Reading 779-19

TEXT OF READING 779-19 M 43 (Marble Cutter, Monument

Text

Date: 7/23/1931 Sex: M Age: 43 ReadingID: 4790

Salesman [unemployed], Protestant) This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 105th Street & Ocean, Virginia Beach, Va., this 23rd day of July, 1931, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [779].

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

Time of Reading 12:00 Noon - Eastern Standard Time. …, Ala.

1. GC: You will have before you the body and the enquiring mind of [779], …, Ala. You will also have before you the information as has been given this body in previous LIFE, BUSINESS and PHYSICAL readings. Also you will have before you his family-home life and all of the conditions and circumstances that surround this body and his family. You will also have before you his financial condition and the lack of employment and the immediate need of aid and employment whereby he can meet the necessary obligations and needs of life for himself and family. In view of all these facts you will please tell this body in full detail what is the proper and correct method to proceed under the existing conditions and circumstances to get employment of some kind, even if it is not in his regular line of work, whereby he can meet the necessary obligations and needs of life for himself and those dependent upon him. Please advise as to with whom, how, where and when may he expect to be able to make a permanent connection with success and contentment for himself and family.

2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [779] - this we have had before - also the information as has been given the body, the various circumstances, conditions as confront the body.

3. In the conditions, in the circumstances and the surroundings as does appear those conditions that to the body have become in some manners apparently unsurmountable, or that as has been rather the continued lack of ability to cope with, to meet the needs to carry on in the manner as SEEMETH befitting to the body from that as has been experienced in the past by the body - in considering all circumstances, all surroundings, the body, the enquiring mind, the mental forces of the body should take in consideration that as has been and is necessary for the mental being, the soul development, to meet that which has been meted by the body; and that will the body keep that faith, that hope in that power wherein the sources of all things come - whether of the material, the mental or the soul forces - THEIR emanations, their activities must come from the One Source, and that doing that as is understood from day to day will bring that necessary understanding for the body, the mind, the mental, the physical being, to bring that as is necessary to meet any and every emergency that may arise. The trials may be considered hard, judged by the surroundings of many. Judge NOT as to what is to be meted for the understanding; rather how soon will the self get the proper understanding.

4. In meeting the emergencies and those conditions in the present, as has been outlined for the body, there are specific lines in which the body may excel. That, then, should be in the direction in which the body should take for the immediate needs, through those channels where the supply for those of household necessities, whether in those of that used from day to day, those in cleaning, those in brushing, those in home remedies, or in any of those fields may the body meet those emergencies OF the present. As the application of self is made in these directions, may the body gain that necessary understanding and association as to bring about that which will make FOR the development OF self and those dependent upon same. Do that.

5. Ready for questions.

6. (Q) To whom should he go first? (A) There are many, as of the Radway [?] Company, Larkin Company, of those that seek for representatives and representation of properties or products being distributed in such a way and manner.

7. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” File

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 8/4/31 Card reported on recent emergency reading 780-7 for his wife, saying: “Am in big hurry trying to get ready to leave here today for …, Va. Yes, a job suddenly came in sight.”

R2. 8/10/31 “I had a wire from these people here asking me to report at once. I had for some time written the Georgia Marble people at Tate, Ga., who I used to travel for in Texas [See 779-15 Reports], to look out for me. So they knew of this man here opening up a new business in the monument work and wrote him about me and he offered me a place, and due to the fact that I was all out and had to do something now to help out, I accepted till I could see ahead. While the pay is the smallest I ever worked for in the business, still it will kinda help carry expenses for a little while or until something better shows up.”

R3. 10/6/31 He obtained a Check Physical - See 779-20.

R4. 11/9/31 Mr. [779]‘s letter:

I have just been looking over the evenings paper and I was Dumb Founded to see in heavy print reading “VIRGINIA TRIO HELD IN N.Y.” said that you, Mrs. Cayce and Miss Davis was arrested Sat. on charges on pretending to tell fortunes. It shocked me so much and am just wondering what is the trouble and who had this thing done. I am sure there will be nothing to it, but it is so strange that such a thing would come up now when you have been doing this work in N.Y. for some time. Will you please write and tell me all about it and from what source this came about. I hope this is just a mistake that the papers makes so many times, and that every thing will work out O.K.

R5. 12/2/31 EC’s letter:

Please know that I have appreciated your interest, and inquiry, regarding our welfare during the unpleasantness that occurred in New York from the 7th to the 16th of November. Yes, it was rather embarrassing, but it was something that for a long time I had felt must come sooner or later. It was a shock coming at the time it did, when we were already under very embarrassing financial conditions, but our friends came to our support, and many whom we had heretofore considered as good acquaintances proved to be among our staunchest supporters. Just who caused this would possibly be hard to fix the blame. However, that there should have been so much made of a fellow being questioned about being a fortune teller, for it to become Associated Press news, international news, and the like, seemed so uncalled for. It really made us feel that we were of some importance. The press indicated that the dismissal of the case was on a technicality, but this wasn’t true. I am quoting the Judge’s dismissal: [See 254-59, Reports.] THE COURT: Put this on the record. After seeing the People’s witnesses and the three defendants and their witness, on the stand, and observing their manner of testifying, and after reading the exhibits in the case, I find as a fact that Mr. Cayce and his co-defendants were not pretending to tell fortunes and that to hold these defendants guilty of a violation of Sec. 899 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Sub-division 3, would be an interference with the belief, practices or usages of an incorporated ecclesiastical governing body, or the duly licensed teachers thereof, and they are discharged.

R6. 12/2/31 EC’s ltr. to their friend Mrs. [2457]:

Just a line to let you hear from us. Don’t think I haven’t been appreciative of every word you have written. I know how worried you must have been over the happening in New York. It was possibly one of those things that had to happen. For a long time I had expected it, and that’s the best place in the world for it to have happened - it proved so, at least, for we had many friends to rally to our support, and things after a while clarified themselves considerably. Of course, nothing was done, the charges were not sustained, and we were given a clean bill of health in New York. We are consequently legally free to do the work for our members in New York. It no doubt caused a great deal of unnecessary notoriety, and will draw the line very closely between those who are our friends and those who are not. To our friends it will make no difference, while the others do not matter. I have understood there was considerable said in your local paper. I would like to see a copy of it if you can get hold of one.

R7. 12/17/31 Mr. [779]‘s letter: “Well, I don’t guess you would be much surprised if I tell you that I am going back to Ala.”

R8. 3/22/32 He wrote that he was still out of work and very discouraged.

R9. 4/1/32 He wrote expressing appreciation for recent rdg. for son [427].

R10. 6/9/32 He obtained 781-2 for his second son.

R11. 6/10/32 Ltr. to [779] from M. Davis:

ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED Virginia Beach, Virginia

Dear Mr. [779]:

Upon glancing through our files I find you have not signed up as a member of our Association, though your son, [781], was given a Check Physical Reading yesterday. In order to complete our records covering this reading (as all those who obtain readings for themselves or dependants should become members according to our By-Laws), will you please fill out the inclosed application form? This does not necessarily involve a contribution (though that would be greatly appreciated and could be used to good advantage right now, be it ever so small), but we want to have this on hand for our records. We shall appreciate your cooperation in regard to the matter.

We truly hope your two sons who have recently gotten readings are rapidly improving in health and that they will continue as time goes by.

With our best regards to yourself and your family, and anticipating an early reply, I am

Sincerely,

Mildred Mary Davis Secretary to the Association

R12. 6/20/32 Ltr. to M. Davis from [779]:

Dear Miss Davis:-

I am herewith inclosing the small amount of $2.00 as part payment upon my application for membership in the Association. I am sorry I had not done this before. It was not that indifferent, but more due to the fact that I was helpless. I think it a great privilege to be a part of the great work in which you are trying to do. I hope to be in position in the near future to increase the payments of the inclosed to be weekly instead of monthly. I am sorry that I had not fixed up proper papers before now, but I did not know. Thank you for calling my attention. You know I am always ready & willing to do what I can.

With regards to you and Miss Gladys, [779]

R13. 9/25/32 Letter said he was working hard and just barely getting by - so discouraged at times. “I think the little affirmations beautiful.”

R14. 10/1/32 EC’s letter:

I was indeed glad to have yours of the 25th. I’m glad to say that I am feeling a great deal better than when I last wrote to you.

You are pleased to have the boys enjoying their work in school, I am sure, and more than all that [781] is coming out so fine. This makes the work all the more worth while. I’m glad for you and Mrs. [780], and for the boy. Mr. L. B. [L. B. Cayce, EC’s father] came home a few days ago. He has been in Kentucky and Tennessee since the early part of June. As we were moving to a house that had little or no conveniences, or hardly enough room, it was necessary that we have the time to make some sort of arrangements, to either dispose of or make room for our few belongings. I’ve done a good deal of work around the place, and have gotten in something of a basement, which gives us a little storeroom - if it stays dry. I hope it does. Also a storeroom for coal, and last week I succeeded in getting a little shed built to run the car in. This enables us to make a little more room; while it is still mighty crowded, I know we have every reason to be thankful for it being as it is. He hadn’t been home either in a year or so. Several of his brothers are still living in Hopkinsville, and his only sister, so I’m sure he spent rather a pleasant visit with them, as well as to my sister who lives in Nashville. He is looking mighty well, but has taken a little cold and hasn’t been feeling so well in the last day or two - but said he’s feeling a whole lot better now, and that was a long time ago.

Yes, we often wonder why things happen as they do, and why it should be that those so interested and who think so much of each other and the work should be so far apart, when the information has indicated so often their efforts should be more and more combined. Possibly we are very much like the lessons we have had in Sunday School for the last few months. We are a little bit impatient. The promises to the children of Jacob were that they would possess the land, it was theirs for the inheritance. How many of them that were twenty-one years old when they left Egypt arrived in Canaan? Only two faithful out of the thousands that started, yet their children possessed the land; even Moses only viewed it from afar. The more abilities we have the more is required of us, and it may be our time is yet coming. We are, in our own respective spheres of material operations, representatives of that we cherish as ideals. We give expression of it in our daily lives to those about us, whether we think we do or not. We only abide our time, and with patience run the race that is set before us, knowing that in patience we possess our souls. This does not necessarily mean sitting down and being submissive, but it means a positive, active patience, doing something about it at all times. As we use the abilities we have in hand from day to day, we are given greater opportunities; for if we are faithful over the little things then we will be made rulers over the greater things. If we have not been faithful, how would we have known to use the greater things that we have just dreamed of if we had had them? Wouldn’t we have made greater blunders?

We all reach that state of being doubtful. We even come to the point that unless we can see where the spear pierced His side, and put our fingers in the nail prints, we will not believe. Unless we can see those things that satisfy the material side of our natures are supplied, we won’t believe and won’t have anything to do with any of it, when in reality

• whether we are clothed, or whether we have wherewithal to eat - these things are very little, unless we allow them to become the more important things in our lives. We should be able to say more and more, “Have Thy way with me, O Lord
• have Thy way!” We know His promises are sure, that the righteous shall not beg bread; for He knows what we have need of before we ask, and has already prepared the way of escape before we have asked Him - but we must do the asking!

Yes, [779], I would like for you to study the lessons [See 262-17, Par. R2 - Group ltr. to [779]] we are preparing in the group. Don’t get the idea that the work is trying to make any burden on you, or that it is expecting or even desiring you to contribute any amount to the lessons. They would only cost you twenty-five cents a month. There’s yourself and Mrs. [780], [427], [4176] - at least you four. Set apart one evening a week that you will follow the suggestions given for the study of the lesson presented. You will take some portion of the lesson each time you meet. Make that appointment. Pray together over it. You will follow the lines of suggestions given for the meditation, and I believe you will find it will really be a very wonderful thing. I believe it will draw the whole family closer together. Let’s make a trial of it, what do you say? Should others want to join in, or should you find it so interesting that you would want to ask one to come in from time to time, maybe they will find it interesting also.

I know what you have gone through during the last two years, [779]. Remember poor old Job, what God said of him. “In all the world there is not another like unto him,” and the devil said “Yes, but put forth thy hand and take what he has of the material things away, and he will curse you to your face.” His answer was to those friends, or would-be friends, “The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away, but blessed be the name of the Lord.” Possibly you don’t see it in the present - POSSIBLY, I say. It has been a great deal better for you, that as the whole world is going through that transition period of turning more and more to the spiritual life rather than the material things, it has been necessary for your own development. Don’t lose hold on Him. “Use that thou hast in hand.”

It is pretty hard that such cuts force you to curtail so many necessities, and all that you have heretofore counted as pleasures, but man’s extremity often becomes God’s opportunity, with Him.

Any time you would like to have a reading, make up your questions - but let me offer this as a suggestion: You get this first lesson on Cooperation from the study group, form your own group in your own home. If [781] wants to sit in and hear the discussions and pray with you, then fine and dandy! Don’t force them to stay, but after you have had your lesson on cooperation, then get your reading - and we shall see what we shall see.

Don’t condemn yourself for having fallen short. Give more and more praise to God that He has brought you thus far, to comparatively good health for most of the family; possibly it might be a lot better; but be more and more thankful for what you have, and we’ll know what to do with the better things when we get them. Keep the heart singing all the while.

Know we are thinking of you, and praying for and with you day by day. Let us hear from you whenever you have the opportunity.

Ever the same, [EC:GD]

R15. 11/24/32 Mr. [779] wrote about great decrease in salary, best suit being stolen, illness, etc.

R16. 11/28/32 Ltr. to [779] from EC:

Dear [779]:-

You do not know just how much good it has done me to receive, among many others, your letter written on the 24th - Thanksgiving Day. It makes me feel often that these friends, these loved ones of mine, are in a manner thanking our Heavenly Father for our friendship, that they should feel on this day - of all days - they must in some way or manner give expression to their thoughts and feelings for those they count among their associates and acquaintances that are worth while to them.

No doubt you know that I have been wondering just how everything in going with you. I have realized that you are going through a crucial test. Be STRONG, my brother! Remember, though we may not understand why this should all come in such a severe way and manner just now, He WILL - if we remain faithful - let us know why in due season, and we will sometime understand! Know He will not tempt us beyond that we are able to bear; know that with every trial and every cross there will come the crown and blessing beyond compare!

I’m certainly sorry you are having the fears of an epidemic of the flu, and that some of your loved ones - and no doubt yourself - are in the throes of all the pains, uneasiness and worries that come with such just at this time. [779], get you a few five-grains asaphoetida tablets. Each evening take three aspirins and one asaphoetida tablet, with a small drink of whiskey - if you can get it; if you can’t get that, take a good strong, hot lemonade. Every morning take about a quarter teaspoonful of soda. Keep your feet dry. It’ll soon get rid of all this cold and congestion, and prevent any after-effects from this flu. With your weak, worried, run-down condition, I know the after-effects of this are often much worse than the distress caused at this time. Keep your mind and heart open to His blessings. Know that even though you find yourself reduced in the material things of this life, if we continue to bless and give Him the glory, there is being laid up for us much greater blessings than this world could in any manner bestow. The things of this life matter so very little! We must have them for ourselves, for our loved ones, and no doubt there’s nothing that digs into the heart of a man more than to know those he loves so well are denied the necessities - as well as many of the pleasures of this material life; but we must see and realize in it all that God MUST have His way. He purges every one that He loves. He knows what we have need of, better than we can ask. Though we do not see how, we will - if we will only be patient; for it is in patience, the Master said, that we possess our souls. What is it if we gain the whole world and lose our soul? What will a man give in exchange for his soul? The pleasure of this life for a season? Will he not rather, even weep with those who weep, rejoice with those that do rejoice, bear with those that suffer, even as we suffer physically, that we may learn the more of Him?

It is bad indeed that necessity required the curtailment of the amount they contributed to you in your work, that so much animosity had arisen as to cause even further curtailment, but may His strength be with you; for it will not always be as this; so just hold on - a brighter day is coming for us all. Soon there will be some changes in such a manner that will enable us all to see the light. The whole nation is suffering from the lack of thoughts of God. All of us as individuals are suffering along with it. While we may not just have been among those guilty, but as He sends His rain on the just and the unjust alike, so does His disfavor (or apparent disfavor at times) fall on those also who in their heart of hearts WANT to do, are TRYING to do, the very best they know how! He will not leave us comfortless, if we will not neglect to pray for even those that despitefully use us. All power is of Him, and any power that may be in the minds and hearts of men with whom we work is only lent from Him. Let’s not censure them, but rather pray that God will be the directing influence and power in their associations with their fellow man; for so will we - as we ask for others

• be given that power and strength to meet our daily needs. I understand, [779], as the Master gave, “Who when their children ask for bread will give them a stone, or who when they are asked for aid and strength for the physical body, or greater abilities, give only altruisms and beautiful sayings? but I can only say as Peter to the man as he went in the temple and asked him for alms, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I unto thee.” That strength brought great abilities physically and mentally to the man, and Jesus the Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, and will bring strength and health in the lives and hearts of everyone that WHOLLY trusts in Him.

Now, let me hear from you. You know I will be very anxious to know how you are getting along. Don’t lay aside the little suggestion I made for getting rid of the after-effects of the flu, or in meeting it even in the present; for it will cleanse your system so as to bring a great deal of strength and vitality. It will clear up all those aches and pains, getting all that poison out of your system that is produced by congestion, enabling your blood supply to take on new life, and reducing the temperature that is produced by the excess poisons. All things will work together for good to those that love the Lord and love His coming.

Give my love to Mrs. [780] and the children. Certainly glad [781] is so much on the improve. How is [427] getting along? Is he at home now? How is [318]? Certainly would love to see each and every one of you. I hope another year will not pass before I have the opportunity to see and talk with you again in person.

With love to all from all, I am

Ever the same, [EC:GD]

R17. 12/4/32 Mr. [779] expressed thanks for above letter which helped him so much - “It came just at the time when I needed such a letter… I have always had trouble understanding the words of the Master… I have always said and repeat, that in our class at Sunday School while you were the teacher, I got more from your way of teaching or expressing the lessons. Again this is true in your letter… I feel so much better. Also I want to thank you for the little suggestion of treatment. I started same the day I got your letter.”

R18. 4/33 He requested Ck. Physical for youngest son, [318].

R19. 8/3/33 He obtained Ck. Physical for his mother, Mrs. [381].

R20. 8/21/33 He referred some parents for Physical Rdg. on their child, [395].

R21. 12/16/33 He referred Miss [471] for Physical Rdg.

R22. 9/30/34 “Well, I am back in …, Ala. with the same people with whom I held a job for 20 yrs… My work will be as before, about half on inside and other on the road. I am sure my experience during the last 8 yrs. will be of much help to me in meeting and serving those in a better way whom I contact. I was pretty sore for several days from working in shop, not having done any kind of such work in about 8 yrs., but I will soon be hard again and ‘good as new’, as Mr. L. B. puts it.”

R23. See subsequent Check Physical Readings.

R24. 11/25/37 “My work has kept me pretty busy - been doing some of my tedious carving for most of the summer, which I enjoyed doing. Our business has been very good, but like all others now a little off for this season of year.”

R25. 1/17/38 GD’s ltr. to Hannah Miller:

Mrs. Hannah Miller, Secretary Norfolk Study Groups of The Ass’n, 3217 Verdun Avenue, Norfolk, Va.

Dear Mrs. Miller:-

Mr. [641] and Mr. [779] in …, Ala., are ready to start a group…on a small scale at first; just [641] and two or three of the [779] family and anyone else who might drop in after they have begun. They have both written us for suggestions as to how to proceed; hence this explanation to you.

Hugh Lynn suggests that you send them a copy of the lesson on Cooperation, a copy of Oneness of All Force, and the entire suggestions which we have outlined to send to those just beginning a group. I think [641] has a copy of the Manual, which they also should begin on. Of course, [641] knows the regular procedure since he has attended our meetings and belonged to Group #6 when he was in Norfolk; but I think it would be nice for Miss Wynne to write them a letter…when you send the literature…and make any suggestions she has in mind. Mr. [779] has been interested in the Work for many years, and is a close friend of Mr. Cayce. It is his little boy who is named [318]. They are very anxious to get started and feel that gradually they can get a good-sized group. I’m sure they can, as we will send them the names of our members in … who MIGHT be interested. This will be Group #13, won’t it? It’s too bad they’re not all active; that’s why we want to be sure that any new group just beginning has every chance to “stay put.” I think Mr. [779] and [641] are both well-grounded in the basic purposes of the Association, and will stick to the main principles instead of running off after other more spectacular cults as several others have done.

So, we’re turning this over to you and Miss Wynne…and you send them whatever you feel YOU would need in starting a new group. Send a bill for any literature you send, and the group will order more as they need it. The principal thing is to help them get organized properly. I think Mr. [779] has already had two or three of the lessons himself, and of course [641] has; but they need practical suggestions as to how to begin in order to hold the group together. They want to build up such an interest that they can sort of sponsor our trip down there.

Send all correspondence and literature to:

Mr. [779], … St., …, Alabama

The meetings will be held in Mr. [779]‘s home.

Lovingly, Gladys

Copy to Mr. [779]

R26. 1/27/38 EC’s ltr. to his friend [779] in Selma, Ala.:

Dear [779]:

Just in receipt of your application for Active Membership enclosing the next three months’ dues. Of course there is no need my telling you how glad I am to have you; for those we love and think so much of we like to feel they are “with us” at all times. We feel they, studying the information, will be able to judge same as they apply the suggestions in their lives. If it is good we wish them to have it; if not we feel they will be the ones to tell us, and to help us get straight on things. So thanks, [779], and may the study of the Study Group lessons bring you and your associates the help that so many say these lessons have brought them. No, never the place of your Church, but a help to you in performing the duties of same in a better way and manner.

Or, one has put it in this way and manner:

The ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INC., is not a creed, a doctrine nor a cult. It is merely a name used to designate a group of people joined together with a certain common attitude toward the field of religion, philosophy, science, and LIFE. The essential element of this attitude is that it is experimental (research). It wishes to keep an open mind toward all the facts in every field of thought; and its central drive is the attempt to APPLY ALL KNOWLEDGE TO THE PROBLEM OF BETTER LIVING.

Hope you have your data in hand for your Study Group, so that we can get Selma, Ala. Group enrolled soon.

Remember me to all, with love and best wishes,

Sincerely, [Edgar Cayce] [EC:GD]

R27. 3/8/39 “I am on the road now. Started about Jan. 15th. The road man before did not prove satisfactory so nothing would do but for me to try it out. The work had been so neglected until I have kept more than busy trying to catch it up, and, too, it has rained almost every day some. Guess I have done very well with it considering everything. I hope I will like it and be able to handle it, as I think it would be better for me. I am at home most every night by driving a little late and out early in the mornings. Sometimes I am away 2-3 nights when I am on the far end of the territory. The game of selling is not as easy as it was years ago… When I drive all day and try to sell with so much competition, I am worn out when nights come. Guess it’s kind of new and different now, but will soon get the hang of it and be able to handle it with more ease, and become a master salesman - wouldn’t that be something?”

R28. 5/8/39 Letter from [779] to EC: ”…I was in … a week or 10 days ago and went by to meet Mrs. [1391]. She lives out about four miles. She seems very much interested in the work. Also said that she expected a reading about first of May. When I rang the door bell and she came to the door I handed her one of the little pamphlets and ask her if she knew anything of this man and his work and she quickly said where did you get that and said I think he’s the greatest man living. We talked quite a little while. Said she had been to the last two Congresses but did not know if she would get to go this year or not…”

R29. 12/2/39 EC’s letter: “Thanksgiving seems to have gotten mixed up this year. Some states observed one day and others another. Ours here in Va. was the 23rd, but 23rd or 30th the people of the old U.S.A. should give thanks every day, seems to me. Someone sent me a few lines the other day that certainly do express my sentiments - they go something like this - you may have seen them:”

Sho thank you, good Lord, for my physical blessings, An’ blessings in physical too. I thank you for ‘viding a nice turkey dinner An ‘viding toofs dat can chew. I thanks you for making this country so freesom An’ friendly an’ proso’ous besides. Thank you for placing it fur from Europe, Den making the ocean so wide.

R30. 3/18/42 Mr. [779]‘s wire:

OLD FRIENDS LIKE OLD WINE GROW MORE PRECIOUS WITH AGE. SO HERE’S A TOAST TO OUR FRIENDSHIP ON THIS THE DAY OF YOUR BIRTH.

R31. 8/2/42 “Cayce, I am enjoying reading the book, A SEARCH FOR GOD. I am sorry that I am unable to express in words or in any other way my appreciation of this book. It is so beautifully gotten up and put in such a way that it is easy to understand, and makes those who read it want that it is easy to understand, and makes those who read it want to try the lessons in everyday life. I think to study the lessons and methods therein, a better understanding will sure to come about. Now I am giving most thought, study and concentration to the methods of meditation and prayer… I note something about a new kind of rdg. of Aura Charts. I would like further information if you can tell. I am very interested in any rdg. data of any kind that may help a person to better understand and find that which he seeks… hidden talents that if awakened might be a channel of blessings to many.”

R32. 8/5/42 EC’s letter: “Yes, [779], that has always been the mystery about the readings ever since they began - somehow they work, when people do as suggested [See [779]‘s Report on 8/2/42 under his Physical Rdg. 779-27]. That is the amazing thing in the book THERE IS A RIVER], the way Tom Sugrue tells it. He is a very fine writer. The publishers call it about a perfect biography of a most unusual man, but as the man said who is the manager of the Henry Holt & Co. publishing program [William S. Sloane]: ‘If just the reading of the manuscripts works on my wife, it will work on others.’ So he feels it is a good book. This sounds like self-praise, but I certainly don’t mean it for that. For there is one thing for sure, the readings have been a thing apart from the me I know, though I try to live as best I know - I realize that I don’t know very much.

“The Life Readings are attracting more attention than usual these days, and most all say they get the greatest good from them, and I believe most do who study their own readings.

“The Aura Chart reading is another fancy idea seemingly hatched up in the readings [See 294-204, 288-50], but the charts are very beautiful when they are worked out and painted according to the suggestions. Many say they are the real daily checks on the body. I haven’t had mine painted as yet, though have given it [294-206]. It will take a bit of time as yet to get them developed just to the best, I guess, but they are certainly an interesting daily reminder if they are hung where they can be seen daily.”

R33. 6/44 Mr. [779] and son [318] attended the Congress.

R34. 5/20/45 “Gladys, you know, as poor as I am, I would not take a million dollars for my going to the Congress last summer and getting to see Eddie and Muddie Cayce before they went away. I would never have gotten over it, and, too, never in my life did I receive so much helpful inspiration in such a short time. To see, hear and watch the influence of his activities made me see the Master at work in man. I feel that one of the greatest privileges of my life was to know and be closely associated with Cayce and his wonderful family, and to be called his friend.”

R35. 6/28/53 Letter, answering sympathy expression in re wife [780]‘s death, see under 780-6 Reports.

R36. 9/6/61 He wired: “Son [318] died Tuesday night…”

R37. 9/14/61 HLC’s note:

What can anyone say to a father who has lost his son? In fact, what indeed can one say to anyone who has lost someone very close to them? Even though we may ourselves feel that we are prepared for this change called death, there is a certain sense of loss and wonderment and concern when the transition takes place for anyone close to us.

This note is just to say that you can be sure that we are holding both you and [318] and the family in our thought and prayers.

R38. 5/25/65 GD’s note: Mr. [779] is still on our mailing list. He lives with his son [781] and family. Son [781] wrote on 10/24/62: Dad has been doing real well lately.” [See previous health reports under 779-27 and 779-28.]

R39. 8/17/84 GD’s note: Mr. [779] started the first Selma, Ala. A.R.E. Study Group in his home with his family and my brother Burt Davis who was then twenty-four years old and still living in Selma.

R40. See also 779-19, [779]‘s note to EC; also GD’s ltr. [Par. R25] to Mrs. Hannah Miller, Sec’ty of Norfolk Study Group of ASS’N, in re this newly formed Study Group in Selma, our 13th Group, asking her to send literature, etc.

R41. See Par. R31—R38 above quoting correspondence between EC and [779], GD and H. L. and [779], 8/42 through 5/65.

Background

Background

B1. See 779-18 on 7/25/30 and subsequent Reports.

Mentioned Entities

Soul, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Gladys Davis, Jesus Christ, Selma Alabama, Book of Job, New York City, Prayer, Aura, Fallen Angels, Gertrude Cayce, Meditation, Thomas Sugrue, Trial of Jesus, Virginia Beach, Alabama, Baking Soda, Egypt, Hopkinsville, Hugh Lynn Cayce

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 779-19, ReadingID 4790.