much in the attitude of the phenomena itself. For the interpretation, the distribution, the organization, I am wholeheartedly in accord.

Thanking you, and hoping that we can arrange some way whereby we may have the advantage of your counsel, I am

Sincerely, EC EC:GD

P.S. Mrs. Harrell (H. B. Jr., of Weldon, N.C.) [See 264-11 Reports] wishes you to send her immediately another quantity of ash, as she has already taken half of the last quantity and doesn’t want to be without it. She is getting along wonderfully well. Can you send this at once?

R3. 3/9/31 See EC’s letter to Mr. [2504] re. old and new Assoc.

R4. 3/12/31 See EC’s form letter under 1739-8, to all close friends of the work asking for their suggestions in the reorganization.

R5. 3/15/31 Mr. Harold Holyoke Jones’ ltr. to EC:

Norfolk, Va.

Mr. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, Va.

Dear Mr. Cayce:

I have read yours of March 12th, together with the readings [254-53 & 54 attached], and thank you sincerely for giving me the opportunity of participating in the meeting March 28th. If I am in Norfolk I will certainly be there.

You ask for suggestions, advice and prayer. My mental and material affairs are in such a state of turmoil that all I feel capable of offering at present is prayer. No doubt out of this will come the other two. Of course I have my own ideas of an ideal in a vague sort of way and would like to have these crystallized into something definite to build my future life on. At any rate I will be heartily in accord with the work you are attempting.

In one of our lectures recently you made the statement that you were not here to start a new sect. This point should be kept firmly in mind when the organization comes to be formed.

There are many paths to the light and the one to be chosen should depend on the individual’s development. Further development depends on the individual and an organization can only point out the path and guide along the way. This should be one of the functions of the new organization and this phase of the work can best be illustrated and brought to the attention of those who may be interested, through the manifestation of super-normal power as in the Life and Physical Readings. When an individual can be brought to understand that the same power in some degree is latent in himself and only needs proper study and practice to be brought to some degree and proficiency (not necessarily to manifest in the same manner, for we all have different missions), then the individual can be shown the path and guided along the way.

This brings us to the fact that the physical reading - the healing work - is of prime importance and should be carried on as a mean of doing great good in the world and, incidently, a very effective way of attracting people who, through another section of the organization, may be set upon the path that leads to health, happiness and peace.

Sincerely, H. H. Jones [Harold Holyoake Jones, who later became President of A.R.E.]

[GD: See his ltr. of 2/16/75 and HLC’s ans. to it of 3/20/75 under 311-1 Reports, reminiscing in re the “old days”. The March 28, 1975 dedication of the new A.R.E. Library ceremonies were recorded audio-visually, with a full house of A.R.E. members, staff, and local community people. Several Board Members participated, including Lucille Kahn. Hugh Lynn read H. H. Jones’ 3/20/75 letter and one from Mary Sugrue. It was a grand occasion.]

R6. 3/16/31 Dr. Theodore J. Berger [D.O.]‘s ltr. to EC:

My dear Mr. Cayce:

Your letter of March 12th received and must say it gave me plenty to think about. The reading enclosed was certainly most interesting and makes us stand on our own feet doesn’t it? It was a good lecture for YOU too.

I would like very much to be present at the meeting on the 28th, but with our new baby such a trip is impossible. Have given your (may I say ‘our’) problems a lot of thought; I feel that I lack the experience to be of very great material help but will try to express to you, in brief, some suggestions.

I will follow the order of the three problems as given in your letter.

1st

PURPOSES OF THE ORGANIZATION.

MISSIONARY; to tell people about the work so that they may enter into it and be helped thereby. We are APOSTLES.

PROTECTION; to see that the principles and benefits of work fall into deserving hands and not to those who would ridicule or debase same. We would not have our pearls cast before swine.

UNION; to be a common medium through which there may be an interchange of thought and ideas among those who are active and interested in the work.

STUDY; to bring greater UNDERSTANDING and KNOWLEDGE of the work to us that we may better know how to APPLY it. To separate the tares from the wheat.

PUBLICATION; to record and publish all the knowledge given us by the Forces that they be not only available to a few but are given to all those at a distance so that they may digest them.

2nd

A MANAGER; the word seems to me to be rightly chosen. We do not seek a leader. We already have that in him to whom I write. I would not suggest a manager by name; I would say however that the manager NOT be Edgar Cayce nor any other through whom the phenomenon manifests itself; but one who thoroughly understands the work and is of great INDUSTRY. He should not at the same time be engaged in any other industry or occupation but devote ALL his energy to our work.

3rd

A NAME.

The American Apostolic Association.

I sincerely hope that these few suggestions will be of help to you. If there is anything further that I may be able to do for you I trust you will not hesitate to call on me. It will be a privilege and a pleasure to be of service to you.

With many kind thoughts and good wishes,

Sincerely, Ted Berger

R7. 3/17/31 EC’s letter to Mr. [779]: “I really believe the work should have been organized in the first so that each department would have taken care of itself, and I believe that such could have been done had we followed the first suggestion of obtaining a manager that was wholeheartedly in sympathy with, and yet a real good business man. Where we are going to find such a person I do not know, but they exist

• or the information would not have made such a suggestion.”

R8. 3/20/31 See Mr. [849]‘s ltr. under 849-1 Reports.

R9. 4/5/31 See 2087-7 in re Atlantic University survival.

Background

Background

None.

Mentioned Entities

Ideal, Soul, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), David Kahn, Prayer, Purpose, Virginia Beach, Gladys Davis, Virgin Mary, Air Shafts (Pyramid), Atlantic University, Cayce Hospital, Chicago, Gertrude Cayce, Healing, Holy of Holies, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Jesus Christ, Resurrection Appearances, Thomas Sugrue

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 254-54, ReadingID 1192.