Reading 849-1

TEXT OF READING 849-1 M 20 (College Student, Catholic)

Text

Date: 6/7/1927 Sex: M Age: 20 ReadingID: 4994

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 7th day of June, 1927, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [849], via Mr. [341].

[Edgar Cayce; Mrs. Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [849] and Mr. [341].]

Born May 7, 1907, Naugatuck, Connecticut. Time of Reading 5:10 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. …, Conn.

1. GC: You will give the relation of this entity and the Universe, and the Universal Forces, giving the conditions that are as personalities, latent and exhibited, in the present life; also the former appearances in the earth’s plane, giving time, place, and the name, and that in that life which built or retarded the development for the entity, giving the abilities of the present entity and that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer any questions I may ask you regarding same.

2. EC: Yes, we have the entity and those relations with the Universal Forces, as appear as urges latent and exhibited in the present experience.

3. In entering, we find the entity comes under the influence of Mercury, Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune, and with those influences in Capricorn and the Moon.

4. These conditions, as we find, make - as it were - many peculiar influences in the life of the entity, yet this should remain as that of the greater truth in this present experience: There is no influence in the life as great as the will of self; yet the entity may find these various urges in the present experience, for while these are as urges, many are of such a nature in the present experience, now, as to become the known factor with the entity, will self but [if self will but] apply or seek for the lessons for those particular urges as will be given in the life of the present.

5. Under the influence, then, in the Mercurian force or experience, there is seen that of exceptional mental abilities, with the love for the delving into those of mysteries of every nature, especially as pertaining to thought, mind, or those emanations from same. Almost to the point of that of the desire of closer biological study, yet just remaining in the realm rather of the mental, than of things. Then we find, with these influences, rather conditions are interesting and draw the individual, than THINGS or peoples, save as they pertain TO such mental developments.

6. In Jupiterian forces there are seen those ennobling conditions, that - weighed well grounded with the mental, and the exceptional conditions in the life - will find the needs of the entity being well grounded in that as the entity would set as the ideals; for without set ideals the entity - with the mental, and the love of mystery - may find self at the tangent, even to self’s own purpose, and to the good and the peace of mind that may be even attained in this present experience.

7. Again we find that influence in the Venus’ forces playing rather the important urge in the life in the twenty-fifty (25th) and sixth (6th) year. Well that same be weighed well with the ideas and ideals, and that same are not at an at-variance to the ideals and purposes set in self - for, as will be seen in that of the experiences of the entity in the earth’s plane, these are as an element to be combated with; for in the last experience was the entity’s undoing. [See 1102-1, Par. 18-A on 8/27/29.]

8. In that of the applications, then, of these urges:

9. Be not overcome with that of the desire, but overcome desire with purpose.

10. As is seen, there is then as these as manifested characteristics in the present experience, shown and called as personality, to many:

11. One high-minded, and rather of the ethereal turn - in the vision.

12. One that is attracted to few, yet attracts many.

13. One that makes friendships and chooses, rather, from same.

14. Considered, then, eccentric in a manner, and by others rather as the plain, well seeing, well meaning, - yet not well grounded, varying according to the perspective, as it were, of purpose. Hence that injunction: Set thine IDEAL in Him, and KEEP same there!

15. One who feels that love is as something to be attained to, and to the entity, each individual must live to self’s own ideal - and, as given, these will change. Hence, be sure same is set high.

16. Lover of the beautiful, whether in music, poetry, art, literature, or of the outdoors.

17. Lover of waters, lakes, and of nature as it may sing, or attune the self to higher, nobler, things.

18. One, then, with whom it is necessary for the IDEAL to be set IN an ideal, and raise self to same.

19. As to appearances, and those that have the influence in the life:

20. In the one before this we find in that period when there were many things being written by those as heads of church, and the entity then in the name Oliof, and rather the recluse, studying in that of music and chemistry - hating the one, loving the other - setting many of the songs of David to music. Some of these may yet be found among the records in the high church in that called England, and the entity would do well to set self at present in that same ideal. Not as it lost THROUGH the application of that LITTLE gained in chemistry, that applied to that as has been termed “black arts”, for in same the mystery still lies with the self as pertaining to such - and the urge as is seen in the present, rather that of the love of mystery, and of the old writing. Hating rather that of the dictatorial. Rather that of the counsel being preferred.

21. In the one before this we find in that age when there was the crusade in the Holy Land. The entity then the defender, and the companion to those of the ones that led in that fray, in which MANY of such crusade were taken prisoners. Then in the name Thias, and the entity lost, and then gained - fighting, as it were, rather to be with others. Gained in the counsel given after such a position arose as to bring persecution - the entity being the teacher and the counsellor to many in that bondage, among those peoples, and in the urge is seen that innate desire to see the Holy Lands, and WRITE of same, and to see same free from any oppression, save those who seek alone to do the highest biddings.

22. In the one before this we find in that of the now Indian country, when the peoples were coming from the upper lands. The entity then among those who dwelt rather in the agricultural land, and yet in the position of the teacher to those peoples. Then in the name Ojibda, and the entity gained in that period through service rendered to all, and in the counsel given even under persecution, and remaining true to the ideal.

23. In the one before this we find in that period, in that known now as the land of Egypt, when there was the division in the lands and the peoples. The entity then among those who rose in rebellion at the expulsion of the priest, and led against that throne - being overcome in same. Then in the name Oelom, as would be called in English, and the entity gained and lost in that period, yet much of the present urge is seen from that experience, for the Jupiterian and Uranian forces arise from same. That of the counsel to many for the definite stand for Right as must be taken, and the urge to write that of prose, and of song, and in same will there be found in the present experience the greatest forces as may be manifest by the entity. Rather in attaining same, keep this as thy counsel:

24. In Him is the light, and the light is the light of the world; for whether in song or in that of the story, put Him as thy crown, and attain to that as He gave, in: “Come unto me, would ye seek to know the Father, for none approach the Father save through me,” and “In my Father’s house are MANY mansions,” and “I go to prepare the way, that where I am ye may be also. Love me. Keep my commandments, and act as thou believest them.”

25. Ready for questions.

26. (Q) Was the appearance in England at the time of Alfred, The Great? (A) The time of Alfred, The Great, when these were set as the students of laws pertaining to those elements governing the human race. The entity then among the chosen, and keeping the counsel of same - losing only in the application of that found in chemistry. Hence the dislike for same.

27. We are through for the present.

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 10/3/27 He referred Mr. [2480] for a Life Rdg.

R2. 12/30/27 He obtained a Physical Reading - 849-2.

R3. 8/27/29 He referred his girl friend for a Life Reading, Miss [1102], who later became his wife.

R4. 8/3/31 See 849-9 in re his literary efforts, with subsequent Reports on 849-1.

R5. 3/9/35 See 849-11, Mental-Spiritual, advising in re past incarnations.

R6. 3/19/35 See 903-23, Par. 14-A indicating that in [849]‘s East Indian incarnation, following the rebellion in Egypt, Mrs. [903] aided [849] to find himself.

R7. 4/24/36 He obtained Life Rdg. for his brother, Mr. [1156], whom he was helping to put through college.

R8. 8/20/27 EC’s ltr. to [849]:

Dear [849]:

Going over my mail on the desk, I ran across a card you sent us sometime ago and realize I haven’t said a word since you were here. I hope you will pardon me for not having said anything, for I enjoyed your little visit with us to that extent that I feel I would like to have talked to you considerable though I didn’t even have the opportunity to see you again after we left you in Washington - for I had expected to at least have a few minutes with you at that time.

We were mighty glad to have you - and don’t forget that you are to be one of our lecturers next summer. We have broken ground for the erection of the institution, and I’m in hopes that it will be in pretty good running order by next summer.

We had a very pleasant trip the rest of our way, but returned with piles of work before up, of almost all natures for you remember what sort of condition we left the front of our place in - and then the meetings and meetings for the perfection of the Association and the plans to get the wheels of same going. Then, too, we have had considerable company throughout the summer, as two of Hugh Lynn’s cousins came home with him - boys about his own age.

I certainly hope you have had a very pleasant and profitable summer, and feel you are ready to make the grade for another year in school.

[849], oftentimes one may be so close to a thing that they are not able to see what’s going on around them - and while you are, of course, many years younger than I in experience of the things of this life, yet I feel sure - from having met you and being with you a few days - you have been brought up in that environment and have a broad enough view of life, that you are able to be a very good discerner. Now, I realize that we are undertaking a real proposition here. To my mind, it is to be either one of the biggest things that this country has ever seen or it will amount to nothing. I feel sure that - since having contacted the work and the phenomena - you have thought of it considerable, and I would like to ask you - as man to man, as friend to friend - to tell me just what you think of it. Not that I am trying to get you to subscribe to any part or portion of it - for oftentimes our best friends are those who tell us of the faults they see in us or in that we are attempting to foster on the minds of others. So, if you will take the time to do this, I should be more than pleased - and if the skin should be rubbed off ‘til it’s raw, alright! for I’m sure you have seen the thin places as well as any good that may be behind it all. But, I do not want to fool myself, and I do not want to fool anyone else.

Hoping and trusting you will let us hear from you occasionally, asking to be remembered to your loved ones, and with kindest personal regards from each and everyone here, I am

Sincerely, Edgar Cayce [EC:GD]

R9. 8/22/27 [849]‘s ltr. to EC:

My dear Mr. Cayce:-

Your letter came as a very enjoyable surprise, I was more than delighted to realize that you had not forgotten me. I have no memory of days more enjoyable that those spent with you at the beach, and the conversations with you constitute moments I treasure beyond price. I called at the hotel many times while I was in Washington, but all my visits and phone inquiries seemed illy timed, for never was I able to find you in. I remember an enjoyable hour in the lobby Wednesday night, when I was treated to an intimate glimpse of the Rotarian Jew by the convention, or whatever it was, of same which apparently was housed with you. They all seemed possessed of tremendous vitality, which they attempted to work off by pacing up and down the length of the room, or the sidewalk outside, talking incessantly and gesturing violently to give emphasis to their opinions.

The summer has been one singularly devoid of any excitement, I have been unable to secure any employment outside of selling Real Estate, which in this town, at the present time, is a job akin to that fabled attempt to sell our Eskimo brethren bathing suits. [341] has perhaps told you of our New York enterprise, and his decisions to get a reading on the question and follow its advice. You ask me for an opinion on the work. My opinion is easily expressed when I say that whatever the reading says regarding the above, I shall follow explicitly.

It would be untrue to say that I was not skeptical when I came to visit you. It would be equally untrue to say that I was an unbeliever. I have always been attracted to philosophy and theology, my meeting with [341] and with your work only intensified this interest. I know that when I came to the beach I was willing to be convinced, I wanted to believe. Had I been the greatest of scoffers the result would have been the same. Frankly, I cannot understand how you, who have seen the great success you have had for an entire generation, can still have room for any doubt or adverse opinion. Like religion, the theory you expound has to shape itself in each one’s mind according to his or her’s ability of conception and credulity. In my case I found that it was just what I had always believed but hadn’t been able to conceive in my own mind. I believe implicitly that you have, and are now about to embark on on a larger scale, the greatest humanitarian movement in the country. It is educational as well as physically beneficial, in fact it is an altogether fitting use for the great power that has been manifested in you. There can be nothing ahead but success, for the Institution is founded on the firm foundation of unselfishness and faith. Perhaps I am not the one to express an opinion. I am perhaps too “sold” on the thing, too enthusiastic about it, yet I feel that anything of that nature which can so engross and convince one brought up in the most strait-laced of religions, without. I must emphasize, creating any dissention (at least in my mind) between it and the religion I profess, must of necessity be sincere, true and right.

In the year before us I can see nothing but success, for the Association, its Institution, for you, for your family, and for myself. I am irrevocably wedded to the life of a student, it is my ruling passion, and just now I am sincerely hoping that when next summer rolls around you may be able to find something for me to do at the Institution which will permit me to be there, close to the work and studying it with all the intensity which I can muster.

For the present I am waiting [341]‘s decision, or should I say yours, or His? In the meantime I am going ahead with preparations for another year of school, wherever it may be and spending my idle moments in reading, dancing, and keeping young.

I will not wish you luck, merely your just due, which should be sufficient for the greatest of success. Remember me to Mrs. Cayce, whom I remember so well, and to Edgar, Hugh Lynn, and Gladys. I shall be looking forward to hearing from you, and to meeting you all again, in the not too distant future, let us hope.

Sincerely, [849]

R10. 10/12/27 Columbus Day - [849]‘s ltr. to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce:-

You had to wait for the spirit, I had to wait for the spirit and the time to accommodate itself to the spirit. Under such conditions, partly imposed by seven colossal subjects, a perfect harmony of the two is well nigh impossible; but the skies are beginning to clear after a long rain, and perhaps the cooling breezes may blow in a little inspiration. [341] and I have just come through two quizzes, one in English Literary History and one in the Comic Spirit in Literature.

I greatly enjoyed the reading on [2480]. He has always been something of an enigma to me. Sometimes he enrages me with his stoical, plodding devotion to the teachings he has forcibly taken and seems unable to give up; sometimes he amazes me with his practical good sense and tolerance; and again he shames me with his moral strength and faith in his ideal. The reading was a wonderful help in understanding him and bringing us all closer together.

Just now, as for some time past, I am in the midst of that state of turmoil where new and old ideas are clashing; the new ones calling with the glamor of novelty, the old ones hanging on with the strength of things long established. I prefer to let them clash, to take in everything, and out of all that conglomeration to hope for a happy medium which will leave me with a philosophy of life not too harsh nor yet too idealistic; something on which to lay the basis of a life work which already is calling so strongly that I find myself impatient for it’s beginning, even though I realize my unfitness as yet for the task.

It is with that same fever and impatience that I await the opportunity to study your work more thoroughly and discover if the things I have built around my present knowledge of it are born out in its theories and practices. I know I have only an inkling, the smallest part of the knowledge of it all, yet I am such an impetuous and fanatical nature that perhaps it is best that I first attempt to cultivate my mind before going further into it; so that I may have that background and foundation on which to lay its truths and precepts, for without that I might get only an inkling, and be so enthused as to spend my time in shouting about it instead of quietly absorbing and looking for more. I have a deep-seated hope, an ideal I might call it, of some day immortalizing your work in some literary monument which I want to make the greatest effort of my life. Somehow it seems fitting that to one who has given me so much of the purpose, meaning, and joy of life I should dedicate the crowning effort of one who has lost much both here and before, and who wants very badly to make up the lost ground.

For the present I am terribly bored by the majority of my subjects, which are required subjects having no interest for me. Had I more time to myself I might consummate that feeling with the reading and recreation of a more appealing type, but as I said, I am in a great hurry to get this preliminary training period over; though I hope it will not be so hurried as not to be thorough.

I’m glad the hospital is progressing; I want that to hurry too, but make it well, for it must last a long time.

My regards to all, and I hope when you feel my spirit in accord with yours again you will send me another of your always welcome and delightful letters.

Sincerely, [849]

R11. 11/6/27 [849]‘s ltr. to EC:

My dear Mr. Cayce:-

For the first time I have fallen into the despicable habit of procrastinations in regards to correspondence. It began with the arrival of a bunch of letters at the same time and an inability to answer them due to heavy work. Last weekend we went to Washington as you know, and so now that Va. has beaten us and the town is as gloomy and still as a graveyard I have determined to break what might develop into a habit, and just to make a good beginning assure a good ending I’m going to answer your very welcome and delightful letter of some time ago.

There is one blue and old rose cloud hanging out there where I can see it, and a half-dozen satellites are chasing after it as the wind carries it westward. Tell me, what is an autumn like on the coast? Somehow I have always feared going near the ocean as soon as the weather gets chill, and I have imagined that autumns and winters by the surging seas were not exactly things to write home about. But doesn’t Nature paint her ocean a little bit when she is tinting all the rest so beautifully? But the ocean does not die as the foliage does, and it is particularly beastly and uncongenial during the long winter months.

One bit of advice in your letter has clung to me - “Make haste slowly.” It is what I have never been able to do, and what I am afraid I never shall be able to do. In some things yes, by slow and studied thought I accomplish the desired end very well and properly; yet somehow when there is something big, something of my own sometimes, I must seize it as it goes by, hasten to construct and complete it, and then when it is captured and possessed strip it of all unworthiness and keep the core. It is amusing sometimes what a bundle of uselessness surrounds one tiny bit of good. Yet an entire mine may contain one precious diamond, and a million people produce but one genius.

But I have digressed, and lost sight of my original trend of thought. The idea I wished to convey was that I seem committed to the habit of eating everything whole, and digesting what I need; keeping some of the rest for superfluous knowledge that I may be needed in some general way, and getting rid of the rest. Yet I find that when there are many things to be taken and but a little time I find myself gorged and unable to digest at all, whereas had I taken time to select and eat only what morsels I desired I would not be troubled by indigestion.

This fall there has been too much of that sort of thing, and right now I shall begin to be ever so slow and careful, and perhaps after a while I shall come back to normalcy and work off this stuporous state of satiation.

We are all in a state of depressed feeling here to-day, due to the upset yesterday. Then, too, there is always a reaction when the town has been so full and overflowing with life and suddenly becomes deserted and silent. Especially on Sunday. Somehow Sunday afternoons have always been dreary for me. It seems as if everyone takes him or herself indoors and stays just as still as possible. I always hear the roosters crow on Sunday, and of all mournful sounds I vow that is the worst. So that I am not led to any deep channels of thinking other than the joy of good food and good companionship at such a time, and thank Goodness I have both of these in plenty.

I am very sorry for I have been so negligent about writing; but to-day is one of resolutions for me, and promptness is one of them. You shall see evidence of this in the future I assure you.

Please give my sincere regards to Mrs. Cayce, Edgar and Gladys; and write me some time when you fell thus inclined.

Sincerely, [849]

R12. 11/10/27 EC’s ltr. to [849]:

Dear [849]:

Yours of the 6th came in due time, and while I don’t mean to rush off a letter in haste, but as I am expecting to be away for a few days - then the holidays coming on for Thanksgiving

• possibly it might be some time before I would have the opportunity to write perhaps I’d better do it NOW!

Well, I was very much disappointed that you all didn’t win that game with Virginia, though I am sure I was not half as much as all of you were - but SOMEBODY must lose, and we all must learn to be good losers as well as good winners. So it takes all of these things to give us the experience to meet the things that come into the life of each.

I wish I had the ability to tell you what an autumn is like on the coast. Having spent the greater part of my PRESENT EARTHLY EXISTENCE inland, I had often dreamed of what an autumn would be along the sea. I had the experience of two autumns on the west Texas plains, another in the mountains or the uplift in central Texas, many in the lowlands of Alabama and a great many in the foothills of Kentucky - but for beauty I don’t think that any surpass those near the coast. The beauty in the sunset is not surpassed anywhere, and the glory of the sunrise from the watery bed CAN’T be surpassed! While often the waters look cold, and as the billows rise and surge inland one thinks of the mighty power that drives it on, and is made to feel and know that God RULES, and all is well! Man in all his majesty can never paint nor sing the glories or the beauties of one of those sunsets. Neither can he inspire one as does the surge of the mighty sea. No, it doesn’t impress one as being uncongenial - rather the impression of its power and impelling force, making man feel little and knowing that he is dependent upon Him whom the very winds and sea obey.

Yes, make haste slowly is a wonderful old adage - and one well to heed, for only in making haste slowly may we be able to gather the good from the many changing conditions and store it away in our craniums for our future use; for oftentimes we are preparing for years for that which may be lived all in a moment, and if we haven’t builded well we are not equal to it. It is hard at times to say how this, that or the other experience has builded or changed us, yet when one becomes of a retrospective turn of mind, one is able to see that possibly that which at the moment was considered of a trivial or commonplace circumstance, has become the warp and woof of our very existence. So, to make haste slowly is the way to gather that which we may apply, and using our own wills direct the channel in which we will be guided.

Yes, we should take everything - and in digesting same keep that which we may apply when the circumstance arises. We may never have a superfluous knowledge; for whatever knowledge we may have we may be very sure the time will arise when we will need that to apply in the action of the moment - if not here, hereafter. That which is good is known by its ability to serve. Knowledge is the servant of man, applied in THE laws set down by the Creator of those laws.

But I’m getting down too much! We’ll ALL have a case of indigestion if we try to say too much, and we never know just the mood in which the letter will reach an individual. If one is oppressed, or lonely, or has an itching feeling to do something, or be somewhere else than where they are, such things as I have just said may bounce off and never mean anything - or did they mean anything at first?

Sunday afternoons seem to have a spirit of their own. I have often felt like possibly it was the proper time for an individual - when such dreary periods arise - to take out their own self-purposes, dissect them, see what they look like, and see if they measure up to the high calling as set in Him - for if we measure ourselves by ourselves we’re not wise, but if we will measure our own little weak selves by the mighty and majestic power as is in Him who is our elder brother, then we may measure up by seeking access to His knowledge - applying that we know to meet the needs of the day, and He is faithful to give that necessary to meet the needs of the morrow. In non-application we lose the contact with Him.

Well, we are making another step or two towards our work here. We are having a little more interest manifested, and in all probability will have a man of letters from England to lecture to us next summer. He’s coming to hold a lecture tour in the interests of the Association. No doubt will spend several weeks at the Beach. I hope you will WANT to be with us - then you will be!

Let us hear from you whenever you have the opportunity. All here send kindest personal regards, and with very best wishes, I am

Sincerely, EC:GD

R13. See subsequent Physical Readings obtained by Mr. [849].

R14. 9/20/28 Mrs. [325]‘s ltr. to EC: ”…I was indeed sorry that I missed seeing [341] and his Catholic friend. Ever since I heard his letter [10/12/27 letter?] read, I have been sorry that he left his church - although as you know the Catholics have been our [the Jews’] downfall. I think a boy with such a broad mind would help his religion to become broader. He should remain in his faith and teach them to be bigger and broader in their view point and that will be a help to all religions - I pity his parents…”

R15. 3/20/31 [849]‘s letter to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce:-

I’ve waited answering your kind letter [3/12/31 EC’s ltr. to all close friends of the work - see under 1739-8 Reports.] in the hopes that a little reflection might assist me in making some helpful suggestions - but alas - all I seem to be able to conjure these days is day-dreams of digging up mummies in Egypt and writing such beautiful books that people cannot read them for weeping.

However, I’ve given the matter a lot of thought. Of course I’m tickled that a new organization will begin soon, feeling as I did that the old one would never get on its feet again. There was something unhealthy about the last days of the Association which gave off a bad smell and made me believe that it was past repair and near to dessication.

Now for the new one. The readings [254-52, 254-53, 254-54] seem cognizant of all the mistakes of the past and caution against them for the future. Haste is one thing to be avoided - for in haste one is apt to take what is at hand and thus form a foundation of inferior material. The belief that people who dislike each other will through the work begin to like each other is all right, except that it presupposes that these people will be idealistic enough to see all that. Experience has shown that they do not. It would seem the better part to begin with a harmonious group and let the irreconcilables come in when they can get over their conceit and ill-feeling. Other people are filled with enthusiasm on first contacting the work and then fade out and remain as deadwood. I think those who have proved that they have a consistent and lasting interest should be given a preference. I suppose it is necessary to get some men with money. I think in that case the people to solicit are those who have so much they do not want anymore, and those who have had it for so long that they do not place too much emphasis on it. You see what I mean by that.

I’d like to know how many and who of the old board will be included on the new one before saying what I think about that august body. I’m afraid my opinion of many of them is not flattering, and I am also afraid that you will find me prejudiced against Jews - especially for the position of business manager.

I have been at pains of late to make a thorough religious study, and in all the history of the Jews I can find nothing to convince that they are other than a narrow-minded, barren, unimaginative race. It was the Jews who first gave economics its foundation, and that alone is enough to make me angry with them. They also invented monotheism - or at least popularized it and that is dangerous, unless made polytheistic by such a hierarchy as the church of the middle ages built up. For one thing it kills art - of which the Jews had none - and for another thing it makes religion monotonous and unattractive to the masses, which is definite step in the wrong direction.

Well, so much for the Jews. They haven’t changed, and I’m afraid their inability to dissociate themselves from the material and economic viewpoint has caused trouble for you in the past - I do not want it to repeat that in the future. I see no hope that they will become magnanimous unless the magnaimity reflects their own glory and gain.

A name for the new organization is a puzzle. It can’t be one of those high-sounding but futile names. It can’t be abstract or idealistic without leading the people to believe we are something which we aren’t. Yet we sail under false colors if we claim to be exactly scientific. This reduces the range to such things as “American Institute of Psychic (or Modern, or Cosmic) Research,” “American League of Independent Research (or Investigation).” I don’t see how we can use such titles as “League of Olympus,” “Association of the Agora,” or such obscure names as “League of Universal Understanding,” or such cognomens as “Cosmic Truth,” or those involving “Single Essence,” etc. Perhaps the Bible will furnish one - but there is sure to be misunderstanding of a “League of Gethsemene,” “New Disciples,” etc. So where are we at? The thing is so vast that a particular name is impossible, yet a general term leads to difficulties. So in the end I see only something like this as practical - “Society of Universal Service.” After all, each one serves as he knows best, or is best suited, and we serve all and in all manners.

As for myself - you know how I feel. If you want me, here I am. What I can do is still doubtful I suppose, but in the beginning of the new organization I may be of some help through my knowledge of the work. If it really begins I’d like to be on the scene early, because I have a definite and unbridled horror of seeing things get off on the wrong foot. I’d like to get at that mass of readings and see what could be done with them, and I would also like to handle the publicity.

For the present I can only send my endorsement to whatever you do at the meeting. I’d like to be there, but I can’t get five miles from home, let alone 600.

I do hope there will be less dissension. I don’t believe I ever heard a unanimous agreement in the old Association. It was a continual source of embarrassment. This time I’d like to see some co-operation. And when one of the workers who knows his business makes a suggestion don’t let someone with no brains and a lot of money over-ride him. Personally I’d like to have permission to throw a healthy punch at anyone who insists on being asinine. If only they will let the publications rest in your hands and mine we’ll have an implement - but if it’s to be the rule of a couple of tyrants it’ll probably go like the other one did.

I’m not being pessimistic - just saying what I think, as you asked me. Having an Alexandrian, or Caesarian make-up I suppose I have a tendency to fret at anyone being at the top except myself and friends - but so long as they’ll let me work unhindered I’ll be nice and stop biting their ears.

I’ll pray for you on the 28th, and be with you in spirit. Add my vote to your own on everything, and call on me when you need me.

My love to everyone, and the best of luck.

Always [849]

P.S. The readings are beautiful and frank!

Can’t think of anyone for business mgr. except Job Taylor - who is a philosopher.

R16. 3/23/31 EC’s letter to Mr. [849]:

I notice with a great deal of interest what you have to say about the Jew. There is no doubt but what we will have quite a number of these associated and affiliated with the work. I do not think we will have a Jew manager, and I believe all those who apply to the Corporation Commission for a charter will have to have had considered very seriously the proposition that every question of any moment is to be decided by the information, irrespective of where the chips may fall.

I realize, [849], have realized it for many, many, many, a day, the impressions, the hope, the vision, that you contact with the phenomena, has aroused within your mental being, and please know, I would be the last one on earth that would do ANYTHING to make you think less of the religion of your fathers and mothers, or of your loved ones, or of that one whom you have chosen to be your companion through life, and if it is to make a difference in that direction, I can only say, think well before you make your choice, for I know that I, Hugh Lynn, and many another, will receive censure from very high sources if you make your decision and are not able to justify yourself in the way and manner that you may feel now that you can.

You recall, possibly, that I have told you of my studying for some weeks, yea, some several months, with Father Gastalga, Father Stagge, and Father Hayes, and I know just how much it is going to mean to you, but the thing that has troubled me, if I have shaken, or if the phenomena has shaken, the faith, what can it give you in place of same? If we see in the information, if you have seen in the lives of my boy, in the lives of the family, as you have known them here, that which is consistent with the information - for if it has not worked in our lives, how can we hope to see it work in the lives of others? - but when you have reached your decision by your own prayers, and through your own prayers to the Father of mercy, then you will let me know, and don’t think - while I believe sincerely you are an individual especially gifted to present the phenomena, the information as has been given in the readings in the way and manner as possibly no other living human being at this time could do - but if it is going to make in your life something later on that will make for hardships, indecisions, failures, then don’t begin. Let the ideal be in the information itself, not in individuals, for if we lose faith in the individuals who have presented any philosophy, any tenet of any kind and it makes us lose faith in what it stands for, then our ideal has not been high enough, but when you have come to this conclusion, some way, some how, the way is going to be opened for you to begin with this work.

There is much to be done, and you may be working on much of it for a year, even years, before you attempt to present any of it to the public, but we will stand together, if that’s your choice.

Pray for us. Don’t forget to keep Saturday afternoon in your quieter moments, and let us hear from you.

With love from all, Sincerely, EC:MD

R17. 3/26/31 [849] letter to EC:

Dear Mr. Cayce:-

This letter probably will not reach you before the meeting, but since its contents will have to do primarily with my own relations to the work that does not matter. I shall anxiously await the outcome of Saturday’s meeting, and hope and pray that it is successful.

I appreciate your understanding and sympathy in the matter of the religious matter. There seems, however, to be a misunderstanding on both sides. Leaving my family aside for the moment let me take the attitude of [1102]. Despite my many attempts to explain otherwise she has an idea - which she does not express - that the work had a lot to do with my revolt from catholicism. On the other hand you in your letter led me to believe that you suspect something of the same sort. As a matter of plain fact I have been a rebel of the catholic church since I was five years old. They had to tow me to first communion and confirmation, both of which I received when several years past the natural age. From then until I quit altogether it was like pulling teeth to get me to go to communion and observe such things as holydays and fast days. Why? Because I instinctively pulled away from ceremony, dogma, and doctrines I felt were true but rather twisted to suit material purposes. Finally, in college, during my freshman year I looked the thing squarely in the face and dropped it altogether. All this, understand, before I even heard of your work! The work has given me back religion, but in an altered and acceptable form. I frankly say that when I first came to Va. Beach I was an unbeliever in anything. I had to be shown, and I was. Consider then, that had I not contacted the work I would to-day be one of the class of people who are inclined to dispute the divinity of Christ, the authenticity of the Bible, and the usefulness of christianity. So instead of taking me away from religion you brought me back to it. Therefore I have not a qualm IN MY OWN MIND about what to do. Consider me in on everything.

However, I believe in handling all matters as diplomatically as possible. [1102] will not be satisfied until I fully re-embrace the Catholic faith. The only way there is even a possibility of that is through my association with the work. For that is all the religion I have. Now, I believe I am right in supposing [1102]‘s thought is governed by one principle - that the Catholic Church is indisputably right in everything is says and does. Now you see the job. In a week at Va. Beach I am able to definitely sway the fifteen years of Catholic schooling, but then she is taken back to it again and deliberately closes her mind and says “it is not so or right because the Catholic dogma says otherwise.” The obvious thing to do is wait until she has been away from the teaching of that long enough to allow a rational thought to receive at least entertainment in her mind. Meanwhile all I can do is sit tight and continue in my belief and work. I’m quite sure that once she contacts the work for a sufficient length of time she will see the childishness of her attitude, but for the present it is an uncomfortable situation.

Still, for the sake of comfort one cannot do what one knows is wrong. For me the only right, desirable, and just thing to do is associate myself with the work as soon as I am invited, in the capacity which the readings indicate, and allow time and God to do the rest. I’m sure everything will turn out all right.

The reading indicates that I must first find credence for it in my own life. The first step toward finding that credence is to go to the work and look for it. Since last September I have had a lot of time to think and meditate. I think you will find me an almost different person now. I am quite rested, healthy, calm, and founded solidly in my thought. I’m still searching for the fundamental basis of my life, but it is at least closer now than ever before.

Whatever else I may be I am primarily an adventurer, a rebel against circumstance, order, environment, even fate. In the life of every adventurer, there is a moment when he seems headed for eternal oblivion, mediocrity. All his hoping and scheming and planning and dreaming seem lost in the cruelty of circumstance. But the dreams and work of the past are always piling up behind him, and even though he be tired and want mediocrity and oblivion, it is then that he cannot have it. For the implacable tide of his past rolls on against him and he is swirled into the vortex of his destiny. Always it is some slight accident, meeting, circumstance, which starts the irresistible tide. For the past seven months I have been headed for that mediocrity, that oblivion. But even now, when the scene is most hopeless, I can feel the black hordes of the past gathering on the hillside, wheeling their horses for the charge. Something will happen, then the thunderbolt will be loosed, and the parabolic trajectory of my life will be flung across the red sky of history. And this time I will ride the crest of the wave, until it breaks on the beach of death or scatters to foam and bubbles on a sand-bar of despair.

Slowly, implacably I have seen fate forging the bonds of steel that bind me to your work, that hold me to it as the thrall to his liege-lord. I may not break away, not want to. From there I shall fling my small, strong cries to the sky, steadily, and with augmenting voice - and they shall hear me, all of them.

It is not a hard decision to make. I merely shrug my shoulders and say to myself that it has always been thus. And to you I say, when shall I come? I believe in the work, in you and the faithful who surround, and in myself. What more is necessary, when the living God is with us?

The reading [254-55] was beautiful, inspiring. My questions were well answered, as, I think, were those of Hugh Lynn, Gray, and the minister. With readings like that I cannot understand how there can be dissension.

I believe with the reading that “the day is at hand.” I am young and strong - I will work.

Again regarding my religious attitude - I have done a great deal of studying and thinking in that direction. I am convinced that my positions in the past as priest and monk have given me this view of God as I have it to-day - despensing with all outward form and worship and meeting Him face to face. Do you see why? Well, it doesn’t matter, these things, with all other troubles, will pass away in the glory of His work and the success of our labors.

May God take me for what I am, a soldier of peace in His name. I do not come as the fawning worshipper, the incense-burning charlatan, the pious hypocrite, but as the lusty liver of life, His healthy child, with the weapons He has given me, ready to defend He who is my Father.

Success to all of us, my love to everyone - and please let me hear the results as soon as possible.

[849]

R18. 4/14/31 [849]‘s letter to EC:

My dear Mr. Cayce:-

We live, we lust, we love awhile, and lie. We damn, we dessicate, and then we die.

That’s an extremely hopeless outlook, isn’t it? However, I think it expresses the normal development and decline of the average person. I also think it is the evil toward which our work must lend its effort. The expressed ideal of the new organization is directly opposed to this habit of living, and in my own personal self it has ever been the desire, the ideal, to live in exact refutation to this colorless formal, and strive to the end that other may also avoid this pitfall of medicocrity. Most people live and die without discovering themselves. I take it that we wish to help them to this finding. If such is the case then the ideal of the work is exactly as I have visioned it should be, and it is one with my own ideal. Through my work as a literary artists I hope to aid this work, and in the various aims set forth in the paper I have received every other possible angle is provided for. I am extremely pleased with the results of the first meeting, endorse them heartily, and wish to offer myself in any capacity that they may be realized. [See 254-55 Reports and 254-56.] [4/1/31 EC’s ltr. see under 4905-70 Reports.]

You have asked for constructive criticism and I feel free to give it. Only two points strike me just now. One is that the department of history and archeology should be emphasized from the start - there has always been a tendency to leave this to the misty future. We never know when the opportunity will arise to make a first attempt to concretely prove the work, and we should therefore be ready for it. By that I mean one man, perhaps while working in another department, should spend some time gathering the history, both social, political, and religious, of the world - in some sort of orderly manner, and in the same way to obtain a chronological record of the revelations given in the readings with regard to these histories. When the chance comes we should have all plans nearly ready for an Egyptian expedition, and others to such places as the western portion of the U.S., Bimini, and England.

My other point concerns A. B., and possibly C. of the PHYSIC RESEARCH. The feeling here is personal; that is I were to undertake the C of II I would like to have A. B. and C. of III included for the moment in my work, for I feel there would be time for it, and also it would be in the natural line of that department’s work. It is essentially vital and immediately important that we be able to stand on our feet for any query or investigation, and these points can make us capable of that.

With regard to the questions of manager, I agree with your opinion that a General Manager should supervise the personal managers. For that general post I know of no more capable person than Lynn, because of his wide knowledge of the work, his intimate connections with it, and his education which fits him for it. With regard to budgets, expenditures, and the financial management I see no reason for not according such a man as Shroyer this job. I do not know the other man mentioned, so cannot give an opinion on him.

The name suggested needs, I think, only a bit of specification, such as the word “American” before it. It contains the ideal, and is sufficiently practical, scientific, and sentient to satisfy all peoples.

You know, without asking, that you have my support. As to a time for the meeting I cannot offer a suggestion, since it will be unfortunately impossible for me to be there. But I also want it as soon as is reasonably possible, because I dare to hope that the sooner it is held the sooner the work will begin, and therefore the sooner I will be back at the beach and “in harness” again.

Thank you for the copy of the meeting’s findings and your friendly letter. I am sure success is imminent, and you can count on me for all the support and help I am capable of.

I trust you are all in good health, and cheerful for the future. Give my love to everyone, and my best wishes for all success.

Love, [849]

R19. 4/21/31 EC’s letter to [849]:

Dear [849]:- Ever since I received your letter the day of the meeting, I have tried to find the time to write you - and I hope this delay hasn’t created the impression in your mind of any unappreciativeness on my part of you position, or of the beautiful thoughts, ideas and ideals you expressed in your letter at that time - also in the one of the 14th.

Circumstances, as well as the information itself, has seemingly made us go very slow with the crystallizing of the purposes and aims into a workable thing. To a great extent, Dave Kahn - as chairman of the first meeting - is looked to by a great number of people as something of the leader; that is, through his ability to at least interest a group from whom a greater part of the initial contributions might come. Not that the work is going to be dependent upon any individual, or individual group, except those who are attempting to be of service - and in that service, if the information is to be relied upon, will come the means for carrying on every department of the work itself. This, to be sure, will make slow progress - but it will at least be on a firm basis. The foundation, in other words, will be in the work itself. That, and that which may be accomplished by the individuals giving or lending themselves to the work - and each department should be able to stand on its own feet after getting some little impetus from those interested in that particular phase. I think now that the organization meeting will be sometime the early part of June, unless there is some movement by the old crowd that I know nothing about that would prevent it.

I am pretty well in accord with your suggestions in the letter of the 14th, and believe these departments should be looked after very much in the way you have outlined. As soon as we have the meeting and make final decisions, we will want to get the various departmental heads together with the managers or directors (whatever they are to be called) and then work with the business manager. It seems now that there will have to be two business managers - one the financial business manager and the other what may be termed more of a personal business manager, or one that will confine his efforts to the contacts - and who would be closely associated with all those who are distributing or editing any data for the membership, or for the laity.

I will try to keep you posted of any progress made. The local people - Norfolk and vicinity - have had a few meetings recently. They are forming a study group; not, not such as Mr. Blumenthal carried on from a text book of the 4th dimension, but rather getting the background from the writers of the past who have directly or indirectly delved into, or made reference to, such phenomena in its various phases. This should enable each group to get a real background for whatever may be presented in the information or data gathered, enabling them to make a comparison that would be worth while.

We are continuing to have considerable interest manifested in the talks from Sunday to Sunday. We have had two in succession lately - that is, last Sunday and the Sunday before - owing to the fact that next Sunday will be Cape Henry Day.

Let us hear from you. Nothing particularly new. Of course, we are keeping rather on the anxious seat as to know what Dr. Blumenthal’s attitude is to be about the home in which we live - as we haven’t been able to get any expression from him. It would put us in rather a bad shape if we had to move any time soon.

All send love.

Ever the same, EC:GD

R20. 8/3/31 He obtained a Ck. Life on his literary efforts, also on the publications in re the EC work - see 849-9.

R21. See subsequent Physical Readings, etc., with succeeding correspondence pertinent to his life and work.

R22. 11/6/39 See friend’s rdg. 2037-1, Par. 45, indicating her relationship to [849] in England and that she was his companion in Egypt.

R23. 11/16/39 He obtained 849-45, a Ck. Life on his Egyptian incarnation.

R24. 3/16/40 He referred Mr. [2147] for a Life Rdg.

R25. 3/28/40 See 1857-2, Par. 44-A, 45-A in re their past associations.

R26. 8/13/40 He referred Mr. [2322] for readings.

R27. 9/10/40 See wife’s rdg. 1102-5 indicating their karmic tie-up in re’ home and marriage, necessity to work out things together instead of becoming estranged.

R28. 10/9/42 See Miss [1981]‘s Ck. Life Reading 1981-2, Par. 18-A, indicating she she had been associated constructively during their Egyptian sojourn but in her early American sojourn, during the time of Napoleon’s fall, there had been the acquaintanceship with [849] but not to good purpose.

Background

Background

B1. 5/16/27 Mr. [341]‘s letter from college: “I have met one fellow, at least, who will some day be well known as a writer… He wants to get a Life Reading… He is very interested and I am anxious to get him placed. We get along miserably together, both too sarcastic and disagree on many big ideas, yet must have had some attraction somewhere else… He wants me to go to Columbia with him next year, work part time and school.”

Mentioned Entities

Ideal, Entity (Cayce Term), Purpose, Egypt, England, Incarnation, Book of Job, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Dreams, Free Will, Gertrude Cayce, Gladys Davis, A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), Last Supper, Morton Blumenthal, Prayer, Resurrection Appearances, Texas, Visions, Alabama

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 849-1, ReadingID 4994.