Commentary on the Circulating File on "Understanding the Purpose of Life"
Introduction
The key concept in the Edgar Cayce readings on understanding the purpose of life is that there is, indeed, purpose in all of life. There is no such thing as chance or accident, but rather all experiences in life come to us for good reason. And although we often do not see the ultimate good in our circumstances, we can learn to recognize it more frequently and thus adopt a more positive, constructive attitude toward life. The material in this file is an inspiring collection of Edgar Cayce readings excerpts which give us a clear concept of the rationale behind life and of the awesome control we hold over our own destinies.
The Purpose of Life
Our purpose in life is inseparably linked to our true nature as spiritual beings. For, if the Edgar Cayce readings are correct, we were created by God as Spiritual beings, parts of Himself: "Hence as He moved, souls - portions of Himself - came into being." [263-13] Further, we are told that "In the beginning, when there was the creating, or the calling of individual entities into being, we were made to be the companions with the Father-God." [1567-2] Each of us was created before the advent of the material world to be God's friend! The Edgar Cayce readings describe this role as nothing less than to be "co-creators" with God, individual souls granted the dignity of peership with the Creator Himself.
We are often so fixed in our concepts of ourselves as bodies occupying material space that it may be difficult to grasp the full import of this statement on our nature and origin. For it is saying that our true individual identity rests not in our bodies nor in our personality, but in our eternal souls, which have existed since "before the beginning" of time. But if our true purpose is to be companions to God, why is that awareness so far from our consciousness? And if our ultimate nature is spiritual, why do we find ourselves existing in, and identifying with, physical bodies and the material world?
According to the Cayce material, we can understand the human condition in terms of choices we have made. Intrinsic to our nature as sons and daughters of God is the ability to choose. As companions and co-creators with God, we were bestowed with the free will which makes us responsible beings. A true companion must be one by choice, and so from the start we were allowed the freedom to choose union or separation from God:
"For as was given of old, there is each day set before us life and death, good and evil. We choose because of our natures. If our will were broken, if we were commanded to do this or that, or to become as an automaton, our individuality then would be lost and we would only be as in Him without conscience - CONSCIENCE - consciousness of being one with Him; with the abilities to choose for self!
"For we CAN, as God, say Yea to this, Nay to that; we CAN order this or the other in our experience ... For we are indeed as laborers, co-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord..." [1567-2]
The very nature of God seems to dictate that we come into relationship with Him by choice. Otherwise we would not, by definition, be companions and co-creators with Him. We would merely be automatons, incapable of peership.
The account given in the Cayce readings goes on to point out the obvious: We chose the way of separation from God rather than the way of union with Him. Apparently we found self-preoccupation so alluring that we were unwilling to keep the awareness of our relationship with God.
". . . Then that error in individual activity - not of another but of ourselves, individually - separated us from that awareness." [1567-2]
It was once we had separated ourselves from God in consciousness that He, in His infinite love and patience, provided physical life for us as a way to learn proper use of our free will:
"Hence God prepared the way through flesh whereby all phases of spirit, mind and body might express." [1567-2]
It is in the experiences of day-to-day life that we have the opportunity to row to our full stature as co-creators with God. It is in the material world, with its cause-and-effect laws, that we have the opportunity to use our will and learn, through first-hand experience, the consequences (both positive and negative) of our choices. Thus we are spiritual beings who have been given not just one, but countless lifetimes in which to grow and to learn. The Cayce readings actually describe this process in terms of schooling:
"Know that each sojourn or indwelling [lifetime] may be compared to that as ye have in your mental experience as a lesson, as a schooling for the purposes for which each soul-entity enters an earth experience….
"Each study of each lesson then adds some phase of development for the soul. And each merits then the opportunity; for it has been given as to the graciousness of the divine oneness in not willing that any soul should perish or lose sight of its identity or lose its hold upon those purposes for each soul's entrance into an experience." [1158-5]
In other words, each experience in life has the ultimate purpose of bringing us closer to God. Once we have reached our spiritual adulthood, we may return in consciousness to the Father in our role of companion and peer.
Relating Experience to Ultimate Purpose
While it may be relatively easy to talk about life's purpose in the broad context of our origin and destiny, it is another matter entirely to experience that truth in our daily lives. Yet that very need for direct experience, through choice, of our relationship with God is the reason we are here on this earth. Just how do we go about experiencing that sense of purpose in the thread of daily life? The Edgar Cayce readings suggest some ways in which we can become aware of the purposefulness in daily life situations.
The crucial point is to train ourselves to remember that each experience (even the unpleasant one) gives us the opportunity for growth. This is mainly a matter of developing the habit of reminding ourselves that there is purpose in the present situation in our lives.
"Remember, ever, that where shortcomings have existed and do exist in the experience, those that are wise use same as stepping-stones to the real development; for less and less of self, more and more that the body, the mind, may be used as a channel for the glorifying of a unified Father in the earth. That the earth
has been given as a schooling for those that in the beginnings erred in self-indulgences, self-aggrandizement, self-glorification, is indeed a merciful experience then, even to those that find turmoils, strife and antagonism and disturbing forces in their experience. If they will but empty themselves of themselves, they become channels through which a glorified Father In the Son may be manifested…." [1150-1]
We may particularly learn to recognize the growth opportunities in our associations with other people. All of the people with whom we interact offer us growth. They may help and support us in times of need. They may make us come face-to-face with distasteful aspects of our own personalities. Or they may present us with the opportunity for selfless service. In most cases, it seems that our friends offer us all three opportunities for growth!
" count thy friends as the greatest of thy opportunities: No
soul may have so many friends that it can afford to lose a single one. Yet there are obligations, there are duties that are combined with such associations. For He hath not willed that any soul
should perish, but has with every temptation prepared a way, a manner of escape. And the more oft it comes through thy friends, thy associates. And as these have been and are oft representatives of a savior so must ye in thy association and thy activity make of
thyself ... a help, a savior, an aid, a HOPE for many." [1709-3]
It is important that we never think that a situation is "beyond repair." Many individuals were told by Cayce that at any moment they could choose to turn their problems into growth opportunities, simply by changing their attitude toward them. What attitudes are important?
"Keep the correct mental attitude; that is, not holding grudges, being kind, being affectionate, long-suffering, manifesting patience…. But keep creative ever in the activities. This, too: Be GLAD you have the opportunity to be alive at this time…. [2376-3]
Perhaps the crux of the attitudinal issue is that we accept responsibility for our circumstances, whatever they may be. We should not blame others or "fate," but know that we are constantly experiencing the consequences of our choices. If we accept responsibility for the painful consequences we are experiencing, then it becomes possible to take control of our lives and make different kinds of choices:
"For each soul, each entity, constantly meets self. And if each soul would but understand, those hardships which are accredited much to others are caused most by self. Know that in those you are meeting thyself!" [845-4]
Finally, if we have the patience to see beyond the here-and-now, we can place each experience in the context of our origin and destiny. From this vantage point we can see individual experiences and circumstances as part of a much larger whole, remembering that life is continuous and that no effort is ever lost:
"Yet the entity should - and does at times - realize that it isn't all of life to live, in one experience. For, life is continued; life itself is a consciousness, a gift of an infinite influence we may call God."
[2399-1]
Case Study
Text of Reading 2583-1, Female 51 (Widow)
This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 6th day of September, 1941, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [2583], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [257].
P R E S E N T
Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.
R E A D I N G
Born September 17, 1890, in Sheffield, England.
Time of Reading 10: 50 to 11: 30 A. M. Eastern Daylight Saving Time. ..., D.C.
GC: You will give the relation of this entity and the universe, and the universal forces; giving the conditions which are as personalities, latent and exhibited in the present life; also the former appearances in the earth plane, giving time, place and the name, and that in each life which built or retarded the development for the entity; giving the abilities of the present entity, that to which it may attain, and how. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
EC: (In going back over years from the present - "- '20 - changes - '19 & '18 & '17 - " - etc., on back to birth date.)
Yes, we have the records here of that entity now known as or called [2583].
In giving an interpretation of the records as we find them here, these are chosen with the desire and purpose that this be a helpful influence; enabling the entity to better fulfill that purpose, that opportunity for which it entered this present experience.
The help may come from the interpreting of same in the spiritual and mental life of this entity.
For, one may be entirely a material success and yet fail miserably in the mental and spiritual aspects of its experience, and thus have that mental, that spiritual anguish that becomes as a constant thorn in the flesh.
For, it is not all of life to live and to gain material things. For, as the entity may find itself, it is in body, in mind and in soul.
True, those environs are needed in a material plane in which there may be the supply of material things. Yet fame or fortune may take wings and fly away, or fortune may become that stumblingstone over which mental and spiritual things are forgotten.
Thus, that portion of an entity may find anything but peace in the material surroundings.
For this entity we find there are abilities in any field of activity it may choose, especially having to do with things pertaining to exchange or real estate, or holdings of natures as have to deal with the social, the material and the earthly things. Yet these, unless there are the spiritual and mental aspects, may become very disturbing to the body.
Also we find indicated that affection, that sentiment has oft played a part in the entity's experience. This may either be well or evilspoken of. Hence, unless there is kept circumspection in the experience and in the relationships one with another, it may become that upon which individuals may bring every form of hate, jealousy, backbiting, and all of those things that are in opposition to the spiritual things, - as love, fellowship, kindness, patience. These may only be found in keeping body, mind AND soul in accord with purposes for which a soul enters a material experience.
Little of the astrological aspects appear as an influence in this entity's experience, yet they lie innate - only as disturbing factors, or as warnings that arise in the innate dreams or visions of the entity. These may only be put aside by the attempts, by the surrounding of self with that spiritual influence which does away with hate, jealousy, those things that make individuals or peoples afraid.
Live that life so in keeping with truth, harmony, justice, patience and love, as to be able to tell every individual where he may go.
Thus may the entity find harmony. For so long as questionings remain in the entity's self as to its conduct, as to its relation, as to its purposes, as to its activities with any soul, that shadow of truth, that shadow of doubt, that shadow of fear keeps the entity aware that there is a questioning in self.
As to the appearances in the earth, - not all are indicated in the present application of the self. These merely indicate the characteristics, the general conditions in the body:
Before this the entity was in the land of the entity's present sojourn.
The entity was among the early settlers in that now known as then eastern portion of the land, or about Newport, about Philadelphia, about the land of the entity's present sojourn. For the entity, though not beautiful in body or in face, USED its personage as a means for attaining ends in material association with those who were the founders of what is the land of the entity's sojourn.
The entity was a friend of Franklin's, and one questioned by the many, yet in the using of same the entity brought those things and conditions to pass that made for material things.
The entity lost, the entity gained. For, there came the experience when there was the realization that material things DO NOT bring mental peace or soul satisfaction.
Then the name was Frances Cabell.
In the present, use those abilities in the opposite direction. For, the purposes and desires were for beauty of body, for beauty of face, for beauty of figure. But do not allow these to become stumblingstones. They are the gifts of thy better self, for thy purposes to use in fulfilling the purpose for which the entity entered this experience; not in that as may separate self from that which is the dearest heritage for each soul - to be a manifestation of GOD'S PURPOSE! For ye ARE as gods. Live like that, then, in thy daily experience.
Before that the entity was in the Grecian-Persian land, when there were those activities in which there were the Roman powers being manifested in the lands of eastern Asia as known in the present.
The entity was a Grecian - beautiful in body, beautiful in purpose, beautiful in the abilities; yet - as one of the associates or companions of a Roman officer - the entity used same to insure the material welfare of the entity in that period of experience.
The name was then Sophia Delhan. In the experience the entity lost, the entity gained; but the abilities in the political, in the activities as attain to the fields of service in relationships one to another, arise from those experiences. Use same in thy daily activity.
FIND self. Find what is thy purpose in the earth. Is it merely to attain place, merely to live at ease? These may bring some material satisfaction, - NEVER mental or spiritual peace or harmony!
Before that the entity was in the Egyptian land, when there were those separations, those trials with the Priest there.
The entity then was in the land to which the Priest was banished, and one of the associates of the Priest - the aide or the armor bearer [257] for the Priest - became enamored of the entity.
The Priest eventually returning to the power in Egypt, the entity then - through those associations in the Temple of Sacrifice - brought greater harmony into the experience of self as well as into the activities of that sojourn. For the entity then aided those who would find themselves in their relationships to their activities one with another; thus making that experience in which there were those offices for vocational guidance of both men and women - as would be called in the present.
These brought greater happiness to the experience of the entity.
The name then was Is-Eldeph.
Then, as to the abilities of the entity in the present:
First, analyze thyself. Know thyself and thy purposes. Know what ye believe, physically, mentally, spiritually. Know the sources of thy beliefs. For in such an analysis one may find self.
Know thy ideals, - not as to what ye would want others to be to thee, but the ideal as to what ye would be to others - in keeping with that ye would live with eternally - or thy spiritual self.
THUS ye may come to know thy present problems and how ye may meet them.
Analyze this. What sort of a mother, what sort of a friend would ye be - or would ye like for thy mother to be if your problems were reversed with thy son, thy daughter?
Then be that. Know, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man or woman soweth, that he or she also reaps.
As ye have found, as ye will find in thy material experience, thy problems in or through thy sojourns in the earth have been mostly of thine own making. The division that is within thine own person, as indicated by thy being alive, by thy having the opportunity for activity in this material plane, indicates that He is mindful of thee. Hast thou taken thought, or dost thou take thought of what ye owe Him?
Not that any soul is to be goody-goody, but good FOR something; not merely to supply material needs. For man lives not by bread alone, not by apparel, nor by homes, nor by that which is of the earth-earthy, but rather by the spirit of truth.
And do ye make the world better for living in same?
Are individuals, are groups that ye meet day by day improved in any phase by thy having met with them?
These questions ye alone must answer. For they refuse to be put aside. For they are a part of thy experience.
So live, then, that ye are not questioning thyself, and others will not question thee.
Give that activity in which ye may so examine thyself that ye will not find that which condemns thyself or others. For with what condemnation ye condemn, ye shall be condemned thyself.
Then, study to show thyself approved unto thy ideal, thy God; rightly dividing, rightly interpreting, rightly living the words of truth.
Keep self unspotted from condemnation of self, and these will bring harmony in thy experience.
Ready for questions.
(Q) What have been my past associations with my son, [...], and what should I do about present conditions?
(A) In the experience before this, closely associated. Questions arose, for he
- too - was thy friend, but doubted thee for the activities in which ye were associated with others and disregarded those problems and promises made.
In the present, as indicated, study thy life, thy purpose. So live that there may be no questions.
We are through for the present.
Understanding the Purpose of Life
1999-1, Female 31 (Divorcee, Religious Preference: "None"), 9/13/39
Know that life is not just all to live, but to make it - life - creative, as it of its nature IS, - and not in that of self-indulgence nor self-aggrandizement; for these only bring disappointments, heartaches, headaches.
Only that which is eternal or creative in its motive, in its purpose, can be and is that which brings harmony, joy and blessings.
2272-1, Female 55 (Protestant, Ready-to-wear business), 6/7/40
That each entity enters at some given period or time is again not chance, but because of the manner of the union of purpose which gives an opportunity for expression of a soul through a given period of activity.
Thus each soul realizes, should realize, that each manifestation, each expression, is an opportunity that the individual entity may be a living example, known and seen of those whom the entity may meet, of the fact that God IS.
Those who so live in their associations with others as to make others more aware of Him in their consciousness day by day are fulfilling the purpose for which an individual experience is given.
5392-1, Male 46, 8/28/44
Know that life is a river or a stream which is constant and each appearance is as a pool that may refresh, in which others may be refreshed or become stagnant and not get very far in a development in a material or earthly sojourn, or it may apply the truths of the spirit, as is the ripple, as is the roar of the cataract, as a part of the physical consciousness in every experience. Use the power thus generated - not to self-indulgence - but to beautify, but make the world a better place because ye have live in it. Ye can only do that by the hour, by the moment, by the day ye live. For ye are not promised more than one day in the physical consciousness at a time. Use it - don't abuse it!
3213-1, Male 56 (Microfilming Inspector), 9/14/43
That thou art conscious of being aware of life, of its troubles, of its joys, of its sorrows, of its peace, of its fulfillment, should indicate and make aware in thine own consciousness the glory of God, that He is mindful of thee. And, as ye mete to thy brethren day by day, so do ye unto thy Lord and thy God. For, as ye measure unto others, it is measured to thee again.
1204-3, Female 22 (Teacher Home Economics, Hebrew), 2/15/41
Thy activities and experiences each day, then, are opportunities to UNIFY purposes to the glory of God; not to justify self by any, but to glorify all to thy Maker.
1206-3, Female 11 (Student, Christian Scientist), 12/16/36
For each soul's expression in the earth is to be a channel through which Creative Forces or God may be made the greater manifest in the experience of those an individual contacts from day to day.
So Life in all its experiences is a practical application of the concept of God or Creative Energy in the lives of individuals as they deal with their associations.
1113-1, Male 39 (Furniture Merchant, Hebrew), 2/4/36
In whatever state the self is found to be, THAT may be USED as a stepping- stone to greater opportunities and to greater successes - if the laws that pertain to spiritual forces, in expression in a mental and material world, are kept in sight.
1842-1, Male 32 (Clergyman, Protestant), 3/14/39
For each soul, each entity enters materiality with and for a definite purpose, - to fulfill that which will become as a greater expression or manifestation of the love as the Father has shown in the opportunities that are offered to each soul in its search, in its journey through materiality, - with all its varied effects as come from environment, from activities of the entity respecting those influences or forces that make impressions upon its sojourn as to become the deeds through any experience.
1089-7, Male 22, 6/17/37
You did not come into materiality for an act of a whim, but of your own choice, through the channels open for you. Hence each day, each hour, each association is an OPPORTUNITY for you to know your Maker, your Lord, your God, the better.
Use such opportunities, do not abuse them. Keep the body, the mind, the whole of the intent and purpose circumspect; not as to what others say but as to what your conscience - in prayer, in meditation - may show you. For as He has given, "My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit." This is the answer then to each soul.
1583-1, Male 59, 4/28/38
The purposes here are to indicate and to direct the entity to the comprehension and knowledge of the continuity of life and its experiences in the earth.
And if there will be the natural trend of the entity in these directions, there may be from the very nature of that builded in the experience of the entity much that may be gained that would be applicable in the present undertaking of the entity.
We refer to the gaining of an understanding as to the purpose for which each entity enters an experience in the present sojourn, and why - through environment or hereditary forces from the psychological aspects - it may be presented with the opportunities of this or that experience.
Then as to what the entity does about these opportunities becomes rather the choice of the entity as related to what the entity has held and does hold as its ideal.
Thus, in the experience of an entity that is of a constructive nature, it makes for a success in either the mental, the material or the spiritual aspects of the entity's experience.
The various phases of man's abilities lie within the ideals that are set or chosen as the standards of the entity's activity.
Then as to whether they become constructive forces and influences, or those that make for derogatory influence in the activity of an entity, depends upon how sincerely and how purposefully these are applied in the experience.
1460-2, Male 18, 11/7/42
Not, then, from the material angle alone. For, the soul's entrance into a material manifestation is that the soul may find - through the application of the SOUL ideal
- those closer relationships to Creative Forces.
For, God hath not desired that any soul should perish, but constantly gives opportunities for the application of those tenets and truths that are awarenesses in the experience of each entity; that it may find itself.
To be sure, there are urges latent and manifested in the experience of each soul, through the manner the application has been made of the varied sojourns in the earth. These leave characteristics, or individualities, that - with the character and with the individuality - create or bring personalities, or manners in which the individual entity meets varied problems….
Know what ye believe and the author of thy belief; knowing, or being persuaded by thine own consciousness, that the ideal, - spiritual, mental or material, - is able to keep self, to keep that, to keep the way that will lead to the closer relationship to God, in Christ-Jesus.
1567-2, Female 52 (Presbyterian Bkgrd, Relg. Pref: "New Thought"), 5/26/38
An experience, then, is not only a happening, but what is the reaction in your own mind? What does it do to you to make your life, your habits, your relationships to others of a more helpful nature, with a more hopeful attitude?
These are the criterions for every individual's experience - sincerity of purpose, of desire; putting the whole law into effect in the activities - which is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, thy mind, thy body, and thy neighbor as thyself.
This is the whole law. All the other things given or written are only the interpreting of same.
Then what does such a proclaiming preclude? From what basis is the reasoning drawn? What is the purpose of an individual experience of an entity or soul into the earth at any given period?
These answered then give a background for the interpreting of WHY.
There are urges latent and manifested in the experience of each soul, each entity, each body.
First we begin with the fact that God IS; and that the heavens and the earth, and all nature, declare this. Just as there is the longing within EVERY heart for the continuity of life.
What then is life? As it has been given, in Him we live and move and have our being. Then He, God, IS! Or Life in all of its phases, its expressions, is a manifestation of that force or power we call God, or that is called God.
Then Life is continuous. For that force, that power which has brought the earth, the universe and all the influences in same into being, is a continuous thing - is a first premise.
All glory, all honor then, is DUE that creative force that may be manifested in our experiences as individuals through the manner in which we deal with our fellow man!
Then we say, when our loved ones, our heart's desires are taken from us, in what are we to believe?
This we find is only answered in that which has been given as His promise, that God hath not willed that any soul should perish but hath with every temptation, every trial, every disappointment made a way of escape or for correcting same. It is not a way of justification only, as by faith, but a way to know, to realize that in these disappointments, separations, there comes the assurance that He cares!
For to be absent from the body is to be present with that consciousness that we, as an individual, have worshiped as our God! For as we do it unto the least of our brethren, our associates, our acquaintance, our servants day by day, so we do unto our Maker!
What is the purpose then, we ask, for our entering into this vale, or experience, or awareness, where disappointments, fears, trials of body and of mind appear to mount above all of the glories that we may see?
In the beginning, when there was the creating, or the calling of individual entities into being, we were made to be the companions with the Father-God.
Now flesh and blood may not inherit eternal life; only the spirit, only the purpose, only the desire may inherit same.
Then that error in individual activity - not of another but of ourselves, individually - separated us from that awareness.
Hence God prepared the way through flesh whereby all phases of spirit, mind and body might express.
The earth then is a three-dimensional, a three-phase or three-manner expression. Just as the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit are one. So are our body, mind and soul one - in Him.
Now we have seen, we have heard, we know that the Son represents or signifies the Mind.
He, the Son, was in the earth-earthy even as we - and yet is of the Godhead.
Hence the Mind is both material and spiritual, and taketh hold on that which is its environ, its want, in our experiences.
Then Mind, as He, was the Word - and dwelt among men; and we beheld Him as the face of the Father.
So is our mind made, so does our mind conceive - even as He; and IS the Builder.
Then that our mind dwells upon, that our mind feeds upon, that do we supply to our body - yes, to our soul!
Hence we find all of these are the background, as it were, for the interpreting of our experience, of our sojourns in the earth.
For the astrological or the relative position of the earth (our immediate home) is not the center of the universe, is not the center of our thought; but the kingdom of the Father or the kingdom of Heaven is within! Why? Because our mind, the Son, is within us.
Then with that consciousness of His awareness, we may know even as He has given, "Ye abide in me, as I in the Father - I will come and abide with thee."
In that consciousness, then, the purposes for which each soul enters materiality are that it may become aware of its relationships to the Creative Forces or God; by the material manifestation of the things thought, said, DONE, in relation to its fellow man!
As the earth then occupies its three-dimensional phase of experience in our own solar system, and as each of those companions that are about the solar system represents as it were one of the phases of our conscience - the elements of our understanding - or our senses; then they each in their place, in their plane, bear a relationship to us, even as our desires for physical sustenance; that is: foods for the body; with all of the attributes, all of the abilities to take that we feed upon and turn it into elements for our body.
All of the elements are gathered from that upon which we have fed to build blood, bone, hair, nails; the sight, the hearing, the touching, the feelings, the expressions.
Why? Because these are QUICKENED by the presence of the spirit of the Creative force (within).
So our mind, with its attributes, gathers from that upon which we feed in our mental self; forming our concepts of our relationship with those things that are contrarywise to His biddings or in line with that Law which is all-inclusive; that is, the love of the Father, with our mind, our body, our soul, and our neighbor as self.
Then all of these influences astrological (as known or called) from without, bear witness - or ARE as innate influences upon our activity, our sojourn through any given experience. Not because we were born with the sun in this sign or that, nor because Jupiter or Mercury or Saturn or Uranus or Mars was rising or setting, but rather:
Because we were made for the purpose of being companions with Him, a little lower than the angels who behold His face ever yet as heirs, as joint heirs with Him who IS the Savior, the Way, then we have brought these about BECAUSE of our activities through our EXPERIENCES in those realms! Hence they bear witness by being IN certain positions - because of our activity, our sojourn in those environs, in relationships to the universal forces of activity.
Hence they bear witness of certain urges in us, not beyond our will but controlled by our will!
For as was given of old, there is each day set before us life and death, good and evil. We choose because of our natures. If our will were broken, if we were commanded to do this or that, or to become as an automaton, our individuality then would be lost and we would only be as in Him without conscience - CONSCIENCE - (consciousness) of being one with Him; with the abilities to choose for self!
For we CAN, as God, say Yea to this, Nay to that; we CAN order this or the other in our experience, by the very gifts that have been given or appointed unto our keeping. For we are indeed as laborers, co-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord - or of they that are fearful of His coming.
And we choose each day WHOM we will serve! And by the records in time and space, as we have moved through the realms of His kingdom, we have left our mark upon same.
Then they influence us, either directly or indirectly, in the manner as we have declared ourselves in favor of this or that influence in our material experience. And by the casting of our lot in this or that direction, we bring into our experience the influence in that manner….
But drawing nigh unto the Father-God (within) ye may become more and more aware of thy purposes for being here. For His promise is to bring to thy remembrance all those things from the foundations of the earth!
Generalities about Life
3028-1, Female 51 (Widow), 6/4/43
For, life - as a manifestation - is as a characteristic, is as a facet, of that force, of that power ye call God.
Then as ye have used, as ye do use thy life itself, it is thy opportunity ever to be a manifestation of that force, that power ye would worship in thy Maker.
5164-1, Female 32 Clerk U.S. Navy, Christian Science), 5/25/44
In those things which pertain to the very awareness of being alive should be found the consciousness that there is an opportunity for thee in the present experience.
263-13, Female 29 (Housewife, Protestant), 12/16/40
Hence as He moved, souls - portions of Himself - came into being.
This entity - as a portion - may come to the awareness then of its relationship to that source, that glow or impulse of life. Separation or willfulness or neglect may bring just the opposite, - disappointment, fear, contention, strife, the inclination of discontent in ANY factor, in ANY influence.
1747-5, Female 37 (Factory Worker, Protestant), 6/20/42
For, the very fact of an individual having a physical consciousness, no matter his state or status in the material plane, is an indication of the awareness that God is mindful of that soul, by giving it an opportunity to express in the material plane.
1494-1, Female 21 (Student, Christian), 12/8/37
For whether they be Greek, Parthenian, [Parthian] Jew or Gentile - whether they be of Mohammed, Confucius, or even Shinto or On or Mu - the Lord, the God, is ONE!
For all force, all power that is manifested in thyself, is of the ONE source.
BE NOT impelled, but by thy life, thy activity, thy word of mouth, be a channel of blessing in His name to SOMEONE; and ye will find the glories of every nature coming into thy keeping - as OPPORTUNITIES for showing the love He hath shown thee.
1981-1, Female 18 (College Sophomore), 8/22/39
Think not that opportunities for all phases of the material experiences will not be thine. Wait only on opportunity….
Know that it is not by chance that one enters a material experience; rather the combination of minds as would create the channel to be offered for the expression of a soul, and the soul seeks same because of those desires of the two making one, - thus bringing the opportunity.
Thus, those environs may change; and those activities of individuals may be changed by those influences that appear to be without the scope or cope of man's activity. All of these are oft visioned by the soul before it enters, and all of these are at times met in tempering the soul….
(Q) Did I choose to return to the earth at this time, and for what particular purpose?
(A) As has been indicated, as there were those channels through which there might be that expression necessary for the tempering of the soul for greater service and activity, the entity chose to come.
1648-1, Female 57 (Librarian, Protestant), 7/28/38
For while we find body, mind and soul are phases of the experiences of an entity in materiality, these are but the manners through which the real ego or I Am manifests.
5155-1, Female 60 (Housewife, Student of Unity), 5/23/44
. . . experience in the earth are not perchance, but that each entity, each soul might use that environment in which it may find itself to the glory of God and to the honor of self. Thus each soul in the appearances in the earth in the present should consider this as an opportune time for each soul to so manifest that it may indeed make manifest the love of the Creative Forces or God in its activities with its fellow man.
2399-1, Male 41, 11/14/40
Yet the entity should - and does at times - realize that it isn't all of life to live, in one experience. For, life is continued; life itself is a consciousness, a gift of an infinite influence we may call God.
1549-1, Female 55 (Housekeeper, Widow, Protestant Background), 3/11/38
In giving the interpretations of these records, these are upon the skein of time and space. And O that all would realize, come to the consciousness that what we are - in any given experience, or time - is the combined results of what we have done about the ideals that we have set!
If these are in keeping with creative or constructive influences, then these are developing periods. If they are of the selfish nature, or with the lack of idealism or ideals, then there is the retardment - or the lack of unfoldment.
Indeed the life and the experiences about every soul are such that if individuals will but take the lessons, the understandings of nature as it manifests in influences about self, they will see that such are the expression of the individual self's unfoldment.
As an illustration: A bulb is an expression of life, of beauty, in its filling its place in whatever environ it finds self. Man CAN change his environ, by the thinking. The bulb cannot. But man may view the purpose of all nature, he may view the bulb and see himself. If the environ is that which tends to enliven, enrich by creative forces added as constructive influences, then the beauty, the richness of the expression is a growth. But if it is dwarfed by an influence which hinders, it does the best with what it has.
987-4, Female 49 (Housewife, Christian), 11/2/37
That there may be a more perfect understanding, much as to those that have been the experiences of the entity as a soul-entity must be referred to.
For, life - or the motivative force of a soul - is eternal; and that portion of same that is motivated by the mental and spiritual attributes of an entity has experienced, does experience the influences that have guided or prompted same through its sojourns.
For each soul seeks expression. And as it moves through the mental associations and attributes in the surrounding environs, it gives out that which becomes either for selfish reactions of the own ego - to express - or for the I AM to be at-one with the Great I AM THAT I AM.
What then are the purposes for the activities of an entity in a material plane, surrounded with those environs that make for self-expressions or self-activities in the various ways and manners?
What meaneth these? That self is growing to that which it, the entity, the soul, is to present, as it were, to the Great I AM in those experiences when it is absent from materiality.
These become hard at times for the individual to visualize; that the mental and soul may manifest without a physical vehicle. Yet in the deeper meditations, in those experiences when those influences may arise when the spirit of the Creative Force, the universality of soul, of mind - not as material, not as judgments, not IN time and space but OF time and space - may become lost in the Whole, instead of the entity being lost in the maze of confusing influences - then the soul visions arise in the meditations.
And the centers becoming attuned to the vibrations of the bodily force, these give a vision of that as may be to the entity an outlet for the self-expressions, in the beauties and the harmonies and the activities that become, in their last analysis; just being patient, longsuffering, gentle, kind. THESE are the fruits of the spirit of truth; just as hates, malice and the like become in their growths those destructive forces in creating, in making for those things that are as but tares, confusions, dissensions in the experiences of an entity.
Those then are the purposes of the entrance of an entity into a material plane; to choose that which is its ideal….
For what seekest thou to lord (laud) in thy life? Self intent? Know ye not that it was selfishness that separated the souls from the spirit of life and light? Then only in the divine love do ye have the opportunity to become to thy fellow man a saving grace, a mercy, yea even a savior.
1158-5, Female 46 (Housewife, Protestant), 12/2/36
As we find, it would be well here to give for the entity, as well as general information for those that seek to know more of how experiences in any individual sojourn may affect an entity or body in this particular experience in the earth.
Know that each sojourn or indwelling may be compared to that as ye have in your mental experience as a lesson, as a schooling for the purposes for which each soul-entity enters an earth experience; and why an entity under such environments came into that experience. (continued on the next page)
Each study of each lesson then adds some phase of development for the soul. And each merits then the opportunity; for it has been given as to the graciousness of the divine oneness in not willing that any soul should perish or lose sight of its identity or lose its hold upon those purposes for each soul's entrance into an experience.
Thus in the study of the activities of the entity previous to the periods of activity as ye would term the Christian era in Palestine, in Rome, in Sicily, in Athens; we find these are as human nature, the natural thing - or nature's expression.
For that which has been given man for his interpretation of the Creator is ever before him in the things about him that respond to the emotions; not mental or bodily emotions as having to do with some activity, but those deeper emotions or urges arising from those very influences that have and do become a part of the entity's experience as a growth, or an outgrowth of what each entity has done, does do, respecting its knowledge.
For what brought dissension? Knowledge misapplied!
Hence the wisdom of God; that surpasseth the understanding of man save in the meditations upon, or meetings within, his own divine self.
This is the lesson, this is the study that all that has been given is to point out. As the study of any individual experience is brought to the consciousness of an entity it becomes more applicable in the material experience of the entity at that time. Just as if there is a discussion of music or of sculpture or of the artist's brush in his depiction of any of the phases of human emotions, there may be discussed through the mental mind those studies, those meditations. But the applying of the principles of that being discussed becomes a portion of the entity and influences same in its relationships to its fellow man.
For as has been so aptly given oft, it is not what we know that counts but what we do about that we know, in our dealings with our fellow man. For as ye do it unto the least ye do it unto thy Maker.
2172-1, Male 46 (Divorced, Protestant), 4/19/40
Show due consideration as to how much ye owe the world, rather than as to how much the world owes you!
The world owes every individual ONLY an opportunity to express itself and its ideal of the Creative Forces, - which will find expression in the manner we treat our fellow men.
274-3, Male 35 (Perfumer, Chemist), 6/8/33
As to the mental body, then, we have given how the mental being has - through its various experiences in the earth's plane - made use of its abilities, sometimes for weal and sometimes for woe.
These, as we have pointed out to the entity, are now presenting themselves as urges in the mental influences; so that there are particular, specific and definite attractions in certain fields, certain lines of endeavor.
Weighed with that which is the experience of the mental being in the present, these now present themselves to be acted upon.
What, then, IS the entity to do with these impulses? How may the entity know HOW to apply, how to use these impulses that arise, to the greater development in the present?
It has been pointed out to each and every entity that the entity, the soul, is a portion - an effort of the Creative influence to make aware in a manifested form in the earth or material world of WHAT creative forces ARE! This is seen in the abilities of man as the representative of that influence made in the image, through its mental attribute, of that Creative Force.
Then, what should be the ideal? What should be the entity's activity, the entity's attitude, the entity's purpose, as in relation to that influence which manifests itself through an individual, that is termed (by man) the spiritual influence in his life?
To make the ideal, purpose, aim, less than an ideal presenting the concept of that Creative Force IN a material plane is falling short, to be sure, of a purpose.
To use such an influence, desire, aim and ideal, to make for that which is satisfying the individual purposes, without respect of its BEING a manifestation of the same character of love that brought the entity into being, or that creates for the companionship and relationship that is of the spiritual influences, as it manifests in Creative Forces in a material world, is to become selfish, self- centered, purposeless, in the spiritual sense, and self-indulgent in the mental self, and must - as we have pointed out to the body, in its experiences - bring that which makes for unrest, contention, strife, and the builded influence then becomes purposeless; for it must be disappointing, for it is not founded in Life - which IS CONSTRUCTIVE to the WHOLE, not for an individual.
But when one makes the purpose, the aim, the ideal, one WITH the fruits of the spirit, then these become the activities of the entity, the mind, the body of such an one. And there is given to such those opportunities, those talents, that they may be presented more and more to the material world in the manifestations of that which makes for those fruits of harmony, contentment, peace, understanding, brotherly love; and THESE make life worthwhile.
1537-1, Male 38 (Mgr. Chemical Firm, Divorced, Protestant), 2/18/38
For this entity should comprehend and KNOW, and NEVER forget, that life and its experiences are only what one puts into same! And unless the activities, the thoughts are CONTINUOUSLY constructive, and the experience well-balanced, the entity CANNOT, WILL not fulfill the purpose for which it came into the present experience.
As to those influences which are about the entity, [1537]; we find there are the astrological - which have a great influence. But the greater import of same has at most periods caused or been a confusion rather than causing helpful experiences; owing to not comprehending, not understanding that life IS a CONTINUOUS thing; and that an individual is EACH DAY meeting his own self - either in the mental, the material or the spiritual phase of his existence!
Know first and foremost, as has been given, that the Lord thy God is ONE! Then know, too, that thyself is one - thy ego, thy I Am. Thy purposes, then; thy heart and thy life must be a CONSISTENT thing!
For if thine eye be single (the I Am; that is, the purposes, the desires - and ye work AT IT!), then thy WHOLE BODY is full of light.
1215-4, Male 17 (Student, Christian Background), 6/4/37
Hence the purposes for each soul's experience in materiality are that the Book of Remembrance may be opened that the soul may know its relationship to its Maker.
Thus we find, as in this entity's experiences, those influences that bring again, again, again, the opportunity to know the Lord that He IS good.
1129-2, Female 33 (Housewife, Protestant), 3/11/37
For Life is, an experience is, what each soul, each entity makes of same. Hence fulfilling that purpose as He may have in thee is a greater service, a greater joy than may be had by him who may have builded a city or have conquered a nation; for such have the greater obligations and the greater influence for their burdens.
But keeping the faith in Him will bring that light, that consciousness that He has promised to all who seek His Way.
1869-1, Female 46 (Hebrew Parentage, Religion: "None"), 5/1/39
Study then to show thyself approved unto thy ideal, a workman not ashamed, - rightly dividing the words of truth, putting the accent where it belongs.
Know that all is - as Life - the gift of the Creator, and that the opportunities which present themselves from day to day are to be made manifest as a glorifying of the Father. For that is thy mission in this experience.
Sincerity is thy watchword, but let not thy good be evil- spoken of by accrediting to this or that sign or omen as the proof. But know, as He hath given, "My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit." Not the spirit then of confusion, nor of any man- made knowledge. For ALL may be aware, from the least to the greatest, of their relationship to the Father.
1828-1, Female 20 (Free Lance Artist, Hebrew), 2/21/39
For, as has been indicated so oft, ye ARE what ye are become of how ye have applied thy opportunities in filling those purposes for which the Giver of all good and perfect gifts brought thee into awareness, even in the physical AND mental and spiritual realms.
Then it behooves each entity to so live as to never have questionings within self as to whether or not that which is desired is for the best; but have PROOFS of same! Never be in that attitude of censuring; leaving off entirely those inclinations to censure others.
For, remember, truth and goodness need no justification, - only GLORIFICATION to God in the MANNER of dealings with thy fellow man.
Show patience, show mercy, - as ye would have these shown to thee! Show brotherly kindness - and above all LOVE; not possessive, but LOVE - as ye WOULD depict same, in thy abilities to indicate same upon activities of individuals or things or conditions.
Each Experience is an Opportunity
2489-1, Male 48 (Field Supervisor, Protestant, Rosicrucian), 4/23/41
. . . know that all life is one before Him (or all lives, if ye choose to term it so), even as thy Lord, thy God is one.
Thus each experience builds the ability of the individual, either mentally, spiritually or physically, to make application in whatever may be the next experience.
And in this relationship, remember that opportunity arises with each meeting, each association. Each problem has its opportunity for choice of spiritual, mental, material opportunities. They are one in their greater, their better sense.
1913-1, Female 23 (Stenographer, Secretary), 11/26/30
In that as has been builded as personality in the present, these - we find - would be changed somewhat from that manifestedly in relationships with astrological influences; for while one may be under the astrological influence of its environs through sojourn, these may be altered in the activities of the entity through the application of will. So, in life's experience through an earth's sojourn, it is altered by the use of that as is sometimes called opportunity; for each experience, each day, each thought, OFFERS an entity an opportunity; for development or for retardment - for it ever remains the same, "This day - NOW - there is set before thee good and evil. Choose thou."
2629-1, Female 55 (School Counselor, Catholic), 11/29/41
For, as there is builded in the innate and manifested experience of each entity, these become at variance oft to that ordinarily comprehended. For, the awareness or consciousness in the material plane has been and is given an individual soul as an opportunity for growth; which has been indicated by Him who is the way, the truth, the light, - that was shown in the experience of the entity in those closer relationships with that activity in this material plane.
Those consciousnesses or awarenesses between the manifestations materially, by law only - and that as has been manifested by an individual entity, are put into practice in that interim. Thus does the individual entity grow. Thus does it manifest. Thus the reason, the purpose for varied experiences in materiality as is known in the present consciousness.
189-3, Female 42 (Secretary, Hebrew), 4/22/37
For these influences are a portion of the experience of every entity entering or passing through the earth's plane.
2283-1, Female 35 (Teacher, Widow, Protestant Background), 6/14/40
For, all is of the Spirit spiritual, but the life urge is God, the Creative Force; and the activities are accorded to the individual entity as its birthright.
Thus, the varied experiences in astrological sojourns or in the material environs and surroundings as incarnate individuals, are as periods of lessons, in which an entity uses that in hand. And, that to which the entity attains is governed according to the use of the opportunities presented.
541-1, Female 47 (Widow, Protestant), 4/28/34
For, much might be given respecting those environs and as to how or why there have been and are accredited to the various planets certain characterizations that make for the attractions of souls' sojourns in that environ. But these are places of abode. As in the earth we find the elements are peopled, as the earth has its own moon or satellites enjoined in its environ, so is it with the other planets. The earth with its three-fourths water, with its elements, is peopled; yes. So are the various activities in other solar systems.
Hence the sojourn of a soul in its environ about the earth, or in this solar system, gives the factors that are often found in individuals in the earth that are of the same parentage, in the same environ; yet one might be a genius and the other a fool; one might be a moral degenerate and the other a high, upright, upstanding individual with an aptitude for influences that may not even be questioned.
Then, such environs PHYSICALLY are needed for the development of the soul.
1646-2, Male 59 (Real Estate Broker, Quaker, Spiritualist), 12/18/39
As to the astrological sojourns of the entity in environs about the earth (called astrological aspects), we find that the indication of such sojourns does not necessarily indicate that an entity has dwelt AS an individual personality in that particular environ, - but in the sense that each activity, each phase of man's expression or manifestation, or the spirit of man, is accredited to the planetary aspects.
Thus it may be said that the entity, through the experiences other than material manifestations, has dwelt in, or developed, or manifested, in those environs.
4047-2, Male 36 (Professor of Chemical Engineering), 4/1/44
There are gratifyings in Venus as to appetites of body, of mind, of purposes. For those pertaining to the mind (which is the builder in spirit as well as in flesh, or the earth) must be applied in correlation one with another. Don't let thy knowledge be thy undoing, but do the first things first. Know in Whom ye believe and in what ye believe, spiritually. Know from whence ye came and whither ye go. For if ye become as anxious about using thyself for the purpose for which ye entered, ye will not be so anxious about where you are going. For remember, it is only self ye are meeting that causes anxieties or any character of trouble. For thou hast been from the beginning. It is up to thee as to whether ye continue.
The soul that sins shall be cut off - the soul that sins purposefully, that doesn't use the opportunities given by manifestations in life. And what is the law of the Lord? "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy mind, thy body, thy soul, and thy neighbor - thy brother, thy friend, thy foe - as thyself." The whole law is in this. Ye can apply it to this or that extent, but do apply it in the whole law if ye would be at peace with self and know the peace which passeth understanding to a materially-minded individual or world.
2800-2, Female 48 (Writer), 8/28/42
Yet, it is a fact that a life experience is a manifestation of divinity. And the mind of an entity is the builder. Then as the entity sets itself to do or to accomplish that which is of a creative influence or force, it comes under the interpretation of the law between karma and grace. No longer is the entity then under the law of cause and effect, - or karma, but rather in grace it may go on to the higher calling as set in Him.
3309-1, Female 45 (Stenographer), 10/22/43
In interpreting the records here, we find Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus in the experience of the entity. Thus a very changeable, a very active individual; and - dependent upon the application - a very worthwhile experience for the entity through this material sojourn. Extremes have been and will be a part of the experience. But for the entity with its disappointments, its sorrows, its shames at times, there should be applied those same tenets in self as in relationships to others, - as He who is the way gave, "Neither do I condemn thee - go and sin no more." These should be kept first and foremost in the experience of the entity, and in applying the life, the experiences of life one with another, learn that as long as there is life there is hope, there is opportunity. Stop, consider, listen to the promptings deep within self. Know that He, Father-God, is mindful of thee, but the very fact that ye still have the opportunity in self to know thyself, and to desire and to hope and to wish for those changes as should come into thine own experience, that ye may never condemn thyself. If He condemns thee not, why condemn thyself? And if He condemns not, it matters not what others may think.
1150-1, Male 39 (Spiritualistic Medium, Protestant Background), 4/19/36
Remember, ever, that where shortcomings have existed and do exist in the experience, those that are wise use same as stepping-stones to the real development; for less and less of self, more and more that the body, the mind, may be used as a channel for the glorifying of a unified Father in the earth.
These should be, must be, the purposes, the aims, the desires for each soul if it would fulfill that whereunto it has been called into the earth.
That the earth has been given as a schooling for those that in the beginnings erred in self-indulgences, self-aggrandizement, self-glorification, is indeed a merciful experience then, even to those that find turmoils, strife and antagonism and disturbing forces in their experience. If they will but empty themselves of themselves, they may become channels through which a GLORIFIED Father IN the Son may be manifested in and among men.
1632-3, Female 38 (Housewife, Protestant), 8/9/38
Hence the entity is continuously meeting its own self and what it has done towards its ideal. And there is constantly the choice before the mental self (for the Mind is the Builder) as to what it will do with its opportunities of every nature in its relationships to its ideal in the activities towards others.
1317-1, Adult Male (Schoolmaster, Protestant), 1/13/37
Do not let anxieties become stumblingblocks in thy dealings with others. Do not let the physical conditions become an excuse as to thy feelings and thy relationships to others. Rather let them be met as one.
3245-1, Male 21 (Soldier (in U.S. Air Corps Section), 9/26/43
Know that ye are going through a period of testing. Remain true to all that has been committed to thee, and know that each day is an opportunity, and an experience. Speak a word for thy ideal. Not as to force an issue but ever constructive. Sow the seed of truth, the seed of the spirit. God will give the increase.
78-7, Male 25, 9/20/33
Those individuals that are worth the name of being manly, or godly manly, are those that use the discouraging moments rather as the testing periods and make of them stepping-stones for that which may be accomplished in earnestness.
And remember, that which is to be constructive in the mental, the material or the spiritual life, must have its inception, its basis for its activities, in that which is true, pure, honest, sincere. Or, the body-mind, the mental forces, should feed more and more upon those things that are the BUILDERS.
1901-1, Male 38 (Executive, Protestant), 5/30/39
Ye are in the position, ye have been especially endowed with the faculties and the abilities to be of a service to thy fellow man. Will ye do so that thine own ego may be satisfied; that ye may enjoy the pleasures of thine own appetites for a season; using thy obligations, using thy opportunities as an excuse that ye may gratify thine OWN self?
Or would ye not rather that there be the answer within thyself from thy activities that ye are at-one with that Creative Force, God Himself, - that ye may have that peace, that harmony, that satisfaction which comes ONLY from living, being, exercising thy abilities in the direction that will bring hope and cheer and patience and love and harmony in the lives of all ye touch?
Not by might nor by power alone, but by love and kindness, and freedom FROM worries that so beset so much from self-indulgences.
THINK - THINK on these! For with thy abilities ye may apply same in such a manner that, as ye develop thy relationships with thy fellow may ye KNOW - KNOW in thy heart, thy mind, that with what measure ye mete to them it will be measured to thee again.
Think not that there is any short cut to peace or harmony, save in correct living. Ye CANNOT go against thine own conscience and be at peace with thyself, thy home, thy neighbor, thy God! For as ye do it unto the least of thy brethren, ye do it unto thy Maker.
1792-2, Male 42 (Engineer, Executive, Protestant?), 2/11/39
Hence again might that injunction be given the entity not to be too easily discouraged. Brace up! KNOW in what ye have believed and do believe, but know WHO is also the AUTHOR of such. For life IS real, life IS earnest, and the grave is NOT the goal!
For ye are WHAT ye are because of thy use of the opportunities that are given thee respecting creative forces and influences in thy experience.
2786-1, Female 45, 7/24/42
This entity - as each entity - should realize that the awareness of self in a material world is, and should be, the recognition in self that the Creative Force or God is aware of the entity, and of the entity's needs; that it may be one with Him.
Thus the experiences in the earth are the opportunities for the soul-entity to prepare, or to meet those conditions necessary, that it may be one with that Creative Force….
And the problems in meeting the failures, and applying self in such manners as to be worthy of considerations in the Creative Influence, again are purposes in the experience of an entity….
Study to show thyself, then, approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, but rightly emphasizing that necessary in the experience of each soul, each individual.
Know thyself and thy relationship to thy Maker; and in those channels where ye may direct those who are seeking to know more of that as a vocation, as a direction; and as ye come in contact with those who are in authority in the local, state or national activities, spread that gospel as ye learned at the behest of Cornelius.
The law of the Lord IS perfect; it converteth the soul. While the experience in an individual life may be much, it is only as a moment in eternity. And the soul lives on.
Thou hast been given opportunities. EMBRACE them, for His name's sake; that thy name may be written in the book in heaven.
Opportunities through Friends and Others
1709-3, Female 20 (Stenographer, Protestant), 11/11/39
. . . count thy friends as the greatest of thy opportunities. No soul may have so many friends that it can afford to lose a single one. Yet there are obligations, there are duties that are combined with such associations. These NEVER neglect in thy thought or thy activities!
For He hath not willed that any soul should perish, but has with every temptation prepared a way, a manner of escape. And the more oft it comes through thy friends, thy associates. And as these have been and are oft representative of a savior, a means, a manner, a way, so must ye in thy association and thy activity make of thyself as one that would be a help, a savior, an aid, a HOPE for many.
1581-2, Male 12 (Christian Background), 3/26/39
(Q) Which of my associates should I avoid and which should I cultivate to help me toward my own unfoldment?
(A) As has so oft been indicated here, and as has been the experience of the entity in that particular sojourn just indicated that was a period of great advancement in development, no associate EVER becomes a part of thine experience save as an opportunity for the developing of that thou dost hold as thy ideal.
That there may be easier ways, by taking that which is the easier way, is evident,
- as ye grow in experience of application of self. But rather live thine own life, and use each associate, each opportunity as the means for giving expression to that which IS thy ideal.
And then the fruits of thy activity will - even as with He - cement those friendships that may bring the greater blessing in thine OWN experience, as well as in the experiences of all whom ye contact.
There is no such thing as having too many friends, or having so many that you can afford to lose a single one.
This does not indicate, to be sure - as from what has just been given - that all are within the inner circle, as it were, but rather that ye will lose no opportunity - by mere acquaintance or by passing chance - of giving the opportunity for such to know what is thy ideal.
CULTIVATE those who bring thee strength in thy ideal, NOT in thy weaknesses or thy faults. For these ye know within thine own self, as ye meet them day by day.
1248-1, Female 17 (Christian Background), 8/10/36
Know that no meeting with other individuals is chance. RATHER should it be - and is - as an opportunity not only for self-expression but for the expression of that for which the real self stands.
Hence we will find that beauty of manner, beauty of speech, ease of expressing itself, will become more and more beautiful - if the ideals and the purposes are set in those desires of a spiritual aspect.
This does not intend to indicate a long-facedness, or never thinking of that as would in the present day parlance be called "a good time," but rather that each activity has a PURPOSE in itself - and these will make for then those influences for a tendency to grow more and more BEAUTIFUL in the expression of self and in the choice of relationships, companionships, associations, those conditions that are to become and are becoming a portion of the real inner self.
1317-1, Adult Male (Schoolmaster, Protestant), 1/13/37
Not to induce by force thy wishes or thy will upon others, but rather as ever in thy dealings with those of developing minds, those souls seeking expressions in a physical way, "yet may I SHOW thee a more excellent way," in first knowing thy relationships to thy fellow man, thy relationships to the Creative Forces that may find expression in thy dealings with thy fellow man.
For as ye mete it unto thy fellow men, the LEAST of these, ye mete it unto thy Maker.
641-6, Male 27 (Uniform Salesman, Protestant), 12/3/40
Know that the purpose for which each soul enters a material experience is that it may be as a light unto others; not as one boastful of self or of self's abilities in any phase of the experience, whether mental or material, but living, being in spirit that which IS ideal and not idealistic alone, nor the unattainable.
For, as He hath given, - if ye would know the Spirit, or God, search for Him; for happy ye will find Him.
Thus, - in that consciousness of daily living and being that which is in keeping with the ideal, - life and its problems becomes not a burden, but opportunities - for the greater expressions and expansions of self in knowing that as ye sow daily the fruit of the spirit, ye need not worry nor fret thyself as to its growth.
GOD giveth the increase. Hence be not weary in well-doing.
805-4, Female 53 (Realtor, Protestant, Christian Scientist), 10/22/35
First, look well into self as to what are or may be the promptings from within; knowing that each experience, each contact, may be builded - if it is prompted from the spirit of truth and love - as something that may be made worth while in the experience of self.
Then, in the dealings with the fellow man, and those opportunities that will and do present themselves through the soul's development in the interim and in the application of same in the earth in the present:
Just be kind, just be gentle, just make for those expressions of these in the dealings with the fellow man. And these bring contentment and peace and happiness that bespeak of that as He gave - which thou didst learn well; "As ye do unto others, so will it be done unto you. As ye would that others should do to you, then do ye even so to them."
For these are the laws. Like begets like. Judge not that ye be not judged. Keep thine own mind, thine own purpose, thine own desire in the nurture of the Lord of truth; and ye grow in grace, in knowledge, in understanding - and the EXPERIENCE of life becomes at-one with Him, and the PURPOSES of all become as a portion of that beauty which ye enjoy with the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, as ye enter into that glory with Him.
1662-1, Male 61 (Retired Banker, Quaker), 8/17/38
First - patience, love, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness; speaking not of anyone in a resenting manner. For know, as He hath given, all power that is in the influence of an individual, a nation, a country, is only lent of the Lord as an opportunity for the individual according to that it has once purposed - or to carry forward that He hath willed respecting each soul!
For ye know, ye understand - all stand as one before Him. There are no ones above another; only those that do His will. What is His will? "Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, thy mind, thy body - and thy neighbor as thyself." This is the whole law - the spiritual law, the mental law, the material law. And as ye apply same, thus ye become the LAW! For as He, thy Master, thy Lord, thy Christ fulfilled the law by compliance with same, He became the law and thus thy Savior, thy Brother, thy Christ! for in Him ye find, ye see the example that is set before thee pertaining to the natural life, the mental life, the material life, the spiritual life. Not an extremist, and not a conservative - but one who met each experience in a manner in which there was NEVER a question in His Consciousness as to its purpose, His desire and the ability to be one with the purpose of the Creative Force - God!
Acceptance of Every Condition
307-3, Female 53 (Teacher, Protestant), 9/1/31
. . . as conditions, circumstances, opportunities present themselves day by day, so accept same, and as these work THEIR way, as the leaven leaveneth, so will the circumstance, the conditions, enlighten the body-mind, the physical consciousness OF the entity, in such a way and manner as that the best, the conditions, the things necessary for the developments, WILL present themselves.
3129-1, Male 42 (Newspaperman, Proofreader, Christian Scientist), 7/13/43
For, the entrance into the earth's plane of the entity is not by chance. Neither is it destined as to what the end will be, but the opportunities are ever present. And if the ideals and purposes of the entity are lost in Him, the destiny is that of living and being a manifestation for and through Him, ever.
The entity should remember, "He that will be the greatest among you will minister to all."
909-1, Male 62 (Pharmacist, Christian Background), 12/28/34
Think never that the opportunities have passed; for ever is there set before thee a choice to make, and has always been given "TODAY is the acceptable year, the acceptable day, of the Lord!" It is never too late to begin, even in an experience; for Life in its experience is a continued, a continuous effort - in making, in starting, the associations which bring what has ever been given as the way whereby man may justify himself before the throne of grace in a material world: "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, my little ones, ye do it unto me."
When there is, then, that activity whereunto there is made known more and more in the minds and hearts and experiences of all that whereunto they have been called for a purpose in a material manifestation, greater and greater becomes and grows - the possibility, the capability, of advancement.
3226-1, Female 44, 9/20/43
For, no soul or entity enters without opportunities. And the choice is ever latent within self and the power, the ability to do things, be things, to accept things, is with the entity.
900-44, Male 29 (Stockbroker), 5/5/25
. . . each and every development in the physical, in the social, in the mental plane has its place, each and every reverse, each and every mount surmounted, each difficulty has its place and the body, mentally, normally, financially or materially, socially, mentally, must use each for its own development, and that of those who surround or depend upon the entity in the various spheres of its labors.
Then, do not count any condition lost. Rather make each the steppingstone to higher things, remembering God does not allow one to be tempted beyond that they are able to bear and comprehend, will they but make their will one with His.
911-6, Female 24 (Hebrew), 11/7/32
Study more to understand that each at all times stands in the presence of that Power, that Force, that brings to each the power of knowing self in a material world. Each act, each thought of each body adds to the bringing about of His Kingdom in the earth, or adds to that which prevents it from becoming manifest in this material plane; for we are each His agents, His soldiers in the strife through that we call Life.
275-20, Female 18, 6/29/31
(Q) In which years must body be on guard, and which are the good years?
(A) As the body develops in its mental forces, with its spiritual insight, why take thought of days, years or numbers? They may be as signs, but as the spiritual forces add that that is necessary for the awakening from within of the glories as come to the body through the ability to even be alive, and to administer and to know of the glories of those that have come to the body, these should make for each day an opportunity for the expression of the spiritual BEAUTIES in self, IN LIFE, to others, in such a manner that each day will be better than the other!
3976-22, 6/13/39
To us here, as individuals, we have accepted, we do accept those tenets of the Nazarene, Jesus of Nazareth, whose whole gospel was combined in that message, "Ye shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and mind, and thy neighbor as thyself." And then, as to make this become a more practical experience in the lives of individuals, He gave "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another."…
For Life itself in all its forms and phases is indeed a manifestation of that we worship as God.
256-5, Male 37 (Teacher of Accounting, Catholic), 8/31/34
In each appearance into materiality there have come those experiences, those opportunities, those things that were as hindrances as well as those that were the urges which carried forward the desires and purposes of the soul.
1731-1, Male 35 (Business man, Religious Preference: "None"), 11/3/38
While the entity is of high mental ability, and with a great deal of optimistic outlook at times, we find it may be said that the entity becomes quite pessimistically an optimist, - and sees oft too much of the dark sides of an experience, and is prone to judge same from material angles alone.
Thus the entity becomes discouraged to that of a "Don't care" mood. Rather should there be the consideration, as may be pointed out, that each experience in the affairs of an individual is to have its place, - if it will be used rather than abused or allowed to become a stumbling-stone to the real abilities of an entity….
Hence this means being true to the ideal in the spiritual, the mental, and the material ways and manners, - which proves as to the sincerity of purpose to which an entity lends itself through adversity as well as prosperity.
For many may labor well under prosperous reactions and others well under adverse, - but indeed greater is he who may take ALL, not merely as a part of the experience but using each for the abilities and opportunities for the greater manifestation of the sincerity of its purpose and its ideal.
3524-1, Female 47, 1/4/44
For, who healeth all thy diseases? Who bringeth to pass justice in the earth? The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. Thy opportunities and purposes, as with each soul, are only lent thee - as opportunities for thee. Use them to the glory of God and not to the willful disobedience in any manner….
In the attitudes keep creative in thought, knowing that in Him is life and life more abundant to those who seek to do His bidding.
What is the first commandment with a promise? Said another way, it is life abundant. What is life? It is opportunity to serve the living God!
792-1, 1/15/35
Let thy life, that has troubled thee oft, be rather that "Lord, use me as Thou seest fit. Let Thy ways, O Lord, be my ways. Let my ways seek to know that Thou wouldst have me do day by day. For only in Thee may there come the peace, the harmony, that makes life become worth while in the experience of any soul." Keep, then, that gentleness of manner. Keep that sureness of purpose in Him.
For the day cometh when no man may work; only must ye see what thou hast builded with thine opportunities in the land of choice.
1463-2, Female 58 (Poetess), 11/8/37
But life is earnest, life is true - and that which each soul experiences is a part of that necessary, if it will be used as such and not looked upon as a drudge or as a hindrance.
Whom the Lord loveth He cherisheth, whom the Lord loveth He chastiseth, whom the Lord loveth He raiseth up to opportunities.
If ye have shown and do show thyself worthy, then ye become even as the Son that ye saw, that ye worshipped with - though ye be the sons, the daughters of the living God, yet learn ye - as the world, yea as the universe - obedience through suffering.
5177-1, Female 65 (Widow, Hebrew), 5/24/44
For know, there is that awareness that should be in self, that the very fact ye are conscious of thy activity in the material plane should be evidence that thy Father- God hath need of thy service in the earth, and that through the present activity ye are given the opportunity to be a channel of blessing to someone.
For, to obtain the consciousness and awareness of coming into His presence, or as one would call to heaven, it will be as if it were leaning on the arm of someone ye have tried to help. For as ye do it unto thy brother, ye do it unto thy Maker.
Know they are immutable laws. God is, and ye as a daughter, as a servant of the most high God are His handmaid. Then act like it!
2583-1, Female 51 (Widow), 9/6/41
Analyze this. What sort of a mother, what sort of a friend would ye be - or would ye like for thy mother to be if your problems were reversed with thy son, thy daughter?
Then be that. Know, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man or woman soweth, that he or she also reaps.
As ye have found, as ye will find in thy material experience, thy problems in or through thy sojourns in the earth have been mostly of thine own making. The division that is within thine own person, as indicated by thy being alive, by thy having the opportunity for activity in this material plane, indicates that He is mindful of thee. Hast thou taken thought, or dost thou take thought of what ye owe Him?
Not that any soul is to be goody-goody, but good FOR something; not merely to supply material needs. For man lives not by bread alone, not by apparel, nor by homes, nor by that which is of the earth-earthy, but rather by the spirit of truth.
And do ye make the world better for living in same?
Are individuals, are groups that ye meet day by day improved in any phase by thy having met with them?
These questions ye alone must answer. For they refuse to be put aside. For they are a part of thy experience.
So live, then, that ye are not questioning thyself, and others will not question thee.
Give that activity in which ye may so examine thyself that ye will not find that which condemns thyself or others. For with what condemnation ye condemn, ye shall be condemned thyself.
Then, study to show thyself approved unto thy ideal, thy God; rightly dividing, rightly interpreting, rightly living the words of truth.
Keep self unspotted from condemnation of self, and these will bring harmony in thy experience.
Keeping the Right Attitude
2376-3, Female 25, 10/6/42
Keep the correct mental attitude; that is, not holding grudges, being kind, being affectionate, long suffering, manifesting patience - which is required at times with those conditions about the body. But keep creative ever in the activities.
This, too:
Be GLAD you have the opportunity to be alive at this time, and to be a part of that preparation for the coming influences of a spiritual nature that MUST rule the world. These are indicated, and these are part of thy experience. Be happy of it, and give thanks daily for it.
3138-1, Female 69, 7/17/43
First, there must be in the spiritual and mental self, the renouncing of any condemnation of others. Never an attitude of blaming others, but knowing within self that the state in which you find yourself is where the Lord would have you work in His vineyard. The very fact that you have life itself, even, is the opportunity for being a witness-bearing child to the King of kings.
Speak kindly, speak gently. Be patient. Be not faultfinding, be not condemning of others, nor of anything that may have come to be your lot. Be not a gossiper of activities that would bring any condemnation on others.
This in itself will change the whole outlook on the body's condition. Let your prayer be continuously:
LORD, USE ME, SUCH AS I AM, IN THY KINGDOM.
1102-5, Female 31 (Housewife, Catholic), 9/10/40
In giving counsel and advice, many varied phases of the entity's problems, positions and conditions are to be taken into consideration; not only as respecting self and self's own mental and spiritual development, but as to those who are in the greater measure dependent upon the entity - and who should have, and need, those relationships, those associations and companionships of the entity, in order to meet THEIR own problems also.
For - as we have indicated, and as each soul finds as it analyzes its relationships to the economic situations, as well as to the social relationships one with another
- life and its problems are not mere chance, but indicate the love, the mercy of a loving heavenly SPIRIT that gives each soul, each entity, the opportunity to meet SELF and to MAGNIFY that love, that mercy, which is the experience of those who seek to know His will.
It is true that problems arise of the nature that apparently there are the needs to find, or that individuals find that changes in relationships, changes in activity are apparently needed to find, the assurance in an economic way or manner. Yet oft these are but what may be termed testing periods when choices that are to be made must take into consideration the problems that have been indicated.
3671-1, Male 22 (Watchmaker), 2/21/44
Do not blame others, do not condemn anyone for the disturbances that exist. Know that there are healings for the body, else the opportunities would not have been given the body in the resuscitation. Know deep within self that God hath need of thee at this time. Know that He came into the world that each individual, each entity, might have life more abundantly; that is, more of life, more expectancy from life, and more worthwhile experiences.
1302-2, Female 63 (Housewife, Protestant), 12/22/36
Not that there should be regrets, nor condemnation of any; neither of self nor the excusing of self. But rather use that which is before thee that there may be the greater vision of that purpose for which each and every soul enters materiality - for an experience in the expressions of that as may be as a sign of, as a channel for, as an experience in which there may be used, that which has been the gift of opportunity to each soul; to express its concept, yea its gratitude for Life and its expressions from the beauties of the Creator….
But as to what ye do with thine opportunities in making known the more oft to those that ye meet and know day by day the fruits of the spirit of truth and justice and mercy and honor and grace, makes for how much harmony and peace and understanding may come into thine own consciousness.
3132-1, Male 39 (Lawyer, Executive), 7/18/43
And your purpose in the earth is, in every opportunity, in every activity one to or with another, to show forth His love until He comes again. For, remember ever, "In the manner as ye do it unto thy fellow man, ye do it unto thy Maker."
1827-1, Male 47 (Radio Engineer, Executive, Protestant), 2/21/39
To iterate the present activities:
We find that too easily has the entity gotten away from the spiritual influences in its life. Too much of the possessive has become manifested.
Know, only that which is founded in spirituality is eternal, - and that the material things must be the result of the proper or correct application of self towards its environment and its activity in a constructive way and manner.
And when these are thus applied, harmony and peace, love and forgiveness, and fellowship, and patience, brotherly love and kindness are the activities in the experience of the entity - and are creative in their very natures.
These are not merely names, - they are not merely conditions to be considered on a Sunday or on holidays or certain seasons, but are to be LIVING experiences
- in every phase of the entity's experience!
Thus we find many of those confusing things may be cleared up, that have gradually crept into the present experience, that have made doubts and fears in relationships with the family, in relationships to those where there are duties and obligations, - not merely as duty, but BETTER as opportunities.
For all that is a part of each entity's experience is for a purpose. But if one turns it into the gratifying of self, without consideration of the relationships with others, these bring about fear, doubt, hate, animosity, and those things that wreck the lives of many - creating in all its phases those things that are belittling, harmful - and must eventually bring a dissipation of some phase of the entity's abilities, - lessening the opportunities for creative expression, and BUILDING more of those destructive forces in the experience.
2402-2, Female 56 (Widow, Seeker of Truth), 11/16/40
. . . all relationships are akin, - or all activity has its relationships to others, and in the various forms of manifestation of consciousness - whether in spirit, in mind, in body - all are one; and their relationships, their consciousnesses, are eventually to be realized here, - to those who seek to know His ways.
For, His ways are not past finding out, to those who attune themselves to that inner consciousness which is the birthright of each entity, - that privilege, that opportunity GIVEN to each soul, even in periods of ease as well as of distress, anxiety, and periods when there are doubts and fears that cause periods of confusion in the material life of an entity. They each bear their relationship one to the other, in the realms of consciousness.
1424-1, Male 50, 8/16/37
For each accident, incident or experience should be, in the mental self, as that necessary to fit the individual entity for greater and better opportunities for service to Creative Forces or God in its experience.
Let the attitude then be CONSTRUCTIVE ever! See in the applications taken not just rote, not just something to be done, but - as the active force of every nature is God-influence working in and through the individual - see with each application the creating of energies necessary for bringing cooperation with the service the Creator would have thee render in thine experience.
For all become witnesses of His grace, His mercy, in the experiences of the activities in the material plane.
2305-1, Female 82, 7/12/40
For, there ARE before this body many opportunities for bearing witness as to the activity of Creative Forces through this material plane.
1582-2, Female 53 (Housewife, Religious Preference: None), 11/14/38
For, know that in whatever position an entity, a soul finds itself, it is that the greater opportunity may be had for fulfilling the purposes for which each soul enters a material experience, - and that the greater opportunity arises from and through that condition, that experience.
2497-3, Female 22, 9/29/26
Take counsel in self. Give unto self that worthy, acceptable period of service, for in service to others is lending to that Creative Energy that makes or destroys lives. Lives are as worlds, for each is of that material of which the universe is and was created - for in the life of the entity enters many of those conditions that may be made into miracles or crimes.
5294-1, Male 61 (Navy Food Inspector, Religious Preference: None), 6/26/44
There are abilities, there are urges latent and manifested, but first in self find thine own ideal, spiritually, mentally, physically. Then study to show thyself approved; that is, act like ye knew what it's all about. For life is earnest; life is an opportunity to show the appreciation to the divine within, with the divine in thy fellow man, and if ye act in that manner much more joy, much more worth while will be the earthly experience of this entity.
274-3, Male 35 (Perfumer, Chemist), 6/8/33
As given, in self is that seed of the spirit - in Life itself.
The issues of life in the physical body are those tenements [habitations?] of the mental and soul being of a physical body.
Then, in meditation, in prayer; not in long-facedness, not in closing self to those things about self that make for a contentment in the material things of life, but let THOSE things be rather the effect and NOT the purpose of the mind!
So may one be joyous, being kind, being loving, being open-hearted, open- minded to those things wherein that in the word spoken, in the manifestation of the smile in the face, in the eye, to those that the self contacts, there is brought forth that from the hearts, the minds, the souls of those whom the entity contacts day by day!...
SO LET ME LIVE, SO DIRECT ME IN THY WAYS, THAT MY WILL MAY BE THY WILL, THY WAYS MAY BE MY WAYS!
KEEP ALL THAT THOU HAST PROMISED, FOR I LOOK TO THEE AS THE GIVER AND THE FINISHER OF MY SOUL!
In such ways as this, then, may the inner self become more and more aware of the possibilities of the body's efforts, and as these develop there is shown day by day that manner in which those whom the entity contacts - the ways in which OTHERS - may know the way.
Not some great deed, but rather just being kind one to another.
Soul Growth through Choice
1745-1, Male 45 (Meat Market Manager, Protestant, Rosicrucian), 11/12/38
Know that the entering of a manifested life is not chance, but through the will of the Father. For He hath not willed that any soul should perish, but hath with every temptation offered a channel, an opportunity - through the choice of the entity - to meet self.
Hence know that a life-experience is not for self-indulgence, self-gratification, - but that ALL things shall be according to the will of the Creator in Whom ye live and move and have thy being!
All phases of thy bodily and mental and spiritual experiences, then, are to be considered in thy study and in thy application of thy abilities; meeting thyself, thy faults and thy virtues in such a manner as to make the experience a growth of thy soul.
So live then each day that some portion may add to thy inner, thy better, thy soul self. Thus may ye gain strength, ye may gain knowledge - and virtue; in such measures that life with its experiences becomes more and more worth while, with more joy.
Though, as has been thy experience, great sorrows and great joys have been thy lot. Yet in it all ye may see the opportunity for the glorifying of the force and power that we worship as God….
For as Life is the manifestation of God, the Father, so the use of thyself in same is what ye think of, and what ye do with, Him.
2599-1, Male 39 (Sales Manager, Protestant), 10/7/41
For, the Creative Influence is mindful ever, and hath not willed that any soul should perish, but hath with every temptation prepared a way, a means of escape.
Thus the very fact of a material manifestation should become an awareness to the individual entity of the mindfulness of that influence of Creative Energy in the experience.
945-1, Female 26, 7/2/35
For man and woman in their manifestations are given - by the All-Wise, All- Merciful Father, the First Cause, the Mother-God, the Father-God - the opportunity to be one with Him. Hence they are given the attributes of the various phases through which the entity or soul may become conscious or aware of that Presence abiding with or withdrawing from its activities; dependent, to be sure, upon how that entity or soul uses the opportunities.
For without the gift of free will to the soul, how COULD it become aware of the Presence of the All-Abiding Creative Force or Energy called God?
518-2, Female 25, 8/13/35
First, the entering of EVERY soul is that it, the soul, may become more and more aware or conscious of the divine within, that the soul-body may be purged that it may be a fit companion for the GLORY of the Creative Forces in its activity.
The activity for this entity, then, is the same; that it may have the opportunity. For it has been given that the LORD hath not willed that any soul should perish. But with every temptation He hath prepared a way; so that if he or she as the erring one will turn to Him for that aid, it may find same.
5343-1, Female 27, 7/13/44
Each soul, as this entity, should come to this realization: It is not in the earth, or manifested in the earth at this time, by chance, for God is not mocked and whatsoever a soul soweth that must it also reap. The entity should realize that the fact that it is aware, or is conscious of itself in material experience, is proof that the universal consciousness, or God, is aware of the entity and has need of the entity, that the entity, as well as others, glorify that which is best within self or magnify the fruits of the spirit of truth which are: brotherly love, gentleness, longsuffering, patience. Against such there is no law. In such there is harmony, there is peace in body-mind, in soul.
2788-1, Male 44 (Farmer, Theosophist), 7/27/42
Know, no individual is in any place or position save by the grace of God; that the individual or group may have the opportunity to use that which has been builded in the experience - and it is done unto weal or woe, according to the choice made by such entities, such groups, such individuals.
845-4, Female 37 (Bookkeeper, Protestant), 7/12/36
For each soul, each entity, CONSTANTLY meets self. And if each soul would but understand, those hardships which are accredited much to others are caused most by self. KNOW that in those you are meeting THYSELF!
All of these things then, in associations, in relationships that come about - let it be even as He gave, "How oft would I (as He gave) have gathered thy children, even as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye WOULD NOT!"
When He that is the Maker, the Creator of all, the Giver of Life, can make, does make such an example of His own experience, when He hath come into the earth for the PURPOSE of preparing a way, how little then doth it appear to us who are as His - seeking His ways! Could we but realize then, He hath given, "Not of thyself may ye meet these, but I will be WITH thee; I will come and sup WITH thee."
In this then, and in this way and in meeting these experiences, not that there is any other way or manner but self must meet self. And it can only be met in LIFE
- in Him! For He is Life, Light and Immortality.
Our wills, then, are ever as those influences that wield the influence. What is wisdom, what is knowledge, what is understanding? Love the Lord, keep His ways; for this is knowledge, this is understanding, this is wisdom.
641-6, Male 27 (Uniform Salesman, Protestant), 12/3/40
Rather to each individual, each group approached, let it be stressed that the attitude of self - that offered - is to be and to fill a place in the experience that is to be a constructive thing throughout; and we will find this can be made to grow, and the problems become - as indicated - opportunities rather than stumbling- stones to an idea or an ideal.
For, know - as has so oft been indicated - there IS an ideal in which extremes meet, - the beginning and the end of patience, love, faith, hope and kindness. These, as we find, are ideals, - not ideas. They are ever constructive, and can be measured in one's experience to meet all forms of sharp practices or of deceit, or of littleness of any nature. [12/20/40 He told GD that the spiritual advice in this rdg. had changed his whole outlook on the business world; that because of it he actually could approach every prospect with a creative attitude, no matter how cranky or tough a prospective client or competitor might be.] For, know that His experience - as we take Him with us in our activity - FITS one for EVERY problem. For, the ideal is as this; that that AUTHOR of same is able to keep one against ANY experience that may arise in thy dealings with others.
KNOW that these are law, - just as it is divine law, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least, ye do it unto thy Maker."
257-201, Male 45 (Sales Mgr., Hebrew), 9/4/38
For as ye have chosen and have come into a land that is the home of the free, the home of the brave, where man may worship according to the dictates of his own conscience, and every man stands before God as an entity, recognizing that each is His child and is to fulfill those purposes for which there was GIVEN the opportunity of a body that it might be used unto the glory of the Creator, then know:
The body is as nothing but a casement for the mind, the soul - that is precious in His sight. He hath not willed that any soul should perish, but has again and again called to the children, to His children, "If ye will but harken I will bless thee, that my name shall be precious among the children of men - as among those that are called to be as the lights and channels through which the preservation of my name shall be established."
2081-1, Female 66 (Writer, Editor, Spiritualist), 1/17/40
For, He hath not willed that any soul should perish, but has with each temptation, each trial, prepared a way of understanding, or escape.
It is indeed true, then, that each soul lives and moves and has its being in the Creative Forces, - God. And it is for that purpose that each soul enters a material manifestation, that it may put the will, the glory, the purpose of the Father-God first and foremost, as exemplified in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
Each soul is given the opportunity to manifest in the material plane, and He - Jesus, the Christ - has shown how that God's promises may manifest in the lives of individuals as they deal with their fellow men day by day.
1293-1, Female 39 (Astrologer), 11/17/36
It is not the knowledge, then, but what one does with one's abilities, one's opportunities in relationships to others, that makes for the development or retardment of that individual.
For life in its manifestations through which the soul of an entity or body may manifest IS purposeful, and that the individual, the soul may find its way through the vicissitudes of experience in materiality, that it may know its God.
For He manifested in flesh that the evil forces, as manifest in the relationships of individuals as one to another, may be eradicated from the experiences of man.
1770-2, Female 49 (Widow, Former Concert Singer, Protestant), 12/29/38
For the will is that with which each soul makes or loses the opportunities which are its birthright in each experience. For He hath not willed that any soul should perish, and it is not by chance that the soul is in the environ but that in the use of its concept of that creative force of which it is a part it is brought along that line, that sphere, that awareness, that consciousness in which it finds itself.
256-5, Male 37 (Teacher of Accounting, Catholic), 8/31/34
Then, as the entity metes out in the daily experience justice, mercy, truth, patience, understanding, brotherly love, these things in the immediate may build first to self then to others that the entity contacts - that which makes for the soul growth. For it does not spring up as a mushroom, nor does it blossom all at once, but as a growth in self and in the minds, the hearts, the souls of those whom the entity contacts day by day. For, as has been given, each day each body writes the gospel leaf by leaf to be read of those that may read, whether it be faithless or true. What, then, is the gospel of THY Christ, THY God, according to you?
524-2, Female 25, 6/14/34
For, as has been oft given, there has been a standard, a measuring stick whereunto any soul may measure itself as He has given: "As oft as ye do it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye do it unto me." And, "Many shall come in that day saying, In thy name we cast out demons, healed the sick, and yet I will say I never knew you." For those that have applied even those in the light of self's own interest have their reward already. They that have ministered that the God- force, the soul that is the image of the Maker MIGHT be glorified have done so unto the Lord. His brethren, His individual selves are but the material manifestations of that Creative Force in a material world. Then, in making the application of self in those fields of activity that have been pointed out whether in the home, in the street, in the market place, or in associations with the individuals in their various walks of life, these are but the channels or the places or the experiences or the opportunities whereunto there may be the application of that which has been given as the whole law and the prophets: "Ye shall love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, thine soul, thine body, and thy neighbor as thyself."
1759-1, Male 41, 12/14/38
For remember, there is the immutable law, that changeth not, "As ye do it unto the least of thy brethren, so shall it be done unto thee." As ye sow, so shall ye reap!
Then, turn to thine own opportunity within to know Him while it is yet day in thine own material consciousness. Sow the seeds of truth, of brotherly love, of kindness, of gentleness, of patience. And know, that alone ye possess is that which ye have GIVEN AWAY! That which ye command or demand is never a defense, but rather a judgement ye have set upon thine own self.
Then, let thy well [wellspring? Pr. 16:22; 18:4] be renewed within thee, that ye may show forth in the days of thy awareness as to thy relationship to thy brother, that ye take thought of him in that as ye would have men do to you, ye do even so to them.
For this experience is for thy own holiness, if ye will but look to Him. For God hath not willed that any soul should be in shame, in discouragement, bound with the fetters of circumstance or of obligation, but would have thee FREE - as He hath given thee thine OWN will, - yea, thine own soul, and said "If ye will be my son, I will be thy God."
Hast thou drawn away? Hast thou neglected thy sonship, thy kinship with thy Maker?
Have ye looked upon the circumstances of others and envied them, or coveted their position or their place? Then, know ye have brought condemnation to thine own self!
Face the light of truth, as is set in Him, and the shadows of doubt and fear, of disappointments and sorrow, will fall far, far behind! For ye will enter into that peace as He hath promised, "If ye will ask, if ye will live in me, I will come and abide with thee."
Let not that hope then, which is thine, be neglected.
4047-2, Male 36 (Professor of Chemical Engineering), 4/1/44
For it is in Him that ye are given life, that ye live and move and have thy being. Thus, is the purpose in an experience in the earth only to be born, to live three score and ten years and pass out? or is it as a day, as a moment in eternity?
Life then is purposeful. What is life? It is a manifestation of a soul. Remember that self is body, mind and soul. As the soul would know, does know, it is the gift
of the Creator, the Maker. The purpose in life, then, is not the gratifying of appetites nor of any selfish desires, but it is that the entity, the soul, may make the earth, where the entity finds its consciousness, a better place in which to live….
Analyze these. These are truths, and truth is truth wherever ye find it. To be sure it must find a response within self, else to the individual it is a theory or an idea. Yet that just given the entity will find, if it searches itself and analyzes its purposes, its ideals, its hopes, it doubts, its fears. And ye can do something about it! For know that ye are in the present experience, in the present environ, in the present years of thy activity more productive, more far-reaching in the influence ye have, in the opportunity that ye will have for making the earth a better place to live in for those to come. And remember you'll be back again!
What do you want it to look like? You have a greater opportunity at the present time than you will have at any other period of this particular sojourn. So you'd better be up and doing, keeping self in accord with God's laws. For remember, God is not mocked and whatsoever a man soweth that must he also reap, spiritually, mentally and materially. For the law of the Lord is perfect. It will convert the soul if ye seek to know that law in thy experience.
601-11, Female 50 (Housewife, Hebrew), 1/17/36
Let the law of the LORD, as THOU KNOWEST it in thine heart, BE the RULE of THY life - and thy dealings with thy fellow man! And ye will find that the growth of the mind-spiritual, of the mind-mental, of the body-physical, will open the way for thee, day by day.
For, as those laws that become as but watchwords to many on the tower, there is a whole day's work before thee each day, with all its glorious opportunities of seeing the glory of the Lord manifested by thine own acts!
Yet if that which confronts thee makes for discouragement, harshness of words, lack of enthusiasm, or those things that make for doubts or fears, the opportunity has turned its back - and what IS the outlook? Doubt and fear!
Study, then, to show thyself approved, EACH DAY! DO WHAT thou KNOWEST to do, to be aright! Then LEAVE IT ALONE! God giveth the increase! Thy worry, thy anxiety, only will produce disorder in thine OWN mind!
For the application in self, the TRY, the effort, the energy expended in the proper direction, is all that is required of THEE. God giveth the increase.
1497-2, Male 46 (Executive, IBM, Protestant), 2/8/38
For it is ever true as was given in the days of old, that there is TODAY - each day
- NOW - set before thee good and evil, life and death - CHOOSE THOU!
And the answer ever depends upon whether or not there is that choice as was pronounced by another leader - and a prototype of Him who gave His life a ransom for all - "Indeed, let others do as they may, but for me and my house, WE will serve a living God!"
Such a choice then is to be made in self. For know that the KINGDOM IS WITHIN! that it is within SELF, and the temple of thy own soul, that you may meet Him.
Is it then to be glory of self, duty to this, that or the other irrespective of what is the IDEAL? Or is it as He gave, "Others may do as they may -"?
What is thy choice? Who is the living God? How does He manifest?
The whole law is this: "Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, thy body, thy soul; thy neighbor as thyself." This is the whole law. Above such there is no other. The manifesting of that, the seeking to do that, with the knowledge of the abilities to better serve in this or that direction, may make then not what HAS been but what IS the most outstanding, the greater development!
There are phases of each of the experiences that have been indicated that might be said to be noteworthy. Or there might be chosen the experience when the entity acted as the assistant in the experiences of the Romans with the law as propounded by the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings and the Prince of Princes and the Son of man; yea the Son of God! Yet what did ye about same?
Thy great opportunities were before thee, they were not abased but they were not USED! Yet it might be said to be the most outstanding, because of the great opportunities.
But the opportunities are as great today. For ye in the present have the knowledge that He lived, that He not only lived but that He LIVES - and is mindful of those that seek to honor the Father! that He will come and abide - with the Father - with those who seek to do the Father's biddings.
This is a promise. Ye have the opportunities to either accept or reject same, wholeheartedly or in part; or to be seen of men or to satisfy or JUSTIFY self before thine own conscience or before the thought of thy fellow man!
This then is the GREATEST opportunity, the greatest experience!
Questions and Answers about Problems
2251-1, Female 29 (Former Ballet Dancer, Greek Orthodox), 5/28/40
(Q) To what ultimate purpose has my life been directed?
(A) That ye may show self approved unto thy Maker!
Then, use thy opportunities, - not as privileges of abuse, but opportunities for service. For "He that is the greatest among you is servant of all" said He who IS the way, the truth, the light to all men.
1152-9, Female 65 (Widow, Writer, Protestant), 7/1/40
(Q) Please give a detailed account or statement as to how I can best serve humanity?
(A) In those ways and manners as open to thee day by day. It isn't the individual that plans for some great deed to be accomplished that accomplishes the most. It is the one that meets those opportunities and privileges which are accorded it day by day! And as such are used, through the channels and in the manners indicated for this entity, there are better ways opened. For, that we use in the way of helpfulness to others increases in itself.
333-6, Male 52 (Sales Engr., Protestant), 9/7/35
(Q) Is there any indication that there is to be a change for the better in the influences and activities that surround this entity and that there are opportunities in the making –
(A) (Interrupting) There are ALWAYS opportunities! Opportunities are NEVER withdrawn. The USING of same by the individuals, and the applying of them - these make for those things that appear to others to become as good or lucky days and a fine period when this or that influence is existent. What is the influence? "I WILL by the grace of God do that which IS RIGHT," and stick to it! Not by thine own might nor anyone else's! That thou dost apply may be, and ever is, thine opportunity.
3615-1, Female 53 (Widow, Business Woman), 1/2/44
(Q) How can I best take advantage of our recent move to Washington?
(A) Don't take advantage of anything. Use the opportunities, let the moving to Washington be an opportunity, not advantageous. Advantageous to others, yes. To self, a greater opportunity.
3357-2, Female 50, 11/17/43
(Q) Please advise cause and correction of my impression of constant effort to escape and need of great haste, - and from what?
(A) Self. It is the haste from self. If the activities in the earth are examined, it will be seen that the purposes are much within that same realm of application indicated in the sons of thunder who asked, "Lord, call down the angels that
they may set all right." Would this be mercy? Would this be judgment? Would this not be cutting off the opportunity? So long as life is active, there is the opportunity for that soul to be moved also by the spirit of the God-consciousness.
1424-1, Male 50, 8/16/37
(Q) Why this accident, and for what purpose?
(A) As indicated; that there might be those influences in the experience that become as lessons. For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and purgeth every one.
1424-2, Male 50, 8/30/37
(Q) Had this accident any connection with his painting, or for the purpose of his painting?
(A) Opportunity; depends upon the use of same. Every experience and condition is a useful experience, and these are either made as stumbling-blocks or stepping-stones.
4185-3, Male 42, 3/15/29
(Q) Shall I continue to live my life as heretofore, or what changes shall I make?
(A) More and more grow in grace and in the knowledge of the life's purport in this mundane sphere; for it is not all of life to live, nor yet all of death to die. Live each and every day as if the evening was to be spent with THY Creator, and in the MORNING of each day give thanks to the Creator for that thou may be able to give in service and self to others, that they may be blessed, even as the Creator would have them be - through thine effort. Not that self is preferred above or beyond the other, for he that would be the greatest among men will be the servant of men. Learn what that means in the life, and the life will be worth while.
1466-3, Male 64 (Protestant Minister), 10/28/37
(Q) . . . have we inserted too much of self and used lack of wisdom in the matter?
(A) Make the Lord's work first and foremost ever. Opportunities continue; for these are the ways of the Lord with man, in making manifest that man professes and confesses before men.
Then be ever in that attitude, that activity, of BEING that ye propound to others.
1436-3, Female 27, 9/9/37
(Q) Please direct me to the sources where my opportunity may be found.
(A) The first OPPORTUNITY, the first source is WITHIN!
After there has been the gaining of the control of self, the body-physical, the body-mental, and a normal equal balance, THEN we will see the conditions opened for thee!
1999-1, Female 31 (Divorcee, Religious Preference: "None"), 9/13/39
(Q) Should I pursue my vocation?
(A) In the present; but study self. What is the motivative force? Is it merely for sustenance in a material world? No. Let the world be better for your having lived in it, in every way, in every manner! Let those you meet day by day feel and know, by their association, they are better by meeting and knowing and being with you!
These are possibilities, these are probabilities, - but you choose thy way.
(Q) Should I accept my present offer, or will something better open up there for me?
(A) We would accept in the present, and by the use and application of self will open for better opportunities.
1120-3, Male 30, 8/7/36
(Q) When will his next opportunity come and through whom?
(A) This depends upon what is referred to as opportunities to the entity. Opportunities present themselves each day. For as has just been given, it is not by other than GROWTH that there are the greater opportunities or activities of the body with an organization of such a broad activity. Thus opportunities present themselves in each of the new associations or in the manner of handling all of the general or regular trade. Thus these present themselves day by day.
1472-3, Female 57 (Writer, Radio Broadcaster, Protestant), 11/18/37
(Q) What is the purpose of my present business position and when will I be freed from it?
(A) That ye may reach the more. Each experience, as ye will learn the more and more - as ye see them, just as given - is that ye may serve the better.
For how gave He? "He that is greatest among you is servant of all."
When shall ye be free from same? When ye have attained, when ye have gained that next step that He may say, "Move on, now; that thy children, those ye have taught, may carry on. Ye are called to the greater service of making known again - by word of mouth or by the pen - the greater lessons of Truth."
1472-6, Female 58 (Writer, Radio Broadcaster, Protestant), 6/19/38
(Q) Will I ever get into the moving picture field, and if so will I be successful in it?
(A) Will I ever get in the way of an automobile, or go up in a balloon? This depends upon choices as are made by and through opportunities sought the application of the mind in those directions!
As has just been given, there will be presented an agreement - or an OPPORTUNITY. As given, it will NOT be in keeping with the greater desires but later may be changed.
Then, if the choice is to do or to keep in the way that has been set - this is a matter of today, now, CONTINUALLY meeting the opportunities that are set. But what is thy measuring stick? What are thy desires? What are thy purposes?
1472-9, Female 58, 1/1/39
(Q) Will the New Year unfold greater opportunities for my professional advancement and my greater service to my fellow man?
(A) These are part of self's own development and must rise within by taking advantage of those opportunities which are offered from day to day.
As has so oft been indicated, and this body will find same within its own experience, it is as we use that in hand that the greater opportunities are given.
78-4, Male 23, 12/18/30
(Q) Just where and in what place may this body find employment suited to his capabilities? and how should he go about to secure same?
(A) Under the present circumstances, present conditions as exist in and throughout the country - not as to SEEKING an opportunity; rather go about to MAKE one. That there have been promises that have become questionable and
that are doubted at times by self and by others, these will materialize - but not as SOON as may be desired, but be not FAINT hearted over ANY circumstance; rather USE the present conditions, the present surroundings, and make for self for the time being that as will enable, will better fit the body for what is, or what may, or what will come.
3028-1, Female 51 (Widow), 6/4/43
(Q) Who is the person I am to meet that I knew a long time ago?
(A) We do not find such, other than SELF! Meet thine own self that ye knew well enough long ago! For it is self, ever, that ye meet. And ye use the opportunities day by day either for making thyself one with Him or for creating that which must eventually be met in confusion.
1686-1, Female 42 (Personal Finance Manager), 9/11/38
(Q) Any advice as to the meeting I am to attend on the 16th, as to decisions?
(A) Know in all that that which has been indicated must be the guiding light. Not for convenience but for the opportunities of bringing to many the truths that make the world better for their having lived in same.
2497-3, Female 22, 9/29/36
(Q) What will come of my friendship with [M...] of Chicago?
(A) That is of the entity's own making - just as the friendship, the association, with each and every other individual each entity meets, and entity is of that as that responds one to another, in the various applications of the experiences of the entity, and that as is done with same is that free-will gift of the Creative Force as is applied in every energy.
602-7, Female 49 (Housewife, Protestant), 1/8/42
(Q) Is it best for him where he is?
(A) As He gave, - consider well His answer, the Master, - "No man is in this or that position save by the grace of God." Then the opportunities are WHERE he is in the present, USING the knowledge of the material, the mental and spiritual life for the betterment of his fellow man where he is.
That impress, that instill in self.
2697-1, Male 48 (U.S. Government, Protestant), 3/11/42
(Q) What is the next step based on his present experience at the Treasury Department for his larger mental development for the benefit of the government itself and for the man himself to better serve God and man?
(A) Keep that as set before thee, knowing - as He hath given - every individual in a place of authority has the opportunity to manifest unto the glory of the Father. THAT do.
295-3, Female 27 (Secretary, Protestant), 3/16/31
(Q) Please advise just how she can manifest in the earth plane to be the best channel for good?
(A) Make the body fit for the channel first! Then the spiritual may have the OPPORTUNITY to manifest through; for, as has been given, few people, few individuals, may be able to manifest with a liver in bad shape, or suppressions in any portion of the system, no matter whether in cervical or the upper dorsal (as in this body, or those suppressions or corrections necessary in the pelvic organs). These make for conditions wherein the mental forces are UNABLE to manifest properly. The PHYSICAL must be fit, and the SPIRITUAL forces may manifest the better.
984-4, Male 21, 8/3/41
(Q) Please advise me as to the right attitude to take towards these conditions?
(A) Towards the general conditions or the conservation of foods?
That as complying with the general conditions, or keeping in order with same. Of course, these should be coordinant one with the other.
As to the general attitude:
Each individual realizes that the position he occupies as an individual is an opportunity for service for an ideal. Know thy ideal and the author of same, and keep that ever before thee.
This, of course, does not indicate that there will not be orders or commands that may appear at times to be a flagrant violation of all those things held as idealistic. Yet there may be applied the law as respecting first the preservation of self, of ideals and purposes, and these kept in accord.
1580-1, Female 47 (Housewife), 4/25/38
(Q) For what reason, and what will be my opportunity?
(A) Greater are the opportunities, as indicated, in thy daily experience. Then lose them not. Hold fast to them always!
665-2, Female 9, 6/8/35
(Q) How may the physical being be trained or impressed so it may draw upon the inner self to make such experiences as stepping-stones?
(A) By keeping the proper evaluation for psychic forces and psychic experiences of the body in its formative or developing years. And in making these proper evaluations we go from the first causes or the basic forces; that all life, all activity EMANATES from a SPIRITUAL source. And as these are then seen, felt and experienced by the body, these may be USED as the stepping-stones for the proper understanding of the influences in the experience of the body.
1995-1, Adult Female, 9/8/39
(Q) In regard to my spiritual life, what do I need to feed my nature, and how may I get it?
(A) Analyze self and the purposes, the motives, the influences; and know that they agree with that which is thy ideal.
What is thy ideal? spiritually, mentally, physically?
Not what you would wish God to do for you, but what may you do in appreciation of the love shown?
Not as to what ye would like to be, but what may ye mentally give that will be conducive to constructive thinking in the experience of others?
In the physical, not what you want others to do for you, but what may you do for them?
These are what we mean by constructive thinking, and as they are applied within the experience we will come to see what a spiritual life means. Not the eliminating of pleasures, for the purpose of life IS pleasure, but that which is constructive and not destructive!
2573-1, Male 33 (P.O. Clerk, Hebrew), 8/12/41
. . . life is an opportunity. Do not abuse same.
1968-5, Female 30 (Insurance Rate Clerk, Protestant), 7/25/41
If the problems of the experience today, now, are taken as an expectancy for the unusual and that which is to be creative and hopeful and helpful, life becomes rather the creative song of the joyous worker.
If the same problems become humdrum, something to be fought through, something to be questioned as to their purpose, their activity, their usefulness in the experience, then the life becomes rather as a drone, as of one drudging, coming through toil, and with only turmoil and a vision unclaimed, unactive in its associations with the general conditions of the day....
(Q) Please give any advice which will be helpful to me at this time.
(A) Learn again patience, yet persistent patience, active patience - not merely passive. Patience does not mean merely waiting, but as it does for those that would induce nature to comply with nature's laws. So with patience, comply with patience's laws, working together with love, purpose, faith, hope, charity; giving expression to these in thy daily associations with those ye meet; making thy daily problems as real as real life-experiences, purposeful in every way.
And let not thy heart be troubled; ye believe in God. Believe in His promises, too, that as ye sow, so in the fullness of time and in material experience these things shall come about.
849-18, Male 30 (Writer, Catholic), 6/26/37
(Q) Any further advice at this time?
(A) Let that mind be in thee ever which has prompted thee in thy better self to hold fast to those things that take hold not upon men's fancies for self- indulgences or self- aggrandizements, but that fancy that life and all of its various phases of experience are REAL - and TAKE HOLD upon God as manifested in the Christ-Child, who thought it not robbery to make Himself equal with God, yet put on flesh, even as thee, that He might become the WAY through which man might find His way home - HOME!
Hold fast to that - as is embodied in the whole sound of H-O-M-E!
These become then that upon which the souls of men may take hold, and they hold thee as in the embrace of grace, mercy, peace, hope, happiness.
These are states of experience for all, but are only found when thine own conscience is at-one with Him who gave, "Come unto me, all who are weak or heavy ladened, and I will give thee rest; for though thy yoke be heavy, though thy burden be weighted with the cares of the world, I will give thee peace and rest - not as the world counteth same but as the soul sees and understands."
And as ye gather then in those influences that are fraught by the thoughts of home, ye will find as He gave, "Though the birds of the air have nests and the foxes have holes, the son of man hath not where to lay his head." For he seeks a city, a home, without foundations, whose builder and maker alone is the Father
- God.
In Him ye find peace.
Making Your Paths Straight
1663-2, Female 50 (Housewife & Mother, Protestant), 8/18/38
Each soul then enters the experience with that ability innate to make straight the paths that it chooses in its relationships to the purposes for which it enters.
For as has been given, He hath not willed that any soul should perish, but hath with each temptation prepared a manner in which the soul may meet itself; and thus make those atonements or at-onements in its relationships to the whole.
And thus the love of the Father is shown in the experiences of all who will - who WILL - but look to Him; applying that as they know today.
3902-2, Male 40 (Fireman), 3/25/44
That an individual entity is aware of a physical, mental, soul longing in this material consciousness should in itself be evidence to the individual entity that the first cause, the God principle, the divine consciousness is aware of the entity and has been and is giving an opportunity to the entity for expression in this particular period of experience.
For He, thy God, hath need of thee. Thou hast need of Him if ye would be a channel of manifestation of the gift of consciousness at this particular period.
1587-1, Male 43, 5/3/38
For as an individual entity arises each day from physical rest, or from physical unconsciousness to the new opportunities of each day, just so may an entity take those experiences through the various periods of sojourn in the earth - or those realms of consciousness and activity attained in those environs during the interims between the earthly sojourns - as the basis upon which to build in the present.
The entity may use those influences thus created to build upon; correcting here and there. Or, as the call has ever been, "Harken! For the day of the Lord is at hand - make thy paths straight!"…
For Life is the expression of the Father-God, the Creative Force itself; and he that becomes unappreciative of the OPPORTUNITIES has indeed turned his face upon the light, and only shadows can be the outlook of such.
3188-1, Male 23 (Minister, Musician), 8/31/43
Then as thy body, thy mind, and thy soul are but the three-dimensional phases of thy concept of the Godhead, use each as such. Thy body, indeed, then is the Temple of the living God. THERE Creation is manifested. Each morning is but another opportunity. The night cometh when no man worketh. What meaneth this? No thought, no purpose, but that the physical resteth. So did He rest on the seventh day. "Take thy rest", saith the Master, "Sleep on and take thy rest - for he cometh. Arise, let's be going for the prince of this world cometh, but he hath no part in me."
3581-1, Male 38 (Interior Decorator, Jewish), 1/17/44
For know in self all that has happened, all that may happen in thy experience in the earth is a an opportunity that ye may know the Lord thy God is one Lord. For he hath not willed that any soul should perish, and thus again and again comes that opportunity. Know that so long as there is life - life - the material manifestation of that ye worship as the Lord thy God, this will be true. For it is in Him that ye live and love and have thy being. That know. And the other urges, these have been what? Yourself, as an entity, as a soul-entity; made in the beginning as the breath of God to be a companion with Him throughout eternity.
There have been periods in thy experience in the earth when ye have wandered far afield, yet as His promise has been "Though ye be far away, if ye call I will hear, and will answer speedily."
This has been illustrated for thee not only in thy own experience in this earth at this period, but ye have seen many experiences that ye have at times questioned and asked thyself "If God loves me, why do I suffer so?" in those things that have been as separations, anxiety, even loneliness.
But know, know, that if God be with thee what does it matter if all others are against thee? For peace and harmony will reign within thine own self.
Remember as the lawgiver gave, think not who would come from heaven that you might hear or who might come from over the sea to bring you a message - of hope or of discouragement. For lo, both are in your own heart, your own conscience. There is today, every day, set before thee good and evil, life and death - choose thou. For only self can separate you from the love of the Father. For it should be manifested to thee that thou art conscious in a living world, aware of suffering, of sorrow, of joy, of pleasure. These, to be sure, are the price one pays for having will, knowledge. But let that knowledge be spent in a way and manner to help others. For as ye do to thy fellow man ye do to thy Maker.
3506-1, Female 33, 12/12/43
For the very fact that ye find yourself conscious of being alive, of being capable of suffering disappointments, capable of being aware of missing something within thine own experience in the present - disappointed in people, disillusioned with your own family - should make you aware that God is mindful of thee and that thou hast forgotten God. Then in thy spiritual life, in thy spiritual purpose lies the answer in thy problems, physical, mental, material, spiritual. For when ye have set thine own house in order, regardless of what others may say, begin to read first the 19th of Exodus and the 5th verse, and see in whom ye may trust, where thy mind and thy soul may find rest. Consider what spirit, what purpose, what desire must occupy thy mind.
2021-1, Male 23, 10/7/39
As to the purposes, - we find that there were those environs in which the attraction gave the opportunity for the entity, in bringing creative influences and forces in the experience, to meet self; and thus correct much that had been and is in the way of development for the soul-entity.
For, each soul enters that it may make its paths straight. For they alone who walk the straight and narrow way may know themselves to be themselves, and yet one with the Creative Forces.
Hence the purpose for each entrance is that the opportunities may be embraced by the entity for living, being, that which is creative and in keeping with the Way.
For, the Father has not willed that any soul should perish, and is thus mindful that each soul has again and again - and yet again - the opportunity for making its paths straight.
2381-1, Male 37 (Professor [PhD.], Protestant (?)), 10/14/40
For, thus meeting self, as the record is made, the entity may so choose to live as to magnify that which is creative, minimize that which is destructive in the experience; thereby filling that opportunity which is offered through divine providence in this present sojourn.
3333-1, Male 28, 10/31/43
Know that while there may be discouragements, periods of anxiety, the very fact that ye are conscious of being in the earth life is an indication that ye are in the thought and in the mind of the Creative Forces. Thus ye are given the opportunity to meet thyself. Hence through thy own activities, in the relationships that ye bear to thy fellow man, to things and conditions, ye are to fulfill the purpose for which each soul enters the earth - which is to manifest to the glory of God and to the honor of self.
Thus ye may find the source of thy understanding only in Him, who gives life, light and immortality. As He has promised, though ye may feel that ye are far away, "If ye call, I will hear - and answer speedily."
3203-1, Male 10, 9/10/43
Know, then, thy ideal and the author of same. For, He is able to keep that you commit unto Him against any experience in thy life or sojourn here. For life is the manifestation of that force you call God. Thy life, thy experience is indeed such that - as has been said - in Him ye live, ye love and have thy being. Learn what that means in thy application of thy tenets and associations with others; knowing as has been indicated as ye sow ye reap, as ye do it unto the least of thy brethren ye do it unto thy Maker.
1151-23, Male 50 (Labor-Management Mediator, Protestant), 7/9/39
For as has been indicated, to each soul, it is not by chance that it enters, - but as the opportunity, as the purpose for the fulfilling of those opportunities and those destinies that have been a part of the experience through sojourns in the earth.
For each soul in its material manifestation is a result of that which has been the application of eternal truth in the experience, - and yet in each entity, in each soul there is the promise that whosoever will may come, and in any experience, in any period, claim those promises that have been from the beginning.
2080-1, Male 35 (Druggist, Protestant), 1/16/40
. . . it is not all of life just to live, and to enjoy the good things of material experience.
For thou art indeed thy brother's keeper. There are those opportunities ever being presented for the real abilities which are within the experience and the consciousness of the entity. In taking advantage of, or using, such opportunities in the proper direction, the entity may make his paths straight, and know the purposes for which each soul enters a material experience; that these are not just that ye may have to hold, other than as a keeper of opportunities in hope, in love, in faith, in patience, as unto thy Maker.
It is not sufficient, then, to merely live that ye may outwardly appear as a successful individual, - not too bad nor too good, - but to be one who, irrespective of others, chooses the better place.
816-10, Male 54 (Lawyer, Protestant), 9/29/37
For Spirit is the natural, the normal condition of an entity. For hath it not been given, God is Spirit and seeketh such to worship Him, in spirit and in truth?
Then an entity's experience, or advent into material manifestation, is to make the paths straight. For TODAY, in the experience of EVERY soul manifested, is the OPPORTUNITY to make manifest that which IS ideal, in the experience of that individual entity.
That there is spirit, mind and matter is self-evident in the expressions in which one finds oneself by the very awareness or consciousness of existence, and of the varying experiences or expressions that may be had in its daily relationships, its daily experiences with its fellow man.
Other individuals are individual manifestations of THEIR individual portion of that Creative Force.
1458-1, Female 49 (Divorced, Christian Background), 10/15/37
Hence the purpose ever is, as has been so oft given, that ye may make your paths straight, that ye may enter into that at-oneness with Him for the more ABUNDANT joy - of not merely sacrifice, not merely self-denial, but that thy purposes, that thy aims, that thy desires may be in accord with, one with, those that are the Creative Forces in the experience of each and every soul.
For when the souls of men had wandered away, He - not willing that any soul should perish - has prepared a way through which, by which, they each may find their way again to that companionship, that relationship with the Creative Forces.
Hence in each experience, again and again the opportunities come for the manifesting that which is the ideal of each soul in the relationships with the fellow man.
As to whether it becomes for weal or woe depends upon the manner of application of those that have been given as the fruits ever of the spirit of light, life and immortality; just being kind, just being patient, just showing brotherly love, just longsuffering.
For these manifested in the experience make for developments towards the knowledge, the understanding of the relationships with that Creative Force which is as the longing for the soul; not merely for rest or ease, as judged by man in the material plane, but rather as of a growth into the knowledge and the understanding that as ye do it unto the least of these, thy brethren, ye do it to thy Maker.
For God is not mocked, and whatsoever a manifestation or body sows, that it must also reap.
2051-5, Male 69 (Farmer, Carpenter, Protestant), 1/31/42
Then, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed, rightly dividing the words of truth, judging in that manner of tolerance as ye would have thy Savior tolerant with thee.
In ANY of those channels that have been the outlet for the greater expressions, ye will find opportunities.
Opportunities are expressions of appreciation from thy Maker. Embrace them, - not for self but for the glory of thy Maker.
Giving Thanks for Each Day’s Opportunity
281-56, 6/18/41
Give thanks for that thou hast - the opportunity, the day, the period in the experience of the earth, when ye may raise thy voice in praise to Him.
2174-3, Female 50 (Teacher, Protestant Background), 3/15/41
Hold to that knowledge that life in all its aspects is a manifestation of the Father's love for His children who SEEK His face.
3094-2, Female 39, 8/26/43
Life itself is the opportunity. Then, use same in a way and manner not as a justification of this or that thought, but ever as the glorification of His purpose with thee; remembering ever as He has given (and His promises are sure), "Though ye may be afar off, if ye call I will hear - and answer speedily."
5030-1, Female 50 (Legal Assistant, Christian Science, Unity), 4/16/44
That thou art conscious of being thyself, [5030], now, should be evidence to thee that the First Cause, God, is mindful of thee and hath given thee an opportunity to be a manifestation of His love, His grace, His mercy. If ye would find mercy with God, be merciful to others. If ye would have love with God, love thy fellow man. For as He is love, the earth thereof in light,* He gave the new commandment, "Love one another."
3063-1, Male 56 (Investment Counselor), 6/26/43
That thou art in physical consciousness, - with the awareness of emotion of love, of hate, of jealousy, of brotherly love, of kindness, of patience, should indicate to thee that thy heavenly Father is mindful of thee. Then know, nothing in heaven or hell may separate thee from the love of God save thine own self!
3579-1, Female 57 (Mother), 1/20/44
. . . for what purpose does an entity enter a material plane other than to prepare self for a better relationship to that for which it was in the beginning created, to be a companion with the Creator?
This does not indicate, as from some angles, that there is no joy, pleasure or even renown to be gained in materiality, but rather the opposite. They who walk the closer with the Creative Forces should be indeed those who are fuller of joy, pleasure, peace and harmony within. Not those who live for themselves that they may have an experience. For life is a manifestation of God, and the manner of life one lives is an entity's concept of what such an entity would like to have its Creator be, for that's what the entity is himself!
5064-1, Male 29 (Protestant), 4/19/44
In analyzing self, though, self's purpose - let's begin with this as a knowledge in self:
Life itself is a manifestation of that called God in the earth. Give thanks for the very fact that ye are conscious of yourself, even with the frailties of the body; that thy mind and thy purposes and thy hands may do much to show the appreciation in self of the opportunity in this experience to be a channel of blessings to others, in making known to others the love of the Christ for those who are weak in body, who are hindered from the activities of a normal physical world.
For He, thy God, thy Christ, is conscious of and hath need of thee; else thy individual self, as [5064], would not be aware of thy consciousness of being shut- in, would not be aware that there are material activities in which the entity might enter into - also that ye can, if ye will, be a witness for thy Maker.
3213-1, Male 56 (Microfilming Inspector), 9/14/43
. . . For, unto all has He given the gifts; to one, ministry; to another teaching; to another healing; to another laboring in the vineyard of love and light. Try ye the spirit, but they that deny He has come in the flesh, let it have no part in thee; that ye may indeed say, even as He, "The prince of this world cometh but has not part in me." In the things that be, know that each soul, each entity, is there by the grace of God, and it is given the entity as an opportunity. Fret not thyself of tomorrow or as to what another doeth; for thou shalt give an accounting of the deeds done in the body, not in someone else's. But when He calls, answer - for He will answer thee.
274-3, Male 35 (Perfumer (Chemist)), 6/8/33
As given, in self is that seed of the spirit - in Life itself.
The issues of life in the physical body are those tenements [habitations?] of the mental and soul being of a physical body.
Then, in meditation, in prayer; not in long-facedness, not in closing self to those things about self that make for a contentment in the material things of life, but let THOSE things be rather the effect and NOT the purpose of the mind!
So may one be joyous, being kind, being loving, being open-hearted, open- minded to those things wherein that in the word spoken, in the manifestation of the smile in the face, in the eye, to those that the self contacts, there is brought forth that from the hearts, the minds, the souls of those whom the entity contacts day by day!
289-9, Male 56 (Plumbing Contractor, Protestant), 1/30/43
One enters not by chance, as this entity, - rather by choice. For, as the opportunities and those correlating relative forces are active, these bring about those desires and purposes for an entrance into materiality, that again the soul may prepare itself for its relationship to the Creative Forces, or God.
Thus, this should not be forgotten - the preparation of self. Thus the abilities of that preparation lie within the individual entity itself. The opportunities, with those correlating experiences, those environs it chooses, make for the manifesting in such a manner as to grow in grace, in knowledge, in understanding; that the
soul-entity may present itself wholly acceptable unto that purpose for which it chose manifestation at this time.
2281-1, Female 32 (Widow, Catholic), 6/16/40
Hence as ye come into His presence, through the attunement of self, let that joy and harmony which is the motivative force of all such in experience become a living thing. For, life and its promises, and its opportunities, are before thee; and much may ye accomplish for thy Lord, thy God, in this experience.
1599-1, Female 54 (Religious Preference: Metaphysics), 5/29/38
. . . if ye will meditate the more upon how that as He gave, love and forgiveness, faith and hope may overcome spites, fears, distrust, ye may open thy heart, ye may open thyself to the opportunities that CONSTANTLY lie before thee in thy activities in the present.
1663-2, Female 50 (Housewife & Mother, Protestant), 8/18/38
FATHER, GOD! HERE AM I - USE ME - IN BODY, IN MIND, IN SPIRIT - IN THE WAY THAT THOU SEEST THAT I MAY BE THE GREATER, THE BETTER CHANNEL IN SHOWING AND MANIFESTING THY LOVE TO THE CHILDREN OF MEN; THAT THE PROMISE MAY BE FULFILLED WHICH IS MADE IN JESUS, OUR ELDER BROTHER, THAT HE MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE FATHER AS WE GLORIFY HIM IN OUR DAILY LIVES.
HEAR, O GOD! AND ANSWER ACCORDING TO THY PURPOSES IN ME.