Reading 539-1

TEXT OF READING 539-1 M 57 (M.D., Protestant)

Text

Date: 5/3/1932 Sex: M Age: 57 ReadingID: 3809

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home in Pinewood on Lake Drive, Virginia Beach, Va., this 3rd day of May, 1932, in accordance with request made by self - [539], new Associate Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., through his wife - Mrs. [2110].

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, H. L. and L. B. Cayce.]

Time of Reading 10:25 A. M. Eastern Standard Time. …, Ill. (Physical Suggestion)

1. EC: Yes, we have the body and those conditions as surround the same, [539].

2. Now, as we find, while there are some disturbing factors in the physical forces of the body, these - as we find - are known, and also that as may be of aid in correcting same, to a great extent.

3. Are the disturbing forces, then, wholly physical? Rather are these of the nature that the physical suffers from the lack of understanding. Not that the body-mind, or the physical-consciousness, needs that as may be philosophical in its teaching; neither is there the lack of knowledge. It is true that knowledge is power, yet the mere power does not signify that there will be the proper use made of the knowledge or the power that may be used from such forces; for, as is seen, with power men kill or destroy others, and with the same power may turn commercial energies, or light the way for a wayfarer, or make the paths such that doubt and fear is banished by the light of that power. So, in those factors that have to do with those conditions physical AND mental that disturb this body, [539]:

4. In the physical forces there is seen that there are the manifestations of those things as weigh BETWEEN the mental knowledge of conditions, either in the physical aspect of the body-relationships to the various functionings of the organs of the body, or in its relationships with individuals where the application of the knowledge is to be used, or is applied in a manner as to bring for such individuals that of rest or repose, or a different outlook upon the forces of the future aspects of the individuals’ perspective of activities in a material world. In the understanding, then, of these, are those things that have disturbed, and do disturb at present, the equilibrium of the mental and physical body of [539].

5. In the understanding of, the interpretation of, the knowledge that is had respecting self, respecting self’s relationships to the individuals about self, as to self in its relationships to individual, there is builded then in the conditions of the mental and the spiritual body of this entity that which is of a twofold nature; that as the body would appear or seem to others in its relationships, as to that it would have others feel or think, and that as a duty from the physical, the moral, the mental relationships of self with others, as well as that which is held as an esteem of self in its relationship to that which has been set as its, the entity’s, ideal.

6. There has been in the physical body, the physical mind, that constant strain of attempting to parallel or correlate that known as knowledge respecting cause and effects in the mental and physical body of self, as well as the mental and physical causations that are impulses and stimuli to reactions in the lives, minds and bodies, of other individuals. This constant attempt to correlate same with that which has been WITH the knowledge in hand, the power then in hand of the body, has caused, does cause, this constant disturbing force that has made for (Now, we are speaking again in the same terminology) this tired unactivity at times, with the corresponding effect of the mental acuteness seeming at times dulled; and yet there constantly comes those reactions and elements that make for impossibilities as to cause and effect, or causation and its cessation, and its regenerations, in the activities of other mental bodies, and within self. Hence again that unrest, yet physically, morally, from duty, from those things that make for the material appearances, the body must carry on.

7. Then the question NATURALLY arises in the body, “What must be done about it? How may I, as an individual, in the light of that which is knowledge in my own hands, INTERPRET this in such a manner as to bring the opposite, or that which is felt should be the seed of the knowledge or powers, that should be the result of that which has been attained in self respecting these conditions? How may I APPLY that power, that knowledge, in such a manner as to be able to, expect to be able to, receive a definite response in every association or application of that power to those things, to those conditions, material and mental, with which I am to meet, with which I am thrown, with which I am combating each and every day?”

8. As is seen, then, there is a way - not OUT, not in - not afar, but - within self. In the laying aside of that which has been builded as barriers day by day from the opening of self’s inner being to that POWER, which IS knowledge, which IS the force FROM which emanates the ACTIVITIES in which that power is to be directed; for, as of old, “In thy getting, my son, get understanding!” That, then, is that the impulse that motivates, stimulates, that knowledge, must come from the sources that are SPIRITUAL in their essence, rather than from that which may have been builded in a mental, or material conditions in the experience; for, as has been given, “He has chosen that the FOOLISHNESS of many has been set as the standard for the righteous. The cornerstone as rejected by many has become the head of the corner.” In this, then, laying aside those things that so easily beset, enter into thine own closet. Lay self, as it were, to view; and let Him - that doeth all things WELL - DIRECT that which is to be said, done, whether in that one meets in his own self, in his own house, in his own family relations, in his own social relations, in his own business or commercial relations; and He fails NOT, for He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and whether there be wars within, rumors without, or those things that make for turmoils in thine own heart, thine own house, thine own relations, these will be as but naught in that of HIS impetus - which will be given, WITH the knowledge that He doeth all things well, and “Though He slay me, yet will I love Him”; for “To whom SHALL we go? Thou, O Lord, alone hath the words of eternal life, and Thou alone could quiet the tempest in mine own breast, or the ravings of one that has been tossed upon the billows of the SURROUNDING conditions, produced by an unseemly act on the part of one or many of Thine sons and daughters in this, Thy world!” God, then, brought this world into being through faith, through virtue, through understanding. Would ye know His ways? They are not past finding out; for there is innate in each individual that which makes for a way of association, and of understanding, to Him; and the Advocate WITH the Father has given, “I will not LEAVE thee desolate, nor shalt thy soul descend into hell, if thou hast believed in me - and I will COME to thee! If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

9. Many would say, what has all this to do with one that HAS the UNDERSTANDING materially, the UNDERSTANDING physically, of the attributes of the physical body?

10. WHO hath said what manner of vessel this shall be? The Lord is the potter, WE are the clay! Would WE, then, say what manner of man we should be? Rather being a VESSEL of the Lord, and USED by Him as a vessel for service in whatsoever field He has chosen we should go! Kick not against thine lot, nor against those things that beset thee in thine disappointments in men, or their relationships as one to another. Knowest thou not they, too, are vessels of Him that rules over all? and in the use of that THOU hast in thine own skirts GIVES that knowledge, that understanding, that may bring to thee that of being a more worthy servant OF that which has been committed into thine care! and with that advent of Him into the world we are no longer servants; rather brothers with Him - who sits at the right hand to make intercession for those who would say, “Not my will, O God, but Thine, be done in me day by day! May I keep my own light burning, that a faltering wayward son and brother would have at least an opportunity for the lighting of the way that leads to peace, hope, rest, understanding!”

11. Then in, and to, thine own self, keep that which IS knowledge that IS known as pure as it has been given thee. TRY YE the Spirit. KNOW that it emanates from force, knowledge, power - those that declare there is the continuity of life, whether under the impetus of sin or righteousness, do show forth that as may be carried back to the Throne of Life, if crucified, if clarified, if cleansed, in the blood of the Lamb. Without the shedding of blood there was no remission of sin. Now, in grace, in mercy, do we seek that forgiveness; for, once for all has that blood been shed, that cleanseth one from all unrighteousness! Holy, holy, is His name! Unto Him look - look - for that which will bring peace, harmony, joy, love, UNDERSTANDING, in thine own experience!

12. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” Cayce file ” ” Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. GD’s note: See 2/28/33 letter under 539-4, Par. R4 indicating that in medical language he has pernicious anemia, hydrochloric acid deficiency in stomach, developing of locomotor ataxia.

R2. See 3/22/33 letter under 539-4, Par. R6 indicating “There is, in my mind, the idea that the cause of the whole situation dates back to a period of worry over a number of mundane situations very accurately described in your first reading.”

R3. 5/16/32 Letter - first part - used in son’s 2155-2 Reports:

“Now in reference to the reading given by you for me on May 3rd, 1932, I have many things in mind. To begin with I wish to thank you. You have served me well. It is difficult perhaps to express one’s reactions in a few words because many reactions are still in their formative stage, and will come into one’s experience at a later date.

“It might be said, however, at this time, that you are certainly functioning as an important worker in the Vineyard of the Lord, and that it is an evidence to me of the guiding help of the Kind Father that has brought our paths to meet each other.

“What shall I say? The message that you have been the means of bringing to me is beautifully expressed and very instructive to me. It seems odd that the very things that I have been telling others about are the things that I have failed to use fully enough in their application to my own problems. One reason for that lies no doubt in the necessity of unlearning of old convictions before the new ones can come into their own.

“Well maybe I had better close here and renew my reports to you at a later date.”

Appreciatingly I am yours, [539]

R4. 5/16/32 Wife’s letter to EC:

… Avenue, …, Ill.

Beloved Teacher in Christ;

“I address you so because today my heart has been singing a song, and you will know why when you get my husband’s letter. When your reading came, I felt I was standing in the presence of something holy, for to me it was so plain. This knowledge has made my heart ache so long & I had tried so hard to point the way - and now you have done it & it has been accepted.

“Last Monday Dr. telephoned me that the reading had come for which he had been anxiously waiting, I asked over the phone ‘How is it?’ He replied, ‘Well’ - I’ll send it up to you with [[…], youngest boy]. When it came I read it & I said to myself ‘Oh, how wonderful’ for all of it was so plain to me - I called him up & told him what I thought & he said ‘Well, we’ll talk it over tonite.’ WHAT NITE, HE DIDN’T MENTION IT TO ME & so the weeks passed & Saturday nite, he brought home your ‘check’ [2155-2] on [2155]‘s condition & the change of treatment & after I was thru reading it, he put his reading from you in my hands & said, ‘read this out loud to me.’ He was lying on the couch with his eyes closed I read it & when I came to anything that seemed he must understand, I would repeat it again to him & at the end I could not help but say ‘Oh Daddy, don’t you understand, all your knowledge has been the use of the letter of the word only, and what you have tried BY FORCE to make others do, you have not been doing yourself.’ That was a lot to say to him but he did not reply - so yesterday morning I saw he had given [[…], younger son] the paper to read to him. Today at noon […] comes home with the copy of the letter his Dad, had written you, and now you know why I am praising God, with my heart & soul. When he once sees and accepts that Divine Spirit and not merely human intelligence is power, then I believe healing for not only for [2155], but for himself and that ‘he will be a power as a doer of good.’

“I bless the day I wrote you, Mr. Cayce. I could write you pages - but it is not necessary. My life has been a Gethsemane but it looks as if some of the things I have been seeking, shall come to pass and all the suffering shall have been for some purpose.

“I have changed the magnetic treatment with [2155] and maybe Doctor has written you that since yesterday he has not been so well. Convulsive all day - on the couch & still on the couch all day today but sweet in disposition and I FEEL a subtle change in the condition. Last week there was one day, he screamed for fully an hour with the small petite mal cramps which must have been very severe from the way he jerked & cried & then at evening - there was one very bad convulsion, but ONLY one. Usually he would probably have more or some the next day, but not this time.

“My husband’s circulation has been bad, his hands & feet numbing to such an extent that they almost incapacitated him in his work. Two years ago he had a streptococcus infection in his leg. He would not go the the Hospital & I was up with him night & day for 5 days, until the surgeon, my nephew (who is also a doctor) called in, said he had to go if his life was to be saved. He was so opposed, we did not tell him until a few moments before the ambulance came. Well, they operated above the knee & he was very, very ill, and yes, from what I felt, I am quite sure he almost passed over. Well, since he has not been well, as I say about the circulation, I think (it was a great disappointment that with his knowledge of spiritual laws. He was not able to avoid his illness & that he has not been able to bring about [2155]‘s healing. Do you understand what I mean? God is the healer; man never. I don’t believe I need to tell you more. My husband has a wonderful mind, may he from now use it in the service of God, for Love is a greater power than Force & with Love as his standard, I know he will do the work he was sent to do.

“Now about my reading [See 2110-1, 8/30/32]. Just at present I have some obligations to meet, but shortly I will be able to have one, and then I think if it is possible, I will have a Life Reading for when once one has set their feet upon the Path, no more showing of what we once were, will discourage one, rather I feel that it will be encouragement to know there has been some progress made along Life’s way.

“In sincerest and deepest appreciation of your loving service and with love to you all, I am”

Yours in His service, Mrs. [2110]

“P.S. I think it quite wonderful for your son to be with you in this work. I hope my children may grow in the know- ledge of this great Truth, for the young are the vanguard of the New Age.”

R5. 5/23/32 Letter - first part - reporting on his son, [2155]‘s condition [see 2155-2]:

“Now as to myself - may be that you came to hear about that also. I have read your reading many times because I found this helpful to get to the meaning of it. I have gradually arrived at a better understanding of it. But at the best I find some skill and hazy spots and shall mark the reading with my notations and perhaps have the way to have you make them clearer. Kindly return the reading and make such notations on it as you feel motivated to do.

“I have placed numbers on some special passages in order to facilitate the correspondence. Hence:

“1. Of course, I fully agree with that teaching about the proper use of power. This power spoken of here I interpret to mean ‘the power of thought’. Am I right?

“2. Again, I may be wrong but as I think about my motives and my inclinations I have not discovered any particular ‘errors of omission’ altho there is little doubt about ‘errors of omission’. ‘To pray without ceasing’ is still a goal to be worked for.

“3. With 2 and 3 you might deal in some way that would make it clearer.

“4. This is also obscure. The Son works with the Father. ‘My Father worketh hitherto and I work’. Whatever knowledge I have comes from the Father. It comes in that it can be used.

“5. Can you become more explicit on this subject of barriers? None are so blind as those who will not see. It is a priviledge to be helped to locate HINDRANCES within one’s self and of which one is unconscious.

“6. I am thoroughly enthused over such a situation. This certainly is an ideal greatly to worked for towards realization. Any help that you feel yourself capable of extending in such a quest would be very welcome and greatly be reciprocated.

“7. This is sound advice, the soundest that can be given. I have groped in this direction for many years. The truism that the ‘Father and I are one’ has reached my understanding (at least in some measure). My reaching out to you was in reality meant to reach the Father through you. When, after all, I should have trusted my own instrument. It is a source of satisfaction. However, to experience this uncertainty of judgement and conclusion.

“In closing I wish to thank you for your help and cooperation. Your letters are always eagerly read and studied.”

Yours truly, Mr. [539]

R6. 6/6/32 EC’s letter to Dr. [539]:

“I feel a bit conscience-stricken that I have not been able to answer sooner your letter of May 23rd. For the last two weeks I have been quite “under the weather” myself. I am very prone to lose hold of myself, and consequently suffer as everyone else. No one, I know, likes to admit their weaknesses, yet we all no doubt gain something by acknowledging them to the right ones, who are capable and willing to hear and to offer sound advice and counsel when possible. We have also been through the ordeal of moving our residence. The place we had chosen needed a great deal of repair. Being unable financially to hire this done, my son and our ‘office helpers’ undertook the work themselves. This has also taken a great deal of my time, strength and energy.

These, please understand Doctor, are not excuses - just facts! I hope you, with many of my other friends, will bear with this seeming negligence, which has caused by the necessities of the physical man for the moment and those dependent upon my efforts.

“I appreciate your letter, Doctor, a very great deal. I appreciate the reports on [2155]. In the interim I hope that you have seen some very clear and definite improvement. It may be so very slight, or very little at first, but I believe it is basic and will prove to be real help in the end.

“As for your own reading, I do not know whether I am capable in my conscious mind of explaining this by letter or not, as I desire to do, or as the information really deserves - but I assure you I am glad to give you the best counsel regarding this that lies within me. I will take this up paragraph by paragraph, according to the numbers. I do not think I could make notations on the reading itself, but I trust that by comparing with it you will be able to receive some light, at least; for it is my sincere desire to be of service if at all possible.

“1. As I understand this, you yourself know the disturbing factors in the physical forces of the body, and also that which may be of aid in correcting them. Of course, in the normal physical condition, I have no idea as to any physical debility, or any physical trouble. If you desire to have this expanded upon, it might be obtained in a reading which I’ll be very glad to do, if you would like to have the reading’s interpretation of your physical condition, but apparently the power or forces that gave this understood that YOU understood your own physical condition as well as, or better than might even be given through that source.

“Knowledge IS power, and apparently indicates that you have a great deal more knowledge concerning your own physical condition than you have taken the time to consider as to what should be done with that knowledge. Possibly for the fear of what might be said. Possibly from the training in your profession, which would seem to be somewhat un-ethical. At least your ABILITIES are greater, as I would understand, than you have accredited yourself with, or have even given yourself the opportunity of proving to yourself.

“2. Such knowledge, and such inclination to use that knowledge to aid another, even at your own expense, has been and is a great disturbing influence in your mental and physical body at present.

“I wish I could talk with you about this. It is so hard to write.

“3. It isn’t a matter of blind faith. It isn’t a matter as to cause and effect only, but you have gotten hold of the truth of how spiritual things operate in a physical being, and some do not find them paralleling what you have been taught, or in some circumstances have found in practical experience as being the real causation; for each entity is a world in itself and has its own causations according to that it, the entity, has builded in its experiences throughout its existence, not of one life but many. Not that the spirit of forgiveness is made of none effect, but His mercy IS sufficient - yet we have doubted, and we forget to believe even for the very works’ sake. This has been a source of unrest. Now we should come to this position, very much as the colored minister once said: ‘If the Lord says jump through the wall, it’s my business to do the jumping and the Lord’s business to put me through the wall.” Now, that science and blind faith do not always seem to coordinate, or parallel, often makes for disturbing influences.

“4. Yet, as the next question naturally comes, what are we going to do about it? Simply do our level best, as we see it, each day, knowing that we GROW in grace, in mercy, in knowledge, in understanding, AS we apply the little we DO know, leaving ever the results in GOD’S hands.

“5. As indicated, the way out is within self. We often must crucify our own knowledge, that the POWER of the Father through us may be more effective; and is so doing comes understanding; for, as in

“6. He WILL direct, if we do not too often designate as to how we would have Him to do the directing! Thy will be done in me! That, I know, leads to this position, Doctor - that we often say, how FAR shall I go with this, that or the other, in leaving it with Him? Very much as the old adage said, ‘Pray to the Lord, but keep your powder dry’, and that which is acceptable He will enlarge upon; for His yoke IS easy and His burden IS light, if we will only allow Him to help us, as we are doing our level best from day to day.

“That we should assist one another in finding the Father we see evidenced about us, I think, every day; for we ARE our brother’s keeper, and - as of old - his blood will cry unto the Father from the ground, if we do not attempt to help him; for God needs none of our service, but ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my little ones, ye have done it unto me!’ There is so much of the Spirit of the Father and the Son in each one of us, that if our communications one to another arouse that portion of an individual, then we understand ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.’ It doesn’t necessarily mean always that we are together materially, but in thought

• as you said from the beginning. Be ye of one mind. Not that we are all going to think the same things, certainly not! Our environs do not permit such materially, but ‘Be ye one, even as I and the Father are one’, in purpose, in aim, in the INNER desires - not the carnal or the physical, but the inner desires.

“I hope there has been something said that will help. I thank you for writing me, and for sending me this for rereading. It has been very helpful to me in trying to give this to you. May it be just as helpful to you in trying to understand what I have tried to say, for I have said it in His name. With love to you and Mrs. [2110].”

I am, sincerely, Edgar Cayce.

R7. 7/6/32 He wrote Mrs. Hannah Miller, Sec’ty of A.R.E. Group #1, ordering 4 copies of the lesson on COOPERATION (mimeographed copies), after Miss Esther Wynne had written Dr. [539] and his wife, Mrs. [2110], about starting a study group.

R8. 7/14/32 Hannah Miller’s reply:

Dear Dr. [539]:

“Your letter received. You are being forwarded under separate cover, the four lessons on COOPERATION. Thank you very much for the order. We are so pleased that you have already started your Group Work.

“This lesson was written by us, while we endeavored to put into practice that we knew. We are hoping that you will find it practical. We have tried to make this a living lesson & we hope & trust it will be so with you. Let me say this, our experience was, that problems just seemed to arise from nowhere, & I might say, drop down upon us just as soon as we began this lesson, but we did learn to cooperate every one of us.

“Keep on going for strength will come sufficient for the task. Inspiration is yours with the trying. Trusting to be of further service.”

We are, the Norfolk Study Group #1, H. J. Miller, Sec.

R9. 8/30/32 His wife, Mrs. [2110], obtained a Life Rdg.

R10. 9/5/32 Letter to EC:

…, Ill.

Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Virginia My dear friend and helper:

This is a beautiful morning; Labor Day morning. There is very little danger of being interrupted so I thought it best to utilize this opportunity in writing you a few lines.

I surmised that things were probably not in good working order when I didn’t hear from you within the normal expectancy of time. Naturally we are glad to know that you are up to par again. We shall be glad to do out bit to keep you there.

Now as to the Life Reading of Mrs. [2110]. I must admit that my ideas on work of that kind are not very well organized. In other words I hardly know what to say. My general outlook upon life has been one of practicality. I would generally ask the question of what value a certain line of activity would be as regards making one stronger, happier, and freer. I do not say that I am completely right, in adhering to such principles; I am always willing to take another step if it be one towards greater truth.

Well in the light of the above, the reading has proven quite a source of enjoyment to the family. Dear mother must now submit to being called Frenchie, being called by some Greek letter, like some of our fraternities, and best of all is or was an As-me-is. I would not have you think for a moment that we look upon the record as made thru you in the light of unimportance because of the above remarks. The co-text as applied to the experience of the entity reached in each incarnation is to us very illuminating and refreshing. At any rate, the whole report will have to be read over and over many times until the memory associations will become more and more active.

Have you anything to offer, that would help me to get more in the spirit of this mode of research? It appears to me that I could formulate a better grasp on the place which such a line of endeavor fills our needs, if I had an opportunity to read quite a number of such records. I don’t see just how that would be possible unless you would have a way of giving me an opportunity of reading some other similar life-readings, of course without the names of the parties for whom the readings were made.

May I ask you, if in your own mind, you have reached a definite conclusion about that work? No doubt you have. Having had so much experience, and having had a chance to check up on the messages given, I would rather listen to your explanation than mine. I recall reading about yourself from the standpoint of your past incarnations. A good many years ago I gave considerable attention to the theosophical teachings about reincarnation. I believe that I read something about the individuality changing the sex expression from masculinity to feminity or vice-versa with each incarnation. According to Mrs. [2110]‘s reading and what I know of your own, this does not take place. Of course I don’t see why that would be important except that in the race consciousness there has been built up the idea of male superiority and control over the female of the species. [Last page of his letter was used in Reports of son’s rdg. 2155-3.]

R11. 10/3/32 See his own Life Rdg., 539-2.

R12. 10/21/32 He obtained another Physical Rdg., 539-3.

Background

Background

B1. 4/22/32 He reported on rdg. 2155-1 for his afflicted son and requested a Physical Rdg. for himself. See also another son’s ltr. 1/4/33 under 539-3 Reports indicating that about 2 yrs. ago Dr. [539] was hospitalized for streptococcic infection in right leg.

Mentioned Entities

Physical Body, Entity (Cayce Term), Healing, Ideal, Incarnation, Crucifixion of Jesus, Grace, Purpose, Soul, Throne of God, Virginia Beach, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Gertrude Cayce, Gladys Davis, Greece, Lamb of God, Reincarnation, Resurrection Appearances, Spiritual Body

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 539-1, ReadingID 3809.