Reading 486-1

TEXT OF READING 486-1 M 55

Text

Date: 1/14/1934 Sex: M Age: 55 ReadingID: 3558

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at the Baltimore Dock, in a room on the State of Maryland, Old Bay Line, this 14th day of January, 1934, in accordance with request made by his wife, Mrs. [844], new Active Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [486]”s niece, Miss [605].

[Edgar Cayce; Hugh Lynn Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Helene and Ernest W. Zentgraf.]

Time of Reading 7:00 to 7:20 A. M. Eastern Standard Time. …, Ky.

1. HLC: You will go over this body carefully, examine it thoroughly, and tell me the conditions you find at the present time, giving the cause of the existing conditions; also the treatment for the cure of this body especially in reference to his strong desire for drink. You will answer the questions which I will ask.

2. EC: Yes, we have the body here, [486].

3. Now, as we find, there have been those conditions that have disturbed the better physical forces of the body. These in the form of poisons have affected the digestive system, and with the addition of the things to allay the disorder there has been brought about the desire in the body for, and the use of, those things or conditions that would allay the pain. And there has been made the desire to keep from such a pain until the PAIN and the desire, bringing their fruits, have made for this inordinate desire for drink - until the condition has reached such as may be termed possessed with the spirit of both rum AND the sedatives to keep the satisfying of these influences.

4. The poisons that distress the muscular forces of the body physically, that have made for that which has been called neurotic or neuritis in the extremities, arise from a prolapsus in the colon area. This is from a strain in the early portion of the life that, had it been brought to normalcy when the body was developing - or when those conditions were in a position before the system had adjusted itself, would have been easy. In the present it will require time, patience, persistence, and the character of adjustments and treatments that will be applications from within, with the high enemas or colonic irrigations, and with the proper adjustments in the cerebrospinal system as to not only break up the lesions that have been formed, but to make for sufficient vitality stored in system to maintain the position for the transverse and the ascending colon.

5. In meeting the needs of the conditions in the present, as we find, it will require not only a desire for the awakening of forces within self that may combat evil influences in the inner life, but the maintaining of those conditions in the body for the period that will allow PHYSICALLY the spiritual forces to exert themselves.

6. Either, then, through applications of subjugating the conscious mind through hypnosis or through those treatments that may be accorded in those places where both drink AND sedatives may be taken FROM the body in such a manner that will allow the physical to exert itself. For, unless there is the arousing, under such conditions, for the WILL of the body to maintain, to gain control, LITTLE may be accomplished.

7. The Willett Institution in Nashville [Tennessee] is the better, the more appropriate for this particular body, as we find, to undertake; or that maintained in Macon - the Still-Hildreth Institution, [Still-Hildreth Osteopathic Sanatorium, Macon, Mo.] where there would not only be the correction of the desire but also the correction of the physical condition in the digestive system and the breaking up of those conditions that have disturbed the body-physical. We would make the effort through these channels.

8. Ready for questions.

9. (Q) Is it possible for his wife or mother to do anything to help him be relieved of this condition? (A) Only in aiding or in persuading or insisting that this application be made.

10. (Q) Over what area should the osteopathic treatments be given to relieve the colon condition? (A) First, as will be seen in the institution, there will be the cleansing of the system; not only of the poisons by the irrigations but by the diet and by the manner in which there would be the applications for the relief of the PHYSICAL desire in the body itself. Then the MANIPULATIONS would extend from corrections in the 8th and 9th dorsal to the lower lumbar area and sacral area; of course, keeping the alignments in the upper cervical but the corrections in the upper dorsal and lumbar area.

As may be well gained by many, habit and desires are akin. Habit, however, is a physical reaction to the senses of the body, while desire is both mental, physical AND spiritual, and when INORDINATE desire has been created by the use of those forces that make for the activities in all the sensory forces of the body, it becomes as the possession of those forces from without and from within that create, without the cleansing influence of the spiritual entering in from without, that which is hard to cope with.

WE would prefer the Still-Hildreth. Costs more, but the whole correction would be for body-physical, body-mental, and the opportunity for the will to be so acted upon by the associations and surroundings - though, for the moment, it may be corrected through the purely PHYSICAL in Willett’s.

11. (Q) Does he use dope at this time? (A) As indicated.

12. (Q) Any other suggestions for the body or for the family? (A) Pray ye that ye enter not into such temptation so aroused within selves and in those surroundings of selves, that there may come the cleansing influence which may only come in making self and selves’ life in keeping with the influences of the Christ-Consciousness within; knowing that the powers that be are within His force to use as is for the better development for the soul forces of each individual. Trust in Him, yet - as He has given - “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.” If ye love Him, then show forth in that which is known that may aid in bringing for this soul the opportunity for its regeneration in this experience, that there may not be those forces that would CONDEMN thyself or him.

13. We are through.

Copy to Wife ” ” Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 1/14/34 See 486-1.

R2. 1/25/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I haven’t written you before because I was waiting to hear from the two Institutions mentioned in your letter.

“I heard from the Macon place yesterday but my letter to the Willett place in Nashville was returned.

“I read your reading and letter to [486] Sunday morning and he was very serious all day. Said the fault was ALL HIS and he WOULD do right and he has been every day this week. We are so thankful for the wonderful relief and hope and pray that it will last.

“I asked him [486] last night if he would go to Macon and he said he was not going anywhere. I tried to get him to try some Osteopath treatments here but he said no, so I am certainly hoping that your reading has brought him to his senses and we do thank you for these five days anyway of relief.

“I am enclosing five dollars more and please do continue to pray for us…”

R3. 1/30/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…So far, [486] is just doing fine and we have had so much peace. In fact, the only peace we have had in eighteen months or more and we are all so thankful. I know that the reading brought him to his senses when I read it to him, for he had very little to say all day long. I have asked him several times the reason for his improvement and he said he had just made up his mind to quit. Please help us pray that he will hold out. I can hardly believe that he is the same man.”

R4. 3/18/34 Miss [243]‘s letter: “[486] looks so much better. I saw him about two weeks ago. They say he is doing so much better.”

R5. 3/30/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…We have moved back to our home and I cannot do anything to straighten things except at night so we are almost camping. I told [486] if he would behave himself that I would go anywhere with him. He has improved some but has not quit the awful habit and I know he cannot all at one time, so I just keep hoping and praying that he will and I hope you are doing the same. We all feel much better about him than we did though and he looks a lot better and eats more. At one time he hardly ate anything and I thought he might die anytime.”

R6. 4/21/34 Mrs. [844]‘s letter to Miss Edith Edmonds, Sec’ty of the A.R.E. Prayer Group, in reply to Miss Edmonds’ letter of 4/5/34 (see 281-20): ”…I thank you very much for your splendid letter and interest in us. My sorrow seems more than I can bear and this week it has been worse. Please pray that I may be patient, kind and forgiving through it all. He [486] does not seem to realize when he REALLY takes the drinks, since the craving is so great and always denies having it.

“I am too heart-broken to say any more, but please do pray for us…”

R7. 5/14/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I certainly do appreciate your interest in us and I know you and the Glad Helpers have done a lot for us as [486] is doing so much better. He works in the garden now and has a big appetite, and takes interest in everything at home which he has not done for a long time. He never helped me do one thing for sometime before we moved and went somewhere every night of his life and did not appreciate his home.

“Now Edgar I am going to tell you something which I had hoped your reading would tell me without my telling you. [486] has a girl (35 years old) in this office who has been with him ever since he has had it…

“She pretends to be a saint but we have heard awful things about her and [486] and I see suspicious things go on but I have no reason except gossip for dismissing her. I am so unhappy over it I nearly die and my dreams are always about them and I have been having them for a long time. Some say the trouble is over now but he fusses with me in her presence all the time and they laugh and talk together very friendly. Whenever I mention her name he rares and curses and I never have been able to find out one thing from him. I believe she is at the bottom of all his drinking and I do not know what to do. Can you help me any in this respect?

“She knows the business from A to Z and he depends absolutely upon her. She could do a lot of harm on the outside and is mean enough to do things for spite. Then I can see more about what goes on inside than I could outside. Before I came down here he rode her back and forth to work all the time and he bought lunches for her and her sister, bought … for them, gave her … so you can see that I must be nearly crazy.

“Please pray that this awful appetite will be taken away from him and that something will be done about this above mentioned trouble which will be for the best. Also that I will have strength and nerve to stick through it for every day is a tax. I do wish she would get a job in some other town for I cannot treat her right much longer. Please do not write me at the office. Best love to all…”

R8. 5/17/34 Letter from EC to [844]: ”…Now, regarding the rest that you tell me, this - of course - is not altogether new to me. I’m sure if you will read the reading that was first given there is the situation laid open, though in a very delicate way and manner. That many of us have such situations to meet in our experience and daily life, makes something seem all out of place; yet I know you will and do realize that what is wholly yours may not be taken away from you - unless you of yourself do that which will take it from you. But this situation which is ever present, and which is - of course - fanned into flame at times when you are present, is no doubt contributory a great deal to his condition at times when he has to do such things to justify his own conscience for the way in which he conducts himself, in that direction as well as in others. Of course, nothing can be done in such a situation unless there can be awakened in the individual heart that which demands and calls for a purifying of self’s own thoughts and desires. I’m sure if anything can be done it will be only through the prayer of those who are sincere, and through the way and manner in which you take what is to yourself - and possibly to those that may be looking on - apparently such a smudge that it can barely be spoken of.

“I’m hoping and trusting that with the clearing of the mind in other directions, with the interest being aroused in doing some of the things that I know are near and dear to the heart of the man - from the very fact of his training in his boyhood, there will be brought about such changes that will be all for the best.

“Know that if at any time there is anything you want to ask, or that you want me to undertake through another reading as to just how to meet such conditions in your own self, know we will be very glad to do it. I don’t know just what might be said. We have had several situations of this nature. Regarding some there has been advised a definite and concrete change. Regarding others overtures have been advised on the part of one or the other, such as to change the whole outlook and activity. As to what might be said in this case, of course, I cannot tell. But you know I’ll be only too glad to try and be of a service at any time. You know all such things are kept with us just as sacred as they are to each individual; and we would only look to Him who quickens the heart and soul of every one.

“I certainly appreciate your writing me, [844]. I know how hard it must have been for you to do it. Know my heart goes out to you.

“Let us hear from you whenever you feel inclined to write.”

R9. 6/1/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I still hear from the Glad Helpers about every two weeks and something must be doing good as there has been a wonderful change in the habits of the person [486]. I do appreciate so much your nice letter and you can never know how much you have helped me in this great trial. He is still very cross with me and I can hardly live through it all, but someone told me he told them that he had quit drinking. Of course that remains to be seen and I know it will be very hard, but if he would just treat me kindly I could do much better. I stand all I can and then the breaking point comes and we have a big fuss. Nothing that I do seems to be right in his estimation. Please continue to pray for us and any time you can advise me I will certainly appreciate it very much…”

R10. 6/20/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…My troubles are so much better at the present and I really see some improvement every day…

“We are so thankful to God for the difference in someone [486] now and a year ago and so grateful to you for everything you and the Glad Helpers have done. When I think back it is hard to believe that some things ever did happen. No one but God knows just what I did live through, and I never would have believed that I could do it…”

R11. 7/13/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…We are still doing all right and as soon as possible [486] and I want to give niece [605] the Diathermy treatments you recommended to her…”

R12. 7/18/34 Letter from EC to [844]: ”…I am sure as soon as [486] begins to feel that there is something more than an obligation for someone else of the family in their weaknesses and tries to be of a help it will make for a realization that doesn’t come with anything else…”

R13. 7/24/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…Last week twice I thought that [486] was drinking as I smelled something but said nothing about it. He actually drinks from the same coca cola bottle with this thing at the office and often when I am out trying to collect I come back and find them entertaining each other and they have so many happy chats. I do not know what to do, but I know I cannot stand it much longer. His friends send me word that they will give up his business unless he gets rid of her. She used to treat me nicely but now she is as mean as can be and I say just as little to her as possible. He always takes her part and I am trying to never mention her name again. Please pray that something will happen to take her away from this town. I still hear all kinds of scandalous tales about them and I have told him that he had to get rid of her, but I fear for the worse. I cannot live this way though. What would you think your wife or daughter should do?”

R14. 7/27/34 EC’s letter: “I am sure the circumstances and conditions as you have spoken of and as you speak of here of the conditions there in the office and of the associations are most trying on you, and with an already overtaxed nervous system it makes it very, very hard on you. You will have to recognize the fact that all of these conditions as arise in our experiences are not for our undoing, but that we may really be stronger in our faith in the Giver of all good and perfect gifts. Condemning anyone, and most of all, ourselves, for allowing such experiences to be ours without doing anything about it will only make for more and more hardships in our experience. We can only do that which is just and right ourselves and leave the results as must come in the experience of everyone to Him who is the Giver of life and of those things necessary to make life worthwhile. That others misinterpret or knowingly or in any manner do those things which bring hardships to those whom they have pledged themselves to honor, to protect, and to love, is not possibly altogether our fault, but by the circumstances and conditions that arise, and it is because they have lost sight of that which is just and right in their own experience that makes them so often do those things that bring so much discontent, discouragement, and hard feelings in the lives of others.

“You may be very sure we will all remember you in our prayers, and we are hoping and trusting that you will do that which is just and right in His sight. Let us all remember that God looketh on the heart, and not on the outward appearances. We are all called for a purpose, and if our purposes are in Him they will eventually bring peace, harmony and joy in our lives, for He is the Prince of Peace.”

R15. 9/12/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…Two or three times lately [486] has broken over, but not much and of short duration. I just hope and pray and try to be patient with him, but sometimes I get so disgusted I just have to say something…”

R16. 9/18/34 EC’s letter: “We all get disgusted, I am sure, [844], at ourselves and everything around us at times, but it is those that endure unto the end that will wear the crown of life. We all grow weary, heart-sick at struggling at times, but we cannot do other than to hold on, for there is no other source of supply, of strength, of courage, of hope, of love, that we find in Him, and He is faithful to keep His promises if we are faithful. We cannot bear the burdens alone. In Him, though, there is strength, and He has told us so oft to put our crosses on Him. He is ever present, though it is hard for us to become conscious or aware of it oftentimes, but we are in His hands - we are His hands and His feet. We are His looks and His acts, and it is by those things that we have done to and for our fellow man that we are to be judged, and as a reading said a few days ago, if many of us were to ever stop and consider that that is what we are to be judged by, and that that is what our home is being built out of - our acts to our fellow man, our acts of kindness, love and cheer to those we love and even to our enemies - and when we see how little of this we have shown, we wonder as to what our abode is to be in the hereafter.”

R17. 9/28/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…[486] has been a little more patient with me lately and our fusses are always about this trouble at the office. She and her sister have gone to … today with some … and Edgar please pray that they may get some jobs up there. I am praying all the time that there will be something to take her away from us forever and have asked the Glad Helpers to pray for the same thing. I feel that I could stand anything if only I could get rid of her.

“The other night [486] said that after Christmas that he would have her to take all his dictation and get someone else to keep the books and I could stay at home some and I told him I did not want to stay at home and that as long as she stayed here that I would too. He said he could not dismiss her without a reason, but of course that is not true and he has plenty of reasons and I know I have more. She is always making mistakes with the books and doing crooked things but that does not seem to matter to him…”

R18. 10/3/34 EC’s letter: “I am glad that conditions appear to be somewhat better with you at home. I can well imagine how such things must distress you at times, but I feel very sure if you will strive to be a little patient also, just as you are desirous of his being patient with you, that you will find that all of these things will gradually work out in a way that will be satisfactory to all. I suspect that probably he was trying you out when he made the suggestions about the dictation. Such things are not above most of us men. You know all of them are a hard lot.”

R19. 10/5/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…We are getting along nicely and I see some improvement nearly every week and [486] is not nearly so cross with me as he was a while back. I thank God every day for our improvement and for your help in our trouble…”

R20. 12/31/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I am so thankful to tell you that this was the happiest Christmas that we have spent for three years and [486] has been grand. He is getting more like his old sweet self everyday and does not fuss much with me now at the office. I had an awful round with this girl several weeks ago but I told her I would do just as I pleased at this office and open and close doors when I got ready, and I told him that I would not take but one more insult from her and that the next time she insulted me she had to go, so she has been like a new pin since…

“I forgot to tell you that for about two months off and on [486] has had an eruption on his face, hands and some parts of body. Lately it has gotten terrible and now is coming in big pimples (hard) and nearly drives him crazy and is spreading all the time. Dr. Stone does not seem to know the trouble but thinks it is caused from his teeth which he is hoping to have pulled, soon. I am afraid for him to have them pulled, as long as he has this eruption. Can you do any anything for him?…”

R21. 1/7/35 EC’s letter: “No doubt the real trouble is the poisons that have been released in the system by his rather ‘clean living’, we might say, and now instead of finding their way out through the regular channels they are trying to eliminate through the pores of the skin. If he does not respond to Dr. Stone’s treatment, you know I’ll be only too glad to undertake a reading.”

R22. 2/22/35 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…[486] had his teeth pulled a few days ago and so far is doing well. Had the false ones put in right away and is really wearing them all the time. He has not had any boils now for sometime and I do hope they will not return, but he surely did have an awful time for awhile…”

R23. 3/4/35 She obtained a Physical Reading for herself - see 844-1.

R24. 4/1/35 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…[486] is having a lovely flower garden with lily pool, etc. and it will be beautiful when completed, so thanks be to everybody, especially you and your Helpers and first of all our Heavenly Father. He is enjoying home as he never did before…”

R25. 4/20/35 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I do wish you could see the beautiful flower-garden that [486] is making and I think it will be the prettiest one in this part of the country. I never saw such a change in any one in my life. He never had any use for flowers before and made fun of mine.”

R26. 8/6/35 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…Edgar, for sometime I have been begging [486] to let you read his case and he has finally consented. I do not know that I have told you about him, but last fall one day his face began to itch and in a short while was as red as a beet, swollen and then it got on his hands, all over his abdomen, EVERYWHERE and nearly ran him crazy. Later, it took the form of boils and for not more than a week or two at the time was he free from such until there was a period long enough for him to have his teeth pulled and I thought he would get well from it then, but not so and he is no better now than at first. About two months ago he had an awful carbuncle on the back of his neck which had about seven heads. He has boils somewhere now nearly all the time. Has had many in his ears, on his face and the most tender parts of his body and I do not see how he stands them but he does not break over and drink. In fact, so far as I know he has had few drinks since last August. I know he takes beer occasionally and maybe the other a few times, but I do not say anything and I am so thankful for it all and I know God has answered our prayers many, many times.

“His hands peel off inside just like old-fashioned darkies with the tetter and crack open. He has had trouble with his stomach for years and years and takes so much soda. Just before one of these spells his stomach gives him a lot of trouble for days and he can eat very little at that time. Barbecued meat as hot with pepper as possible seems to agree with him better than anything else and he eats it most of the time for lunch and vegetables at night, but has a poor appetite.

“Dr. Stone has treated him all along and had his blood analyzed and said nothing was wrong with it, but his treatments nor medicine seem to do any good.

“Now will you please give him a reading as soon as possible and I would suggest the time to be from six to seven o’clock our time or seven to eight your time some morning except Sunday morning and he will be at our home outside the limits of town on the … Road.

“I think I have described his case real well and I know you can do something for him. Please let me hear from you as soon as possible.”

R27. 8/17/35 See 486-2.

R28. 4/30/36 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…So far we are just getting along finely and [486] is doing so well. Does not give me any trouble about that awful habit, but is very cross so much of the time. He has so many family complaints to worry him though and so many outside things to attend to he has very little time for his own affairs. He has enlarged the flower garden three times its size and has three pools now and it is going to be a perfect beauty. Is spending a lot of money but it is where everybody can enjoy it and not for selfish things, so I do not say anything about the expense. Things at the office are much better but I have had a time asserting my rights and letting some people know that I am on the job and they cannot run over me so I think they are beginning to like me a little, and he considers me more than he ever has…”

R29. 12/12/42 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…You know, [605] never stammers anymore. My own dear one [486] is fine now, and [4632], whose case you read is a new boy and has quit drinking. I have always hoped that someone would have you to read [1427]‘s case and maybe they have. He is so fine when he lets that stuff alone and the most liked member of that family…”

R30. 12/15/42 Letter from EC to [844]: ”…While [486] may never tell me what he thinks [about THERE IS A RIVER], should you ever hear him express an opinion would like to hear it, for since I can remember have always looked to [486] as someone a little bit superior in many ways, and abilities far beyond that it appears to me as has put to actual use at times - so naturally feel for what his opinion is of my feeble struggles…”

R31. 6/46 Mr. [486] and Mrs. [844], with her brother and wife, visited A.R.E.

R32. 3/9/52 Cousin [243]‘s letter: ”…[486] passed away about ten days ago, leaving me the oldest member of our family…”

R33. 4/20/55 Mrs. [844]‘s letter to HLC: “I often think of your father and the good he did for so many people, my husband [486] included.”

R34. 3/1/66 “Your father gave [486]‘s for alcoholism… He did quit drinking and was a wonderful person the rest of his life, but was never well, for the poison had ruined his body (with incessant cigarette smoking, too).

“I have had alcoholism with my own family which it seems will never stop, and of course I am a wreck from so many different things.”

R35. See EC’s ltr. of 12/5/33 also in Source File Key #254 in re 254-70.

Background

Background

B1. 11/21/33 Letter from [844] (Mr. [486]‘s wife) to EC: ”…Nearly eighteen months ago we moved to my Mother’s home to live and [486] said the reason was because of financial losses, but after being there a short while we found that he was drinking very heavily. I have no idea when he started but he says he did a little while before we moved when he began to lose so much by the farmers in the Insurance business.

“Now, if he had ever drunk before I certainly did not know it. I had suspicions several times before we moved but he just fooled me. He has had a hard time and has lost a lot in his business. He is precious when sober but very mean, fussy and hateful when drinking. I think he spends very few days without some of it now and it is the ‘bootleg’ kind.

“Several times lately I have had to take him home very early from the office because he was not able to attend to business and two or three times a week he is too full for anything, so we are all nearly crazy and especially his dear old Mother. He is just drinking himself to death and we thought maybe you could give him a reading and tell us what to do for him as we have tried everything except sending him to a Hospital or Sanitarium, and we have very little left with which to do anything.

“I think some Sunday morning from 8 to 9 o’clock would be the best time as he is usually sober then and I cannot say about many other times. Please address me at …, Ky., as I do not want the letter to come to the office. I have been working here since the last of May…

“Your reading for [[486]‘s niece], [605], did such wonders that we feel that you can do something for our dear boy, [486]. [605] seldom stammers now and I never saw such a change.

“Now Edgar, please write me your terms and everything…”

B2. 12/5/33 EC’s letter to Mrs. [844]: ”…It would be mighty hard for me to describe to you my feelings upon receipt of yours of the 21st. As you no doubt have heard, I have been away from the Beach for the last month, during the whole of November and a few days in October. I went to New York to meet the membership of the organization with which I am associated, and to make contact with other organizations in that vicinity who are studying similar information coming through other channels. Our visit was very successful in many ways. I am very sure that most of our Association officers who live in New York and the environs were convinced, after meeting with members and founders of the American Psychical Institute (which has quite a large membership in New York and New England) and with the founders and sustaining members of the American Society for Psychic Research (whose membership run into the hundreds and possibly thousands, throughout the United States, England and France), that our Association is presenting that which is not only equal to but of greater value to the needs of mankind at this time than any organization of similar nature in the United States. Of course, I know this sounds very much like self glory, but I am persuaded that a great many of my family and of my very close childhood friends and associates have been so very close to what was presented some years ago in Hopkinsville that they have come to the same conclusion as many of those about Jerusalem did nineteen hundred years ago, ‘No good thing can come out of this little burg, and especially of a Cayce.’

“That there has come such an experience in your life, and such a wonderful mother and aunt as [486]‘s as to necessitate measures being taken to rectify some of the things coming to pass in [486]‘s experience, seems to be mighty hard to understand, especially if we are to judge from the standards most of us have set before ourselves in this material world. But I am persuaded also that we have forgotten much of that said to Samuel when he looked on the sons of Jesse and God warned him not to look on the outward appearances but rather judge - as God does - from the heart.

“I do not know whether or not information that might come through me could, or would, be of any service whatsoever in this particular instance. But I assure you of this, [844]: There is no one on earth that I personally had rather be of a service to than to [486]. I have loved [486] and his family; his mother. For, I have often been told by my own precious Mother that possibly my very life at this time was preserved by [486]‘s mother at one time during my experience, and I consequently feel that I have always been under obligations to them, not only because of that very fact but because of a great deal of the counsel, advice, and the very life that [486]‘s mother has lived. Yet I realize that human arms and activities are very short, and that unless there is a SOMETHING in this information that comes through me that reaches beyond human agencies it is very inefficient. You know, I am sure, that one of the hardest battles of my whole life during this experience has been with this very same question, this very same condition that you are having to meet in [486] at this time. I’m sure it has been told you; possibly you have known it without receiving it secondhand, what a battle that precious mother of mine and I have made, not only with several MEMBERS of the family but in my own IMMEDIATE family [EC’s father]. You know to what I refer.

“I have talked with [486] quite often through the years concerning the readings, the sources of the information that comes through me, and the like. No doubt he has little or no patience with it, yet I am persuaded - if it is possible for you or his mother or any of his loved ones to interest him sufficiently for him to seek, or for him to even be willing that you or any of the family seek information through these channels - that there can come that which will be of help. In combating or meeting an issue of this kind there is no use in fooling ourselves, or in undertaking something wherein we will not have any cooperation whatsoever from the subject himself, for it would be very futile to do it without at least having his CONSENT that something be attempted in his behalf. For, if he doesn’t want to quit, if he doesn’t want to meet the issue fairly and squarely, God Himself CANNOT save a man who does not want to be saved from himself! and we had just as well acknowledge that, and meet that issue, and know we have to meet it and fight it out on that ground. I would love to try and help. I would love to try and be of aid, or to use these offices. Of myself, I know I can do nothing, but if I have the cooperation of other individuals who are really seeking to find something in themselves, THEN I feel very sure - from past experiences - that from the Throne of grace, in some way or manner, there CAN be given that which applied in an individual’s life will bring to him that he seeks, that is of a spiritual and mental advantage in his experience. Not material things so much, no; but once FOUNDED in spirituality, once founded in the spiritual things of life, there will be brought the necessary things in this material life. Not to the measures that some people count success in dollars and cents, but I would not give the satisfaction, the peace that has come to me from the hearts and souls of the mothers, sons and daughters of this country who have said, ‘Thank you’ for that which has come to them through these sources, for all the money that could be piled up anywhere! And it’s not this world’s things that I’m seeking. But to have so lived my own life, [844], to still be a hero to my sons, is an accomplishment that I know few fathers have been privileged to have in this life. I know my sons are not fools either. So, it must mean that there has been something that has reached the hearts and souls of these boys; one whom you know has reached maturity, who has had an education, who has had the advantages of an education, yet chooses rather to give his life in a service to his fellow man through the offices of this Association that is presenting this work, that has been presented to mankind through me, than to go out and build up a material fortune that may be swept away - as we have found - in the twinkling of an eye. We are building rather, I believe, a home, a record, in the mansions that He said He has gone to prepare, than material things where thieves do break through and steal and where moth and rust doth corrupt.

“If it is possible for you in any way or manner to get [486]‘s consent that we undertake information that may be of help to him, fine! I’ll be glad to do it. To do it unbeknown to him will NEVER, never, bring satisfactory results.

“You do not know how happy it makes me to feel that I may have been of some little help to [605]. Few people, I suppose, realize what a bond of sympathy there really exists between that child and myself, though I have never been in her physical presence more than once or twice in my whole life. I do not know that I would recognize her on the street, but the word that her mother sent me (which I take to be the truth) for the reading that was given her just a few days before she [4925] passed on, has been a real joy to me, to know that possibly through this information a little peace, a little rest even, was hers before this child came into the world. For, the reading told her at the time there could be certain things done that would bring her physical relief, and that the child would be born and would be well, but that she would pass on. And to have been of some little help possibly, as you say, to the child in fitting herself to meet the emergencies of life, to meet the things that may arise in her own experience, I know must bring happiness and a joy we cannot understand to that mother. For, I am persuaded that life is a continuous thing. Though we pass from this material plane, the consciousness must live on. God has said through His prophets such is the case. The Christ has told us such is the case, and my experiences have led me to believe that it is indeed true to a greater measure than nine-tenths of the world has ever yet realized.

“[844], I’m enclosing an application for membership to our Association. It is only for members that we are privileged to make readings. Should you desire to be a member and to receive the data that may be sent to you from time to time, we would be very glad to have you numbered among the membership. And if it is possible for you to arrange to have the cooperation, or even just the consent of [486] in the matter, know we will be mighty glad to give the reading. It isn’t for money that we want to do these things. It is required by the law of our State, in which the organization is chartered, that we only make appointments for members. It is a requirement of the organization itself, which is sponsoring my work. As to what you would contribute to the organization, that’s up to yourself - whether twenty-five cents a month or what not; for it’s up to the dictates of your own conscience, not anything that we may set. But I certainly hope it will be possible for us to in some way or manner be of a help to you at this time. From the purely material standpoint I know mighty well what you are passing through, for I have experienced it - the Lord knows I have! I experienced it from the time I can remember up until a few years ago. What a battle! How many times I have prayed, and I have prayed until I have had the answer. For, I am persuaded God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and if we have gotten so far away that He cannot speak with us and we be as conscious of it as Moses - yes, I dare say even as the Christ - there is something far wrong with us - not with God! The thing wrong is with us!

“I hope I haven’t burdened you with this long letter. I am so anxious - not for any reason save the love I have for my fellowman, the belief I have in my God and my Saviour, and the love and the obligation I feel I owe to [486]‘s mother, to you, and to [486] himself. And may God’s blessings be with you as you try to reason with him, or talk with him, and as you meet the emergencies I know that must arise in your experience day by day!

“Hoping to be of a service, and with love to you and to him and to his mother and the family, I am…”

B3. 12/20/33 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I wish I could write you a favorable one in return, but so far I have not been able to get [486]‘s consent. He says he wants to quit this awful habit, but he is too hard-headed (I guess) to yield.

“God only knows how broken-hearted we are and he is about the hardest drinker I have ever heard of as he does it nearly every day. We are all nearly crazy, but I cannot do anything more that I know of. I am working every day and all day at the office to try to keep the business going and half of the time he is not capable of attending to it.

“Do please pray for him and us and you know I would do ANYTHING to save his soul. THAT is the most important thing with me. Right now he is sitting in a chair snoring and could hardly walk an hour ago. We are afraid he is using dope, too, but have never found any anywhere. I would much rather see him dead if I could know that he would be saved…”

B4. 12/30/33 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I can hardly wait for the time for am so anxious for something to be done for my darling [486] and he is almost gone now. He is so sweet and precious when right and mean when wrong.

“When our arrangements are all completed I feel sure that [486] will cooperate with us and will agree to be right here in my mother’s home for one hour at the appointed time.”

B5. 1/7/34 Letter from [844] to EC: ”…I still have not gotten [486]‘s consent but he says he wants to quit and will do anything. Today has been about the worst day he ever had and I am nearly crazy and can hardly wait for this week to pass as I set Sunday next Jan. 14 between 8 and 9 A.M., but believe now we had better say between 9 and 10 A.M. as he was not here this morning between the first mentioned hours (8 and 9). Oh! I do hope and pray you can do something for us…”

B6. 1/9/34 Wife’s letter: ”…He went to Hot Springs in 1928 and took the baths for neuritis and before that had stomach trouble. Both of these ailments are much better. He went to Hot Springs in Feb. 1928 for 3 weeks and again in Sept. for 2 weeks the same year. After returning the last time he had some teeth pulled which the Dentists (2) had advised having done sometime before he went. He still has some bad ones yet but his stomach is much better, and right now he is having trouble with his left arm. A year ago he had a short spell with his neck. He eats very little except by spells - no bread, no sweets, no starches, all hot (pepper) things with vinegar and pepper-sauce. For some time he hardly slept at all but since I have been at office he doesn’t worry so much as I have found out most everything.”

Mentioned Entities

Soul, Prayer, Glad Helpers, New York City, Osteopathy, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Book of Job, England, Free Will, Jesus Christ, Purpose, Resurrection Appearances, Baking Soda, Christ Consciousness, Colon Hydrotherapy, Dreams, France, Gladys Davis, Grace, Hopkinsville

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 486-1, ReadingID 3558.