source studies

The 1943 Midwayer Messages
by Matthew Block, copyright © 2004

CLICK HERE TO READ THE PARALLELS PDF

THE FOLLOWING is an attempt to chart the parallels between Emery Reves’s 1942 book, A Democratic Manifesto, and two of the midwayer messages that were first read to the Forum at the annual picnic on June 19, 1943.

left: Dr. Sadler with Marian Rowley

The text of the communication used here was transcribed by a Forum member who has not been conclusively identified, although an old-time Urantia Book reader in Chicago is reasonably certain it was Marian Rowley. The transcription was most likely made at the same two meetings Martha attended, where Forumites were invited to take notes as Bill Sadler read. A typed copy of this version surfaced in the mid 1980s, and copies were circulated among Urantia Book readers, including myself, in Chicago and elsewhere. Unlike Martha, the transcriber apparently tried to take down the message verbatim, which resulted in a fuller version than Martha’s summarizations. However, at some points Martha’s notes match Reves more closely or contain parallel passages not included in the larger version. I have inserted these passages into the communication, putting them in brackets and in italicized script.

Both versions show the imperfections that inevitably occur in taking down a lengthy and complicated dictation. Some parts of the message may have been misheard or, in the case of the unknown transcriber, shorthand notes may have been misinterpreted. For instance, in 7:2, what was probably read out as “men” and “nations” is rendered “trends” and “creations.” Also open to question are the parenthetical statements in the fuller version: were they Bill Sadler’s asides or part of the message?

Despite these ambiguities, the parallelisms between Reves and the transcription are generally clear, consecutive, and comprehensive. Occasionally, where the two texts contrast, I have underlined words in either or both sides of the parallel row to pinpoint where the difference lies. I have bolded certain words which signify similarities not readily apparent.
As will be seen, several passages in the communication are unparalleled. In Volume Four we will see how Dr. Sadler incorporated much of this unparalleled material into his 1944 book, Prescription for Permanent Peace. We will also trace his indebtedness—which he acknowledged in the preface to his book—to Reves and other internationalist authors.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE PARALLELS PDF

See the original in The Sherman Diaries, Volume Three click on picture for purchasing info

Right: Harold and Martha Sherman with Almond Fairfield at the 1943 picnic