This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 15th day of February, 1937, in accordance with request made by the Manager of the Ass''n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.
P R E S E N T
Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager.
R E A D I N G
Time of Reading 11:40 to 12:00 A. M.
1. GC: You will have before you the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., and the program prepared for 1937, discussed at the meeting of the Board of Trustees in New York City on February 2, 1937, and explained in a letter to go out to all members, a copy of which I hold in my hand. You will comment on this program and its explanation and advise the Manager, present in this room, regarding the work which will be asked. [See 1/37 A.R.E. Bulletin [under 254-93 Reports] presenting the program.]
2. EC: Yes, we have the Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.; its purposes, its aims, and the letter regarding the program. This as we find is very good.
3. As has been given, this coming year or this present year - as would be termed - must be a period, in the earlier and the central portion, of preparation for the larger opportunities of the Association.
4. The plan or the idea is very good. Just so there isn't the stress or the feeling given that it is an exclusive organization but inclusive of those who honestly, sincerely, seek to know the better relationships of selves to Creative Forces and their fellow man.
5. It should be exclusive in this; that no one is included until there is a sincere seeking and not merely that of an excited curiosity or a feeling of expectancy of the unreal. For the reality of man should be a closer walk with his Maker.
6. To be sure, as in counsel for the Manager, with the program for the interested or subscribing Members, there is carried a greater obligation for the definite data. And this as we find has been only fairly well planned. Remember that those interested will seek more and more to know what the information or Reading has said upon any given subject.
7. In the Research Readings and Research Papers, make these of timely conditions. Make these of those problems that are a part of the economic conditions in the peoples' experiences. Not as political, not as even local - that is,
254-93 Page 2
any given proposition - but of the broader sense; that is in harmony with the greater program which has been oft given, "I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER!"
8. USE that as given, refer to the various experiences that have presented this. For it is a program that will never grow old.
9. Not that the Association or any of its Members would seek to do any spectacular or out of even the ordinary that should be expected of a sincere seeker to know God's ways with man. Not any field that has not been promised even by Jesus, who manifested the CHRIST-SPIRIT in the earth.
10. This should be kept as the character of data. To be sure, occasionally - two to three periods would be given to individual Case Reports, but the greater field is the spirituality that may be aroused in the hearts and minds of men everywhere.
11. Ready for questions.
12. (Q) Would it be advisable to enclose with this letter of explanation, signed by Mr. Johnston as Chairman of the Board, a brief personal letter from Mr. Edgar Cayce calling the attention of the Members to the importance of considering carefully the 1937 program? (A) This as we find would be quite advisable.
13. (Q) Please give such suggestions as may be helpful in preparing an effective letter of this character. (A) As this; though in the words of those who seek to send same: As a personal favor you are asked to consider carefully the program as set forth in the enclosed from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.; that there may be a united effort on the part of all Members who have had or who feel an interest in the undertaking. Yours truly, or Sincerely, or Affectionately.
14. (Q) Please comment on the action of the Board relative to the election of Messrs. Milton W. Harrison and Dale Parker as Trustees. (A) There is little comment to be made. The sincerity of the individuals in the undertaking will be spoken rather in the deeds they do. For more and more must it be known and felt by Trustees that there is WORK TO BE DONE, and not a mere sham or form!
15. (Q) It has been suggested that one or more periods during the summer be planned to allow members to attend a course for preparing Study Group Leaders and Regional Representatives. Several questions arise especially relative to the effect on the 1937 Congress of such a plan.
254-93 Page 3
(A) Rather would there be the referring to that which has already been given as to how Regional Representatives are to be chosen; also the manner and the character of presenting to those who would be Teachers the program and phases of activity of the Association. We would not, at the present, suggest even that such periods be attempted - at this season or year; but rather that the program of the Association include the presenting of the work of the Association and let the speakers be either physicians, business men, those of the Management or those concerning the activities of the Association, so that it may be presented from that particular angle at this time. IF this then arouses in the minds of those who are interested in this phase the desire for such a period, then there may be chosen a season in August or September for such a course to be presented. But, as has been given, let such an approach come from rather those who seek. For unless they seek to be a channel, how much channel can you make them? Either a ditch or a trough or a rut; but these are not growing things. [See Source File Key #262 for Study Group Manual in re 262-100.]
16. (Q) Please comment on the plan to secure groups of Members sponsoring series of Readings on subjects in which they are personally interested, for which they submit questions and obtain copies; such Readings to be planned and scheduled ahead of time on subjects of general interest. (A) This has been commented upon rather at length. Again we would give, there are individuals who may be chosen by the knowledge of their interest in subjects that may be presented for suggestion or for enlightenment upon same. These may be grouped by the sending of material or questionnaires respecting same. This would be a very advisable move and would create gradually an interest that would be far-reaching; PROVIDED, as has been given, these subjects are such that those seeking when given information can do something about it! We may choose even here as we find quite a new or different field or approach, and this IS one as we would find worthy of consideration - a ministerial group.
17. (Q) Please recommend a series of subjects on which general information may be given through this channel that would prove of interest and help.
254-93 Page 4
(A) Consider just what has been given. Let the subjects be chosen rather by the varied characters of groups, you see. And let it be distinctly understood by the questionnaire that those choosing subjects are in the position, or feel they are at least, and will make an effort to do something ABOUT what is given; rather than just merely having information. For as has been given, to have knowledge and not apply it, it becomes sin. What has thy lesson of Knowledge taught thee? What is the lesson of Wisdom to teach thee? These are principles. And in thy questionnaire these to be sure are understood to be questions whether this channel may offer even concrete data, but unless those who are seeking are first convinced and are willing to apply, do they go very far? What brought healing of body or mind to those to whom the Master spoke? The willingness to put into practice the counsel and truth given, did it not? Ye cannot choose a better ensample.
18. We are through for the present.