Reading 487-17

TEXT OF READING 487-17 M 16 (Student, Protestant Background)

Text

Date: 6/7/1934 Sex: M Age: 16 ReadingID: 3576

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 7th day of June, 1934, in accordance with request made by the self, via parents, who are both members of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. [487], Hugh Lynn, L. B. Cayce, Mildred Davis and Margaret Wilkins.]

Time of Reading 11:25 to 12:05 Noon Eastern Standard Time. …, Va. (Life Reading Suggestion)

1. EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the universe and universal forces, that are latent and manifested in the personality of the present entity, now known as or called [487]; this we have had before.

2. The records that have been written have been written. The developments of the entity in the present experience may be given, that have been in the present from the environs about the body mentally and physically in the present, from that which has been written. There is now the activity being made, to be made, in the mental, physical and soul development of the entity, such that the record which has been made by the entity in the present may be given - and that termed the past - that will influence the entity; at least, this in part may be given - not as to ALTER, but rather as to that the entity in its mental self may weigh and measure and see in self, and what self did WITH and concerning constructive influences in the earth.

3. Then the natural question of the entity, from that which has been given, is: From what source, or how, is such a record read of the activities in the past? How may self know that there is being given a TRUE record of the activities in a period of which there is no written WORD history? Yet the entity itself sees, and is being taught, and is studying, the records that are written in nature, in the rocks, in the hills, in the trees, in that termed the genealogical log of nature itself. Just as true, then, is the record that the mind makes upon the film of time and space in the activities of a body with its soul that is made in the image of the Maker; being then spirit, in its form, upon the records IN time and space.

4. As there may not be seen with the visible eye the growth in animal, vegetable or mineral kingdoms, neither may there be seen the growth in the soul, save by and through the activities of a body-mind through channels known as sense or intellect, or by drawing the comparisons in self through what is termed space or time - and upon these are the records of a soul’s activity made.

5. What then, the entity asks, IS a soul? What does it look like? What is its plane of experience or activity? How may ye find one? It may not be separated in a material world from its own place of abode in the body-physical, yet the soul looks through the eyes of the body - it handles with the emotions of the sense of touch - it may be aware through the factors in every sense, and thus add to its body as much as the food of the material world has made for a growing physical body in which the soul may and does indeed dwell in its passage or activity in any individual phase of an experience in the earth.

6. What, then, are the experiences or appearances or activities of the body in the material world that have influenced, and are to influence, this entity in the coming age or cycle?

7. A cycle is seven years, known or called in the earth, and information may be given or records read as to the varying appearances or activities that may change in that period.

8. How has the scientist or the biologist arrived at the conclusions, that are glibly given, that a body is altered or renewed in such a space of time? By comparing the activities!

9. But what has still remained that makes those about the body aware that the same ENTITY (not body, but ENTITY) is manifesting or inhabiting - if you please - such an altered or changed body? That which shows through the activities of the soul of the body! The application that soul has made respecting that which is creative or constructive, or respecting the gifts of the Creator into the hearts and souls of individuals - or men.

10. In the inception of this body in the present there were those surroundings that made for different or altering conditions which brought to the physical an exceptional or unusual (in words of the earth) activity in the soul-entity. (Get the difference between the wording entity and soul-entity, for words are often very poor in describing infinity in finite space and time.) The soul-entity is a development outside of body in material form. The entity is all-inclusive of soul and that activity in its relationships to the material things known in earth.

11. (This aside, please:) Not that developments in environs about the earth are all soul development; yet when there are activities in Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn or the like, that are within the same realm of the earth’s activity about its own sun, all these are - yea - subject to that law known as the Christ Consciousness, but not physical activity nor physical concern.

12. But this entity, entering under such auspices or conditions, brought with same - as we have indicated from the sojourn in the Uranian influences - that which might make for soul development or soul retardment, by its activity or by its application of the laws that are universal - or from the God-Consciousness in the realm of activity. For, as given, oft would it be said - oft HAS it been seen in the activity of the entity thus far, even in the material things and material associations - MANY have blessed the coming and many have been glad when the entity has passed from, or body has passed from, that environ or that experience.

13. Hence the entity or soul here wields in the earth in the present a place of POWER - yea, more than power. One that may be made into those things that may be beautiful, if they are enjoined with the love that is seen in the Creative Forces activated by the Christ Consciousness, or made in such measures that there may be warnings to many that though they gain the whole world and lose their own soul what has been gained?

14. From an experience, then, in the present there are the activities mentally that must be weighed in the balance; and if they are found wanting in the associations of the entity in the material things, in the mental things, woe be to many! Yet the entity has arrived at that place in this experience in the earth when it must choose for itself.

15. Let self, body, mind and soul, then, be grounded in that as was given by Him who is the life and the light of the world; “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” For, if ye do good alone to those who do good to you, what reward has thy soul? What recompense is in thine own heart of hearts? For, even do those that would make for the aggrandizements of selfish interests, or that they may be well spoken of by many. For, if the purposes, the desires, the aims, do not take hold upon something far beyond those things that partake of the earth-earthy, then indeed does the soul become impoverished and the time and space grow weary - and those things that make for turmoils and strife, that make the heart and soul weary, come into the experience of all. But if the heart and mind forgive those who despitefully use them, those that speak evil in divers places, those that find fault with others will find fault in themselves; for they are writing their own record - they must meet, every one, that which they have said about another; for so is the image, the soul of the Creator in each body, and when ye speak evil of or unkindly to thy brother, thou hast done it unto thy God.

16. The entity came from the Atlantean land into Egypt when there were those periods of reconstruction in the land, and from those turmoils and strifes there arose much that made for individual and group development - and the attempt of those in the experience to foster or disseminate same; those things that were good.

17. The entity came then, in the name Axtell [7/26/38 See 1007-3, Par. 13 saying that Ax-Tell and Ajax were one and the same. 6/24/41 See 470-33, Par. 19-A, 20-A.], from those forces that were in charge of the Law of the One.

18. In establishing self in that land, the entity found little of help; finding fault with the king in power, finding little in common with the priest that led; finding those things that measured not to that standard the entity had had in the land, withdrew on account of the associations - specifically - of the priest with those women, or those of the opposite sex in the land.

19. Hence builded in self much that must be met, must be counted, must be countenanced in the present experience - if there will be gained that which will make for the soul development. For, if there is not love such as in showing not only tolerance but patience and brotherly love and kindness and such, there may not be those expansions in any experience that will bring contentment. For, yea, though there has been builded in the mental experience that which may be raised in power in the present to bring - as given - POWER, force, magnitude of purpose, unless the desires, purposes and aims have their inception or motivating force other than through the mental attributes of the physical body, they must be met - even as is being and will be experienced by the entity in the present sojourn.

20. What, ye ask then, would the entity do in the present respecting these relationships and activities?

21. Search deep into the heart, the soul of self, and see from whence cometh that motivating force that DRIVES self on to activity. If it is for laudation of self alone, if it is for the aggrandizement of the interests in material things alone, then know - while you may materially succeed - the ENDS thereof are not well. But seek through those activities that bring the analyzing of same in the human body, in the human relationships, that may be spiritualized by the desires of the heart - and you will find joy and peace, and - yea - in those days - when His forerunner may come into the earth for preparing the place for the Son of man, that His kingdom may be established in the earth, wilt thou be ready? Seek ye Him.

22. We are through for the present.

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 1/13/35 See 487-19 advising him to seek scholarship in Duke University for one year, then Massachusetts School of Technology; also advising him to study the New Testament, and to turn his abilities NOT into destructive channels which might often present themselves.

R2. 6/35 We were told that [487] graduated with honors from high school, being valedictorian (his average for the 4 yrs. being 95.3), the highest grade anyone ever had in the school as a graduate.

R3. 8/2/35 Father’s letter: “[487] got a scholarship at Duke University.”

R4. 8/29/35 “As the scholarship is only about half the expense, it will make us all hustle. He has been working this summer to help out.”

R5. 10/27/35 See 1035-1 indicating she was “companion of Ax-Tell in Egypt”.

R6. 1/25/36 Father’s letter: “[487] has done fine so far. He has equaled any and surpassed many in his classes for the past semester.”

R7. 9/21/36 “[487] went back to Duke - is having to work this year (to help with expenses), but am sure it won’t hurt him.”

R8. 12/29/37 See Ck. Life Rdg. 487-21 in re selection of courses in engineering, his work during coming summer, leading toward definite connections for a job after graduation.

R9. 4/12/38 See 1523-4, Par. 72-A indicating that Mrs. [1523] was [487]‘s mother in the Atlantean period - the early period before the one which paralleled his Egyptian connection.

R10. 1/15/39 He indicated that Mrs. [1523] was knitting a sweater for him.

R11. 3/14/39 See 1842-1 indicating a close relationship with [487] in the Atlantis-Egyptian incarnation as Ax-Tell.

R12. 4/4/39 He wrote of having saved up enough money to buy a secondhand Ford car to use during his last semester.

R13. 4/12/39 He wrote of playing golf quite often, also: “Just been elected captain of soft-ball team. Wish me luck.”

R14. 4/30/39 See 487-24 in re possible employment with General Electric, R.C.A., or Westinghouse.

R15. 6/5/39 He graduated with honors in elec. engr.

R16. 1/19/40 See 487-25 advising him to teach or coach to keep in touch with practical use of theorems while waiting for employment with big company. [He was told to stay out of airplanes and work on ground.]

R17. 2/18/40 We heard that he had made connections with one of the big power companies mentioned in 487-25, Par. 8-A.

R18. 4/12/41 He was inducted into the military service. See 487-28 on 4/11/41 advising best procedure to give him opportunity for greatest service as well as mental, physical and spiritual development.

R19. 9/20/41 See 487-29 advising him to seek commission in Signal Corp.

R20. 10/28/41 See boy friend’s rdg. 2030-1, Par. 83-A indicating that they were closely associated in the Egyptian incarnation.

R21. 11/10/41 He requested Life Rdg. for his girl friend, Miss [2635].

R22. 12/14/41 See 2635-1 in re their past associations in Egypt and in German incarnations, as husband and wife.

R23. 1/26/42 Father’s letter: “[487] is not especially cut out for army, but is now in Officers Training School in N.J. (Signal Corp). Such is against the grain, I’m sure, but I think he has the right attitude and if he has a place in the reconstruction after it is all over, then he will be spared, I am sure.”

R24. 3/10/42 EC’s letter to [487] who had written him, from his officers’ training quarters in the signal school, as to his hopes and plans: “Time seems to roll on. By the 10th of next month you will or will not have passed the test. I hope it is for the best, whichever way it goes. Just know that the old saw holds good, that whatever we prepare for, that we will be better at doing. But keep the purpose in the way of creative thinking and planning, for that is the way to keep closest in touch with the powers that be. Man made powers may last for the time, but not much time. Right, not might, makes right…

“The courses seem pretty thorough. If you can master the subjects indicated, you should be ready for most anything. Hope you make good when you are called before the board. Wish you well, and pray for your safety - that is about all I can do, but know that I am with you wholeheartedly.

“As you say, there is much to be said for and against getting married at this time. If you are to be sent abroad it will make a very serious experience for the little lady, yet it might be the more heartening for you. So there is no one who can answer the question but yourselves. But whichever way you choose, know we are with you heart and soul.

“Live right each day to the best of your knowledge - this is the best planning that you can do in any case, letting the day take care of itself, doing that day by day which universally seems the best - not too personal yet personal enough to consider each phase of your duty to God and fellow man and self, for each phase has its place in the very fact of living.

“I hope you do get a commission, the leave, and get married if that is what each of you wish most to do - and all works out to the glory of God and country…

“Hold to that you know to be right under all circumstances.

“Nothing new here and business very quiet on this particular front. March usually is the strenuous month for this work - don’t know why but always has been - possibly because it began in the month of March.”

R25. 3/25/42 Letter from [487] to his family (copy given to GD to make a part of the record on his Life Reading):

Dear Family,

“I once wrote you from Carolina after a ‘period of deep thought and reflection’ and I’ve another. Seriously though I want to thank you all again for the freedom of thought and spiritual guidance you ALL have given me. Without that such thoughts would be impossible. I will try to set them down as they came with a little rearrangement so as to form a logical sequence: -

“My basic conception is that every individual is a soul or a part of God; its life here on earth is a phase of its experience in seeking God or seeking to be conscious of God.

“Some problems have come up since the war that are a little troublesome. That are many conflicting points of view and many courses of solutions to follow but these too conflict. Am now in the army where everything is regimented and sacrificed to the idea of overcoming another with force, MATERIAL force. Can see more clearly the bad effects of regimentation - it is as bad in armys, dictatorships, laws of democratic countries, or in customs or taboos of social life

• ALL are a form of regimentation. Of course you have to consider your duty to your country. However, it is not the physical or mental sacrifice that worries me as much as the sacrifice of ideals to ideas - the spiritual loss is what is bad. This country has a better way of life than many but it is far from perfect. Is it perfect enough to FORCE upon the world? I doubt it; I think our spiritual side needs a little development.

“To get back to the idea of regimentation. You know no matter how good a world you have it is no better than the individuals in it. Some people have the idea you can develop masses, groups, or nations into a better world by regimentation; that they can make all alike. I believe that is FALSE. (The reasons will be brought out presently.) You must develop individuals, or rather individuals must develop separately and then let the whole equal the sum of its parts. A GROUP is incapable of being made better by following ideals unless every individual in that group is developed to a point where he can live and follow them.

“Remember that not material but SPIRITUAL gain is important.

“Jesus said go forth and preach BUT he lived what he preached and we must first live what we preach and show by example as well as words that what we preach is basically good and that it works in everyday life.

“No group or nation develops of itself. It is the sum of its parts. Each individual must develop spiritually for the group or nation to develop. Besides it is not a group or nation that is important. A group or a nation is not a part of God; it has no spirit apart from the sum of the spirits of the individuals composing it. The spiritual development of the individual is important.

“People have allowed selfishness to cloud their vision. They do not see far; they do not see clearly. They have become so absorbed in detail that they have forgotten God. Their ideals have become ideas.

“A return to basic conceptions is essential: -

1. Each individual is a soul or part of God.
2. Not material but spiritual gain is important.
3. Each individual must judge for himself what he should do in life, in general and in particular; what is right for one may be wrong for another; what applies to one may not apply to another. You can NOT regiment souls as each has a different experience and conception of life.
4. A balance of:
5. Quiet contemplation and individual thought and work.
6. The application of this to life.

“I sincerely believe that because of the fact that each individual is a separate soul seeking God that the only solution to man’s problem is the spiritual development of the individual in accordance with the four previously listed principles.

“I can’t go into great detail of or examples but many of the ideas the army considers ideals are rather against the grain of some of my basic conceptions. It is not so hard to overcome physical or mental difficulties but it is difficult indeed to tell the army ‘your basic conceptions are in my opinion a bad interpretation of something good and I don’t agree with your ideas in general or your customs and taboos in particular.’

“At the beginning I did not know who to write this letter to.

1. I wanted to write it to you (mother [538], Dad, [294], & [341] & [1505]) as I wanted to explain some things to you and at the same time thank you for making such thoughts possible for me.

2. I wanted to write it to [2635] for I love her and I thought it would help her understand a little a rather peculiar person.

3. I wanted to write it to [1842]. I believe he is one of the sincerest people I know and next to family I believe he comes nearest to putting into practice in everyday life what he believes. I wanted him to understand some of my views for I like him. Also I (probably selfishly) hoped he might be able to use the thought, ‘Their Ideals have become Ideas’ in a sermon.

“Therefore I wrote it to you all and instead of me writing three letters will ask you to make three copies of this (or two copies) and give one to [2635] and one to [1842]. I would really appreciate your doing this as the typewritten copies would probably be easier to read than mine and will save me a lot of writing time. I really want to say the same thing to several different people and that is the best way I know…”

Lots of love, [487]

R26. 4/10/42 He rec’d commission as 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army, “having successfully completed an intensive three months’ course. During that time he proved to the satisfaction of his superior officers that he possessed the ability to lead men and the mental character and technical qualifications necessary to the making of a good Signal Corps Officer.”

R27. 4/22/42 We heard that he had been sent to Cambridge, Mass. (Harvard), for further training.

R28. 5/7/42 We heard that he got 100 in his math. on the last examination.

R29. 6/13/42 He and [2635] got married.

R30. 6/24/42 Father’s letter: “Don’t know as ever knew of it before, but they each married their first sweetheart. Be interesting to watch.”

R31. 7/20/42 See 808-18, Par. 58-A in re Mrs. [808]‘s association with [487] in Egypt as Ax-Tell.

R32. 12/21/42 Letter from [487]:

Drew Field, Fla.

Dear family,

“Have had hard luck this Christmas week as far as staying at Drew is concerned. Have had to stay here at Drew two nights as alert officer for 683 Co. (our Co.) and tonight had to stay here as alert officer for C. stage, the next higher Hq. Now I find I have to be Base O.D. for Drew Field on Christmas Day. Glad I have Christmas Eve off, as this is a lot of time to spend at Drew during Christmas week. I guess it could be a lot worse though; so I don’t mind too much. Besides I don’t go on duty Christmas Day till 3:00 p.m.

“Everything has been going pretty well. Sorry we can’t be home for Christmas but guess we are lucky to be able to be in U.S. We will be thinking of you and wish you all a Merry Christmas!

“Have had so little time off lately haven’t written much. We have received two packages from you and a fruit cake. Have only opened the fruit cake and am anxious to see the others. Will write you all after Christmas and tell you all about our first Christmas away from home.

“As for writing [257] I am a little against it. I wouldn’t feel right trying to get a permanent position here in U.S. when so many others are doing so much. I know war is all a mess and I don’t agree with a lot that is being done. There are a lot of people who don’t realize what is actually happening and are still going on being selfish and not doing all they can to help others and make things better. There are so many ways of looking at the present situation that it is very confusing to know just what to do. I am not sure of a lot of things yet myself, but I believe the thing to do is to take things as they come even if they seem hard. In that way you can always feel honest with yourself about your position and know that you have done what seemed to you to be right. I suppose that in the long run it will be better, though the material considerations look large. I decided some time ago that it was better to do things on your own hook than to depend on anyone else. I know I would feel better and that I was doing the right thing by taking things as they come and doing what I felt best than trying to get an easy job and let someone else do the hard ones. After all the harder the job the better it makes the man who does it well. Since being married I have been happier than any time in my life. [2635] is a swell girl and I would like nothing better than to spend the rest of my life trying to make her happy. However, if it were cut a little short I wouldn’t mind too much for there are a lot of other people in the world in very much the same fix. There are some pretty good ideals back of this country and in spite of a lot of paradoxes it is a good deal better than the rest of the world in many respects. To one who has had such a family as I and has enjoyed the background that you all built in a country where such a thing as freedom of thought is possible, it isn’t much to ask to help keep it that way and know you had a part in making a similar life possible for others. I don’t mean to be too patriotic and I may be wrong, but I think everyone is too deeply involved in this whole business to take a side seat. I’ll take things as they come. I have tried to follow the Readings and I think I have. I don’t have any doubts or fears, only faith and a little curiosity. I’m sure you all will understand.

“Don’t let all the above worry you; I just wanted you to know how I feel. I don’t think we are going anywhere right away or any time soon.

“MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.”

Lots of love, [487]

R33. 3/11/43 Father’s letter: “[487] got his walking papers while here, so his address is APO New York now, which means he may be most anywhere, of course. [2635] hasn’t gotten home as yet. Look for her this week some time. What is so hard for them, [2635] expects a baby in July. Shame, isn’t it?”

R34. 4/29/43 Letter from [487] [from Trinidad Island, West Indies]:

“We are just about all moved out to our new seaside camp ‘Coconut Grove’ we call it. It is a very pretty place right on a nice beach near a small river that runs into the ocean at our camp site. We are mainly surrounded by coconut trees that seem to be perpetually full of coconuts. There are a few bananas around and a lemon tree at the top of a nearby hill. The hill I spoke of forms a steep perpendicular cliff about 150’ high sheer rock. The ocean is warm and the mouth of the small river is full of all kinds of fish. Haven’t had a chance to try fishing yet but have seen some mighty pretty ones jumping. Some must be 3 or 4 feet long and weigh anywhere from 50 to 200 lbs. Then there are a lot of small ones in the 1 to 10 lb. class that jump around continually.

“We haven’t been troubled by any snakes though have seen some strange creatures here, all on a gigantic scale. There are eight inch grass hoppers and I saw a thing that looked like a lizard that was at least 2-1/2 to 3 ft. long. Then there are a large variety of brilliantly colored birds and butterflies. It is a really beautiful and interesting place. Naturally there are troubles such as bad roads, dirty natives nearby, no running water (except ocean) or barracks. We live in tents and haul food and water to camp every other day. Everyone seems healthy and happy. Right now it rains about four or five times a day. They say the rainy season starts soon and then it rains between rains. We had to back our camp site out of the jungle, clear ground, etc., so, there is still a lot of work to do.

“It isn’t too bad and could be a lot worse. The natives here (all black or at least shades of black) are a picture in themselves. Most speak English after a fashion and like Americans, all of whom they call Joe. Most of their houses and villages remind you of the worse sections of Georgia and are pretty dirty. They can carry amazing weights of all sorts and sizes on their heads and I imagine make most of their money from government work in lumber, engineering dept., etc. None of them is ever in a hurry - guess it is the climate and they are at all times pleasant and smiling. Disease of all sorts is pretty prevalent among them and there are outward signs in many cases of some horrible afflictions. It seems paradoxical that they are always washing clothes or drying them in the sun.

“I hope this hasn’t sounded too much like a travel talk - just wanted to give you all a picture of the place.

“As soon as get time will try the fish here. Know you would be after them all the time as five and six pounders are jumping all the time right by our camp, and a four foot tarpon got away (broke line) from a man yesterday. I am going after one of those big ones pretty soon.”

R35. 7/1/43 See baby son’s rdg. 3069-1 indicating he had been their son in Egypt.

R36. 7/5/43 “I know you are helping a lot of folks more than they ever realized they could be helped and enlightened, for you have done that for me. I do want to urge that you take care of yourself and take time out to rest. Five or five and a half days is plenty of work. Don’t overdo anything, for more harm than good would result in your overworking.

“I am anxious to see ‘Junior’s’ Life Rdg., and thanks so much for saving a time for it when you are so busy.” [Baby son, [3069], born 6/29/43]

R37. 8/4/43 Letter from [487] to his Protestant minister and friend (which the minister friend [1842] allowed us to use later in the 11/43 A.R.E. Bulletin):

Dear [1842]:

“There are several causes for this letter which I list below (not in order of importance):

1. Have a good bit of time on my hands at present.
2. Reading of a book THE STORY OF RELIGION by Charles Francis Potter.
3. Sugrue’s THERE IS A RIVER.
4. Some discussions another Lt. & myself have had about the above.

“I am writing you this letter since I have always considered you a very sincere & open-minded person for a minister. (If you will think that a minister usually represents one branch of a religion and usually one religion, you will see why I qualified the statement - no offense intended.)

“I expect one reason for doubt and half-heartedness that exists in religion today, and the reason for the present condition, is that people think too little about religion and certainly do not apply it to their everyday lives.

“To get back to the book THE STORY OF RELIGION. It is really a history of religion from early Egyptian to present day. It presents all the various beliefs that have developed in a rather commonsense point of view, though I imagine some literal minded people would be horrified. If you haven’t read it I recommend it, if you can find time to wade through its 600 pages. As I said, it presents more a history of religion rather than any theories of itself but it seems to indicate what the readings indicate and what a good many preachers are getting around to see; namely, that the Kingdom of God is within man and not off in space somewhere. Only by learning to know himself will man be able to live in a world with other people and realize that everything he does affects others in one way or another and that everything others do affects him (whether he is always conscious of it or not). This war is certainly proof of that. Only when man has learned to be unselfish will his mind and soul develop so he can take the next step.

“Man must get rid of a lot of his prejudices. He must learn that you can’t get something for nothing. It is much easier to believe that some divine power can save a man’s soul than it is to believe that man must learn to love good and be unselfish and seek truth and then save his own soul. There have been a great many excellent souls who have pointed out a superior way of life and have practiced it themselves. It is easy for superstitious minds to attribute miracles and divine power to them and legends grow fast around a dead man’s memory just as a fish sometimes grows faster out of water than in.

“I hope you don’t misunderstand me and think that I don’t believe in God. I most certainly do. However, finding God is an individual problem and of necessity is based on an individual’s interpretation. Living in this world, though, is a problem for all men individually and collectively and in order to do this we must cut through a maze of superstitions and prejudices and put things on a common basis. “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is as good a place to start as any. Unless people are inspired to take a more active part in applying such principles to everyday life and are sincere about it, this whole war will have been in vain.

“Never have people had such an opportunity to do this as will exist at the close of the war. And they don’t have to wait till then. They can start with their business and their community. I expect no overnight revolution. The grain is already in the trees. If, though, people will only think - yes, THINK! when they are in doubt, and actually apply that golden rule, the grain may take on a high polish and a beautiful life result that will bring happiness to many, and to themselves peace.

“[1842], I am sincere in this letter and I have written it out of the fullness of my heart and of what I believe. If you can use any of it in a sermon you are welcome to do so. Most men overseas have sacrificed a great deal and in such ways as this does sacrifice bring its own reward. I would appreciate it very much if you would pass this on to [341] since I would like to repeat some of the things to him. Tell all folks hello for me.”

Sincerely, [487]

R38. 8/7/43 Letter to EC: “You remember the job I told you I might get as platoon commander on a nearby island. Start on it tomorrow. From what they all say it is a swell set-up, although rather isolated. It is a very responsible position and a lot of new expensive equipment to look after and operate. The Col. said he wished he had a 45 yr. old man to send over there. (Started to tell him that would be easy, as I felt like I had been in the army a hundred years.) A lot of things involved that can’t tell you here. Am replacing a 1st Lt. who did a good job but didn’t manage some things so well. Will be kinda hard to step in with someone else’s men and get things going good over several kinds of handicaps. Wish me luck. I will think of you all and do best I can. If things go O.K. may be there for a while. You know how things in army are, though, can’t be sure of anything. Have been lucky so far; things working out very much in line of reading; you remember, the one that mentioned sitting and defensive constructive work?” [487-29, Par. 11-A]

R39. 8/12/43 EC’s letter: “You couldn’t have sent me a lovelier present than what you did in saying you were reading the Book (Bible) daily now. Have gotten me a new one and am marking this as I read it - will be very interesting for someone some day, maybe.”

R40. 9/24/43 Letter from [487] in answer to EC’s of 9/6/43:

“Before I do anything else I want to tell you the one sentence in your letter that means a whole lot to me. It is the best comment on the Bible that I have ever heard; that was the last paragraph of your letter - ‘For the whole Book is THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART AND THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. The rest is just explaining what was or was not done by many.’ I will remember that. Thanks.”

R41. 10/2/43 EC’s ending paragraph of advice to [487]: “Take care of yourself. Write when you can. Always remain good company for yourself and you will never be a bad conversationalist anywhere.”

R42. 10/13/43 Letter from [487]: “The last two colonels here on last inspection seemed pretty well pleased, but the best compliment to my mind came from one of the men who said in a letter (I censor some of their mail) ‘since I have come over here we have made this outfit from a sorry one into one that anybody could be proud of.’ That made me feel pretty good. According to efficiency reports we are doing better by far than any of the other outfits in this area, and according to un-official rumors we have the smoothest running detachment of any in the company…

“I don’t know of any place outside of U.S.A. I’d rather be than here; it is very nice. I like it fine.”

R43. 6/13/44 “Your work and rdgs. have helped many people spiritually as well as physically. I know that the way you have used it and the unselfish attitude you have shown has brought me a great deal closer to the ‘why’ of things, in brief closer to God. No one can help others more than that.”

R44. 3/29/45 We heard that he had been made Captain.

R45. 10/45 He was released from the Army and returned to his civilian job he had with the big power company before the war.

R46. 4/8/46 He and his wife had a baby daughter born to them.

R47. 12/3/50 We heard that he was active as an officer and a Sunday School teacher in the protestant church to which he belonged, and that he was one of the top men in his firm in the electrical engineering field.

R48. 6/24/66 GD’s note: All these years Mr. [487] has remained interested and active in the A.R.E. program.

Background

Background

B1. See 487-4 on 2/27/25 and subsequent Reports.

Mentioned Entities

Soul, Entity (Cayce Term), Egypt, Book of Job, Ideal, Incarnation, Purpose, Records (Atlantean), Atlantis, Jesus Christ, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Christ Consciousness, Photography (Atlantean), Physical Body, Ra Ta, Resurrection Appearances, Sermons of Jesus, Thomas Sugrue, Adam and Eve, Ajax

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 487-17, ReadingID 3576.