This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 3rd day of March, 1931, in accordance with request made by Edgar Cayce himself and those individuals present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Annie, Hugh Lynn and L. B. Cayce, Mildred Davis, Sarah Hesson, Gray Salter, and Elsie Swindall.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you Edgar Cayce, present in this room, and the phenomena that manifests itself through him. Also all those individuals closely associated and interested in the furtherance of the work, and the circumstances that surround these and the phenomena itself. You will answer the questions for those so vitally interested, present in this room, answering the questions to each individually, as they themselves have asked them.
2. EC: Yes, we have the phenomena - active; the conditions and circumstances that surround same in the present - now; also those interested in the furtherance of same.
3. As has been given, there IS definite work for each that would be, or ATTEMPT to be, a living example of that they themselves find presented TO them through the information that may be gained for each, for groups, for individuals, for classes, for masses.
4. As these that are gathered, then, go about to gain that insight from within self as how to proceed with the varied conditions as affect each, then there is given that that will be the common basis upon which an association, an organization - PHYSICALLY speaking - may be builded. Let thy yeas be yea, thy nays be nay, in the light of that as is chosen for the purpose to be accomplished through the distribution, administration, of the information that is received through each; FORGETTING self, and BUILDING in THAT chosen as the ideal; not IDEA OF, but an IDEAL!
5. First, in the beginning, then, those about the information, who have labored with or for - let THEM determine within theirselves whether they be willing to drink of the cup necessary; for, as is given, "Are ye able to drink of the cup I drink of?" to give this place or that place, or to sit on the right hand or the left is given by the GIVER of all good and perfect gifts, according to the use of those talents, those abilities, each are given, or have builded by their associations with that as is held manifestedly in the heart and SOUL of each.
6. Then, when those here gathered have determined whether they are able, or are willing (for the STRENGTH is OF the GIVER), then call together such as have intimated or felt they would, in ANY manner, LIKE to be associated with the undertaking.
7. In THIS place - HERE - Virginia Beach - as has been oft given - may the phenomena, the work, the distribution, the ministration to others, be better exemplified than in many another place. Not that this is the ONLY place, no. That the conditions as surround the various individuals who have been, who have labored together, who have labored once one AGAINST another, those who have halfheartedly, those who have whole-purposefully - these offer an environmental condition, through the vibrations of the elements, that make for that which may become an exemplary manifestation of the light of the world, or may become the laughingstock of the world. For, as has been given, there are those forces innate in man, who is both God and the devil, that which put INTO ACTION becomes the manifestation of ONE or the other of those ELEMENTALS in the earth's forces.
8. Then, call for such a gathering. Then choose from such as wholeheartedly are in accord with the findings that may have been, or may be given through the channels. Call such as those of local interest, those of the medium interest, those in the various spheres and walks of life. Then, from the meeting of such group choose that insignia, or name, or entitlement, under which the work will be PHYSICALLY manifested. Then ask if ye would receive, for as lots are cast for the choosing of the name, the choosing of a representative or manager - that is to be NOT one of the governing board, but as one of the ones that represent, even as does the body through whom the information may come - and who also should NOT - should not - be a member of such GOVERNING board, but the source from which ALL questions, whether the choosing of a cook, or a physician, or a lawyer, BE chosen. NOT by the INDIVIDUAL, but by ALL FORCES as would be in accord to make a oneness of purpose. Ready for questions.
9. (Q) Please suggest a name for the new organization.
   (A) It's just been given as to how it should be chosen! Why change it now? Why name it now? There are many minds to be considered, for such individuals locally - as those who manifest ANY show of interest - must, SHOULD, be chosen or asked to. Let THEM seek, and then ask to be a portion of such - and as they are chosen, or as they choose to stand on THIS side or THAT side, ENROLL same - see? Then, with a Board of at least TWENTY to TWENTY-FIVE then a REPRESENTATIVE in whatever district there may be an interest shown shall be appointed to be the active force, that is a MEMBER of the governing board - but all QUESTIONS shall be discussed with the MANAGER - THEN presented, and not TROUBLE the mind of the one through whom information comes with details, until they are asked for.
10. (Q) In selecting an individual as a leader or manager, do you mean the selection of a business manager or a leader? That is, should the business manager also be the leader of the new organization?
    (A) Certainly not! The leader will always be that one through whom the information comes, whether Edgar Cayce or others that may be chosen to carry on - as Paul will enter in with the work. [Paul Kaufman, who later became Chm. of Board? See 311-6, Par. 8-A] In the choosing, then, it is the manager - who must not be a member of the governing board! [GD's note: A. C. Preston was later chosen by the Board as the first A.R.E. Manager.]
11. (Q) First questions, of Annie Cayce - Would it be well for me to take a house and have former patients come in and continue their treatments as they have expressed a wish to do?
    (A) It would be well! Take one sufficiently large to care for those that would come, and that would pay for the overhead and upkeep of same, having physician to VISIT and NOT live with, at, or even NEAR - for these may be chosen from the VARIOUS fields, but maintain a registered - local registered nurse AT ALL TIMES as a portion of the work, that the good may NOT be evil spoken of by any. Enter into such an agreement with those that would aid in such a capacity, as a portion of what - let same be a COOPERATIVE basis, and as there are gradually added those various things that may be applied, this will be the nucleus from which an institution MAY be raised.
    Seek from those that are gathered, when - either in person or by representative - those funds necessary for the maintaining of such a place, irrespective of anything that may be had from the income of those that are visitors. Then, when the group association, OR what not, is formed - this becomes a portion of the work. Don't be too hasty, but begin with THIS portion at once!
    Call together such as these, in less - within the next two weeks - SETTING a time. These may be local, these may be afar, these may be by wire, letter, or what not - see?
    Scattergood, Taylor, Barnes, Wynne, Barrett, McChesney, Kahn, Levy, Taylor, and ALL THOSE who have intimated - as those of Wyrick, Berger, Crews, and many others. Don't neglect ANY!
    Then, at such a meeting - such a meeting - this is a pre- organization, see? get sufficient to meet the needs of the hour. Hammerling should not be neglected; neither should those of Stern, nor ANY of the various groups. AGAIN we have come to that point wherein, as has been given aforetime, the leading force will be of the HOUSE of Israel, yet the MAINTAINING power will be of the heathen.
12. (Q) Would I get full cooperation in this work?
    (A) If it's given, you will get it!
13. (Q) Question by Sarah Hesson - What steps should be taken FIRST to begin reorganization?
    (A) As has been given.
14. (Q) Question by L. B. Cayce - Will it be best for Edgar Cayce and for the work for it to be continued at Virginia Beach?
    (A) As has been given.
15. (Q) If he should perfect another organization, should it be with a representative form of government?
    (A) As has been outlined, would be the better. Many minds MAKE MANY conditions. As has oft been given, the channels, the sources that INFORMATION may be gained FROM, are unlimited. They will NOT defeat their purpose, provided INDIVIDUALS do not so project their INDIVIDUAL personality as to BECOME stumbling blocks. Take all thine troubles to Jesus! HE cares!
16. (Q) Hugh Lynn Cayce - Direct Hugh Lynn Cayce as to how he can be of the greatest service at this time. What actual work can he do that will help the most?
    (A) The greatest help to each individual would be NOT to argue WITH, but get down on the KNEES and pray with!
17. (Q) [by HLC] What actual work can he do that will help the most?
    (A) As each comes, and as each signify their willingness to serve, pray WITH. THAT'S actual work.
18. (Q) [by HLC] What steps should be taken by Edgar Cayce in seeing the Ass'n. legally dissolved? Should the claims of the life members be followed up and a settlement asked for?
    (A) (interrupting before question was finished) As has been given aforetime, as respecting the conditions that arose when differentiations and troublesome times arose, when that entity now known as Hugh Lynn Cayce banished from the face of men that priest who had broken the vows that were leading a people to the light. The entity, then has received again the light, through those PHYSICAL ministrations in the flesh in the present, in aiding individuals to get a glimpse, through that of supplication to the source of all light, life, and truth, that they themselves may be awakened to those potential powers that lie within the breast of every individual to aid in ministering to the needs of others. THAT, indeed a work! A labor worthy of him that called again to that body, wrecked in the physical yet strong in the power of counsel to the wayward, to the unseemly, to even the ones who brought many of those forces that FOUNDED that faith in the Nazarene. Then as he led again those of his own household, and as he ministered to those in the various fields of endeavor - indeed, then, be the minister, the interpreter, to those who come to seek through these channels, these sources. Help THEM to find their God, even as thou seest, thou knowest in thine self that touch of His hand, thou knowest the care, thou knowest the tenderness, thou knowest the way!
19. We are through.

REPORTS

1. 3/03/31 Mr. F. F. Bradley's ltr. to David E. Kahn:
   Mr. David E. Kahn, 419 Lafayette Street, New York City
   Dear Dave:
   Having left Chicago sooner than I expected, I do not yet know whether or not my Assistant 'phoned you a price on the refrigerators or what the price was. I will know when I get back to Chicago. If it was not satisfactory, I can get you additional prices if you are interested. The price he was to give you was from the Rex Company of Connersville, Ind.
   I am sorry not to have seen you but I hope to the next time you come West. We are thinking much of Lucille and hope that the next six weeks will be especially happy ones for her.
   Regarding the affairs of Edgar Cayce, I am much concerned as you are and hoping that the future can be worked out so that he can be happy and comfortable and in position to do as much good in the world as his wonderful character leads him to attempt.
   I had formulated in my mind certain things that seem to me essential and am putting them down herewith.
   1ST The most important element of all and one that has been given practically no attention is the matter of interpretation and I am convinced that unless justice is done by this end of the work that it would be folly to attempt any program of procedure. By interpretation, I mean two very definite things: (a) separating the wheat from the chaff. No one questions who knows Edgar his sincerity and no one questions but what the readings produce definite information regarding physical conditions and its treatment. There do however appears sentences which either do not or do not appear to have any definite bearing and it is these things that should be separated (b) many sentences are ambiguous and there should be some way of so analyzing the situation that no double meanings can exist. It is the above points that lead to many misunderstandings and complaints and I am firmly of the belief that all this can be avoided. The method of determining how it should be done would have to arrive after much personal discussion among several of us.
   2ND A program which will result in enabling the patients to receive the attention required will in my opinion require drastic changes from any method heretofore used. I believe I can illustrate how it should be done. Whatever Chicago people were given treatments in the readings could be taken care of by certain physicians I know in Chicago who would be glad to follow the advice accurately. You would be glad to do the same thing in New York City. I can state this in another way that will perhaps be plainer, i.e. that I think Edgar should have absolutely no contact with the giving of the treatments other than to receive regular and continuous reports. The chief reason for this is that the mental strain is too much for him. A secondary reason is that I feel he must become more impersonal in what he does.
   3RD There must be a financial program that will enable Edgar to have ease of mind and body. For example I believe that we could get together 25 people who would guarantee for a period of time a regular sum of money that would amount to say, $3,000.00 per year and not be a burden on anyone. This amount should be materially increased of course and could be without question.
   4TH Certain medicinal compounds could be marketed, for instance the activated carbon ash which I have been making, etc., etc.
   There are many other points but they are of a minor nature and can be brought up in the future. I am sending Edgar a copy of this letter for his perusal. I am quite sure that some of the points I make will not meet with favor on the part of any of you, but I am prepared to advance the arguments, which I hope will lead to their adoption. In any event, we shall without question require a distinct revision of the past procedure.
   With best regards to yourself and Lucille, I am
   Yours Sincerely,
   [Signed] Franklin Bradley
2. 3/03/31 A.M. See 254-54 rdg. on the Work.
3. 3/07/31 See EC's reply to Mr. Bradley's ltr. under 254-54 Reports.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation