Reading 254-80

TEXT OF READING 254-80

Text

Date: 10/1/1934 Sex: M ReadingID: 1218

This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 1st day of October, 1934, in accordance with request made by Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, L. B. and Hugh Lynn Cayce, Esther Wynne, Helen Ellington, Ruth LeNoir, Thomas House.]

Time of Reading 11:25 to 11:45 A. M. Eastern Standard Time.

1. GC: You will have before you the Ass’n for Research & Enlightenment Inc., the plans as presented by various members of the Board of Trustees regarding the activities for the coming few years (copies of which I hold in my hand) and the comments received from those Trustees who were not present. [See A.R.E. Board Minutes 9/2/34 & Supplements filed in E.C.F. Archives.] We desire to evolve from the combined suggestions a definite program for our activity. We seek at this time council and guidance in regard to the various questions under consideration. Questions.

2. EC: Yes, we have the work of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, with the various plans that have been presented or suggested by the members of the Board and others, with the comments that have been made by SOME of the Trustees.

3. In approaching a work of this nature, many and varied conditions and circumstances are to be considered. First there has been chosen by the members of said Association those that are to officiate as to the policies and the plans for the activities of the Association. These, as indicated by the varied comments, are in the present very much at an at-variance one with another. Yet all of these experiences are to those individuals a part and parcel of themselves as related to the various factors in their experience that have prompted them to give expressions in the ways and manners they have. Many others are yet to be heard from; many who have had not only their own ideals shapened by the activities in the membership of the Association but that have had practical application of the varied business, the varied commercial, the varied spiritual approaches of the minds of the populace as a whole to subjects of this nature.

4. Well, then, that those who are to act in the capacity of the judges, compilers or analysts of those varied suggestions that are to be made, HEAR them all through - and then set down in a systematic way and manner the comments on the varied plans, and compile - as far as practical and possible - those that are in accordance one with another. And from such an analysis then outline that which seemeth, in the experience of those so commenting, that which would be re-submitted to the varied individuals for their AGAIN considering in a prayerful manner that which is worth while. This must be entirely separated from the activities of the CHANNEL of INFORMATION, though this CHANNEL may be approached as often as desired and desirable by the varied members of such a Board for counsel or advice in the varied directions that are to be considered under the varied plans that are presented. For all must realize as has oft been said respecting this channel, that they - the members of this Board - are in that position much as the question asked by Pilate, “What will ye DO with this man?”

5. Ready for questions.

6. (Q) From the first analysis, should one or more than one plan be evolved? (A) All plans should have their due consideration; for, as has been given, they each are giving expression of THEIR experience, and they MUST - as members of that Board - receive due consideration. Then, it will be PLANS - and eventually evolved into A plan, or THE plan, for the coming period as would be set forth.

7. (Q) Would it be wise to seek at this time comments through this channel on various phases of these plans? (A) Better that there be first the compilation of that which is of the nature - from each commentator on the plans - that AGREES one with another. Don’t look for differences, look rather for harmony! If ye look for differences and still set the differences aside, you’ll continue to have differences! Look, seek, and ye will find peace and harmony!

While many minds make for many varied expressions, look for the truth in each that is seeking HARMONIOUS activity. And the purposes and aims should be set not as a cism [schism?] or ism, not as a creed, but as that they each seek to present that they as individuals have found, do find, helpful in their experience, for the consideration of those that would seek through such channels for inspiration for their activity in the material things, in the mental things, in the spiritual things in life.

8. (Q) Considering the Washington trip, have we done everything that we should to make this trip a complete success? (A) PLANS have been very well laid; the activities, the meetings, the associations, the connections - of course - have not been made as yet. Be well that there be a representative, one that would present - at or through that channel in which the approach is being made - that which is felt to be the most WORTH WHILE activity at this particular time.

9. (Q) Just what is meant by that; I don’t understand (Ques. by HLC)? (A) There has been a chosen channel, or a group through whom the approach is made. Understand that? There is to be a representative at that meeting. Understand that? There is to be presented to those at that meeting that which is felt in the immediate - by the individual so representing the Association - to be most WORTH WHILE being presented at that time. Understand that? That’s it!

There are many phases of the approach to individuals. Every individual’s troubles to him are the most important in his experience. Truth itself meets all such conditions, for it takes the individual where the individual is, meeting the individual problems in the individual’s experience; else that which is truth becomes false to THAT individual. What has been the law of the universal influence? “TO ALL MEN I will be all things, that I may thereby save the more.” Hence in presenting a channel of approach, of course, as has always been, it should be first to the individual - the physical; then to the groups - the mental; then to the masses - the associations of those individuals into the various groups of study and activity. Hence the physical approach, the mental expansion, the group activity.

10. (Q) Any other counsel or advice at this time regarding any phases of the Association’s activities? (A) Well that all those who have not made their comments be acquainted with the conditions that exist, and the necessity for their giving due consideration to those things that have been sent to them for their activity. They either do, or do not, desire to (What’s your first lesson?) COOPERATE!

11. We are through for the present.

Copy to Hugh Lynn Cayce - or Work file book ” ” Ass’n file

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 10/10/34 Mr. R. N. Ladd’s ltr. to N.Y. A.R.E. members announcing EC’s forthcoming visit:

CAYCE FOUNDATION New York Branch of Association for Research & Enlightenment Inc. 501 Madison Avenue, Room 1904, New York, N.Y.

Mrs. Josephine MacSherry, 44 East 57th St., New York, N.Y.

Dear Mrs. MacSherry:

The interest that is being manifested in Physical readings through Edgar Cayce at this particular time warrants his coming to New York this month.

We seek your interest and cooperation as members and friends in developing a program and financing it at this time in such a manner as will be beneficial to the greatest number of people.

This season of the year brings with it the usual interest and desire on the part of our members to help others as we have been helped. We feel certain that a great work will be accomplished through Mr. Cayce’s activities while here, that they will return home after their stay feeling greatly blessed through having been a channel of blessing to others. That they will also leave behind them individuals and groups of people who have been made happy through their contact with Mr. Cayce is certain. Many prayers of Thanksgiving will be offered by those who are being or have been relieved or cured of their physical ills.

We are to hold a meeting on Monday evening October 15th at 9 P.M. at the office of Dr. H. J. Reilly, 1908 Broadway, N.Y.C., for the purpose of arranging a constructive program to cover the entire period of Mr. Cayce’s activities while in New York and vicinity and we want your ideas and suggestions. Please respond to this by being present at this meeting.

Contributions toward the expense fund consisting of one dollar per member or more will be of great help toward making this program a success and this fund will be accumulated at this meeting.

In the event that it is impossible for you to attend this meeting please indicate your interest by replying to this letter so that we may mail to you a copy of the program which will give full information as to where you may reach Mr. Cayce by telephone and make arrangements for readings and where meetings, readings and other activities will be held.

Sincerely yours, [signed R. N. Ladd] Secretary.

Address your reply to R. N. Ladd, Sec. 19 Parsons Drive, Hempstead, N.Y.

[Penciled note on ltr: 125 to 130 people present]

R2. 10/34 VOL. III - No. 2. B U L L E T I N THE ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT, INCORPORATED Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Truth, and that which may make alive in the hearts of those who seek to know it. [Motto used in A.R.E. Bulletins 5/33 through 8/36. See 254-64, Par. 30-A.]

THE SCOPE OF OUR WORK [By Hugh Lynn Cayce]

The process of building a consciousness of the existence of an organization, even in the minds of its members, is sometimes difficult. It is most desirable that the members of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, pause now and then to ask themselves a few pertinent questions.

What is the Association trying to accomplish? Are the purposes of the organization in accord with my highest ideal? What part am I playing in making the efforts of the Association a success?

Our Association is presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce. There are hundreds of psychics all over this country who can and do produce demonstrations of apparently a more sensational nature. There are few, if any, whose work is proving more consistently helpful to individuals in all walks of life. Our organization is daily recording proofs of an indisputable nature of the value of psychic information in alleviating human ills. There is open to the student a wonderful opportunity for studying laws governing psychical phenomena. The whole field of psychology is encompassed and verifiable evidence produced constantly of powers beyond the ken of present day understanding. More and more individuals are finding the information a mental stimulus to higher ideals and more spiritual thinking. Are we to be content that individuals here and there are being benefited, are being convinced of the value of psychic information? What can we accomplish beyond this?

There is a tremendous breadth and depth to this work that is too seldom realized by those who come seeking personal assistance. Where we are reaching dozens, thousands could be benefited, physically, mentally, and spiritually. With the open-minded cooperation of men in the medical world, we can evolve specific remedies for diseases so far beyond the control of science. If practical results may be obtained for an individual, then why not for many? Would it be possible to assist in finding a specific treatment for cancer, sleeping sickness, leprosy? The Association has for years carried on with limited facilities research work with a remedy for the dreaded disease known as pyorrhea, and has only recently turned over to a company the formula for such a remedy that has proven effective in individual cases after case. We need the cooperation of men trained in medical science, but men with open minds, intelligently seeking the cooperation of such psychic information - not as a revelation, but as the cooperation of a fellow research worker.

Turn to the little understood realm of the study of the mind. What new depths could be opened to the student willing to follow the path! We are not dealing with some indefinite collection of disjointed material, but with facts. Every day we may observe the demonstration of mental power unknown to the average man, yet time after time has come the explanation that such power is possessed by all and may be applied in their own surroundings to meet their individual problems. Will we rest with our own conviction, our own realization that here is something truly touching the Infinite source of all knowledge? We are in a position of responsibility, for with knowledge comes responsibility. Is it not our work to give that which we have found good to the world?

Are we to be checked by criticism? Are we to be led astray by inaccurate estimates of the true values in life, by distant green fields? If such information is correct - and we can certainly prove that it is consistently accurate in physical readings - immense fields are open in the realms of scientific, psychological, archaeological, historical research.

So little is known of the values to be derived from psychical studies. At present, it is classed in the realm of hoaxes and frauds - tomorrow it will be the new science in our great universities. As members of the Association, a research organization, we have an opportunity of contributing to the growth and direction of this new science. There will ever be those who herald such research as a new cult, religion or philosophy of life. To understand the laws of the universe is to understand God - that is the kind of religion we need. It is our privilege to present the work of a great psychic. What part are you playing in the presentation of the greater scope of the work? WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THIS MAN?

R3. 1/1/35 Edgar Cayce’s form letter to Members: Association For Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated Virginia Beach, Virginia To the Members, Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc.

Dear Friend:

At the beginning of this, a new year, I feel I would like to speak personally with each one of you. As this is impractical, the next best thing is to write you a letter. PLEASE - each of you - know this means YOU!

I know there is the tendency for many of you to confuse the work of the Association with myself. Personally, I am work- ing WITH the Association. I am NOT the Association. It is composed of each and every member - so this is YOUR work!

Although this is not the end of the year for the corporation’s work (its fiscal year ends June 30th), I feel it is well for me to give something of an accounting of what the Association has done through me during the last twelve months. I do not desire to give you a lot of statistics that would mean nothing. The real work is the help and hope that has been, and is being, builded in the heart, in the mind, and in the experience, of each and every individual. When you have read this through, will you in some way let me know whether or not you are with me in the undertaking for the coming year?

There have been 688 requests for readings by members of the Association during the last twelve months. This is a gain of 133 readings over our last fiscal year. They have been divided into the following classifications:

PHYSICALS … 202 CHECK PHYSICALS … 239 LIFE … 76 CHECK LIFE … 10 MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL … 65 RESEARCH - CONTRIBUTORY (readings on groups, research subjects, plans for work, etc.) … 43 PROFESSIONAL … 29 CHECK PROFESSIONAL … 12 QUESTIONS (readings by questions) … 12 688

165 readings were given for individuals who were unable to make any contributions. The group readings (not those sponsored by groups) and research readings, were for the research department and for the preparation of the work relating to study groups and their organization.

Approximately, 1700 personal letters have been written during the last year, and three form letters.

The Bulletins, containing Case Reports, information and data, have been published and distributed each month. There have been 8 Case Reports in this publication during the year. I would like your comment on the manner in which these have been presented, with suggestions for improvement.

180 members have been added during the last year - 96 Active and 84 Associate.

3 new study groups have been organized. The total group membership is a little less then 100 - 9 groups in all. The groups have sponsored a number of readings for individuals. Group No. 3 - Norfolk, sponsored 22 readings; and Groups Nos. 1 and 2 - Norfolk, sponsored 6 readings each. These have been mostly physical and for individuals who were unable to make the contributions at the time, and were taken care of by the groups.

Practically all of the groups have a part in the work of the Glad Helpers, or have organized their own Glad Helpers groups. This is the prayer group in each study group, and the results are amazing, when one reads their reports. Too much cannot be said for this part of the work. Words fail me. One must experience to know.

There have been 10 open meetings, 5 in Norfolk, and 5 in New York. Two lectures were given in Washington, two in New York and 5 in Norfolk. One address was made before the American Society for Psychical Research in New York. Contacts have been made and work done with several kinds of research organizations during the past year. You, who have attended the Annual Congress, know what such meetings have meant and do mean to the organization. Those of you who have not attended such meetings should make an effort to be present during the coming Congress.

Physicians of many schools have shown a great interest in the work. Many have cooperated wonderfully. 15 or more new ones have been added to our list during the past year.

The needs of the organization are many. We ask all to keep up your pledges, and those of you who have not pledged to contribute according to the measure you have received. Thus, through the wholehearted cooperation of each member, I feel very sure, in the coming year, we shall be able to accomplish a great deal more in service for our fellow man than we have in the past.

I am sure I need the help and the prayers of each and every member of this organization, and I ask for them in the same measure in which I have given myself in service for the members during the past year. I am asking, too, that you pass the word along to others whom you may find in need in every walk of life, where the organization and those who serve same may possibly be of a help.

Let me know whether or not you feel that which has been accomplished is satisfactory to you and measures up to your ideal of such an organization.

Trusting we may in the coming year find greater joy in our service for our fellow man, and wishing each of you a happy and prosperous new year, with love to one and all, I am

Ever the same, [signed] Edgar Cayce [EC:MD]

Background

Background

None.

Mentioned Entities

A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment), New York City, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Ideal, Prayer, Purpose, Virginia Beach, Glad Helpers, Gertrude Cayce, Gladys Davis, Law of Moses, Revelation (Book), Trial of Jesus

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 254-80, ReadingID 1218.