This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Va. Beach, Va., this 17th day of May, 1933, in accordance with request made by Mr. David E. Kahn, Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis, H. L. and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the plans and arrangements for the dinner-meeting to be held in New York City Thursday evening, May 18, to promote and further the work of Edgar Cayce as being presented by the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. You will advise those in charge of this meeting, especially Mr. David E. Kahn who will preside, as to just how to make this meeting a complete success. You will answer the questions which will be asked regarding this.
2. EC: Yes, we have the plans, the ideas, for the presentation of the work of the Association for Research & Enlightenment, as in reference to the work of Edgar Cayce.
3. In presenting the Work at this time, there are some very definite steps desired to be taken. As we find, these may be accomplished, if there is the proper presentation of the ideals and purposes of the Association.
4. These definite purposes, first, are to bring cooperation among all those who are directly or indirectly interested in furthering the Work that is being presented by the Association. Such should be set out by those who are officers, or who are directly beneficiaries of that good that may be accomplished through the Work.
5. There should then be given the opportunity for others to speak. Or, this would be the program that WE would give:
6. First, there would be presented the above, by whoever presides; that is, the meeting is for the purpose of bringing about cooperation among the friends, the officers, and those that are interested in furthering and carrying on the Work that is being fostered by the Association for Research & Enlightenment.
7. Then there should be given the opportunity for those to speak who have PERSONALLY contacted the Work, and let each in their own way present that the Work has meant, does mean, to them as individuals.
8. Next there should be the presentation by the Manager of the purposes and ideals of the Association, and HOW the Work or information is received; and what should be the attitude of those seeking; and HOW those seeking in such an attitude may receive the greater benefits from the information given.
9. Then there would be the presentation by some special individual of what a MEMBERSHIP in the Association signifies; HOW to have such a membership, the privileges and the benefits of same.
10. Then there should be the presentation by someone else of what the study of the Work, or the information presented, may bring in the minds, hearts and lives of individuals.
11. Then there should be given the opportunity for any friends of kindred thought, or idea, to present themselves and their ideas of such a Work; but DO NOT allow this to go beyond a given period of a presentation.
12. Then there should be the presentation of the Channel through which the Work is presented.
13. Then present your papers and get 'em signed, and get the money - then!
14. In the conditions then that will follow from such discussions, there will be presented the idea of how (this by some other individual) various groups, to study various portions or phases of the information, may be organized; some that would study the lessons, some that would study the phenomena from another angle, some from another angle. Let these be formed into groups by the appointing of individuals (that is, from the Chair) to see how, where, when, and in what manner, such groups may be formed; and set a definite time when there may be a gathering of all those that are present, or those they may induce or interest in the Work, for a presentation of the information as it may be beneficial to such groups that HAVE BEEN FORMED! Not that are going to form, but that HAVE BEEN FORMED - in their respective spheres of activity.
15. Ready for questions.
16. (Q) Should the idea of the Foundation be presented to get money, or just the membership?
    (A) Both!
17. (Q) Who should present the various types of groups?
    (A) These have been selected, and are very good; provided there is sufficient help and aid given by one that is capable of giving them the right ideas to present! And they'll ask him fast enough, when they know they've got to present it in that way and manner!
18. (Q) Any other advice for David E. Kahn in handling this meeting?
    (A) Hold the meeting at all times WELL in hand. Don't talk too much yourself, but insist that a certain time or period be given to each one; except to Mr. Cayce - he can talk as long as he wants to!
19. (Q) Any other advice for the meeting as a whole, or to any special individual?
    (A) Let this be the idea throughout: First, this is a meeting for creating the cooperative spirit of all those who are personally, individually, interested in the furthering of that found helpful in THEIR lives and may be made helpful to others; and that it is to be only the first of many meetings; and that only INFORMATION will be presented to ORGANIZED groups!
20. (Q) Are the application blanks in correct form?
    (A) Depends upon what FORM that is to be presented! Present the blanks, and stand on that form!
21. (Q) Are we correct in believing that indefinite membership fee on the Active members would be better than a set fee?
    (A) It is set whenever he puts his name on it and puts the specific amount! He can make it set just as much as he wants to!
22. (Q) The plan we have to leave the amount to the individual is best?
    (A) To be sure. No one should be coerced; neither should any soul be separated from any portion because he hasn't the filthy lucre!
23. (Q) Any other advice to any special individual in presenting any phase of the work?
    (A) When the ideals and purposes are presented, all phases would be covered. Or, there will be the SCANNING, briefly, of the activities in the ten points that are set down, and WHAT THEY MEAN - but don't lose the ideas - and IDEAL most of all; and the ideal is not in any MATERIAL thing or individual.
24. We are through for the present.

    Copy to David E. Kahn
    Copy to File
    Copy to Hugh Lynn Cayce
    Extract from Edgar Cayce's reading 5/24/33, [281-17, Par. 21-A] in which the Prayer Group of the Ass'n asked for an individual message to those on the prayer list; when the ASS'N FOR RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT WAS CALLED, the following prayer was given which might be considered the "official" A.R.E. prayer: MAY WE, AS MEMBERS OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT HAS ITS IDEALS IN BEING OF A SERVICE TO ITS FELLOW MAN - THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN TO ALL WHO WOULD SEEK THROUGH SUCH A WAY TO BE A CHANNEL OF BLESSING - CAST NOT THIS OPPORTUNITY ASIDE AS IT COMES DAY BY DAY; BUT MAY I, AS ONE OF HIS CHILDREN, SO LIVE THAT OTHERS MAY GLORIFY HIM - NOW!

BACKGROUND

1. Subject of reading - "WORK PRESENTATION, meeting to be presided over by David E. Kahn".

REPORTS

1. 5/23/33 Edgar Cayce's letter to David E. Kahn following the 5/18/33 EDGAR CAYCE FOUNDATION DINNER meeting in N.Y.C.:
   Dear Dave:
   Well, our meeting has "come and went". We got home yesterday afternoon [HLC and EC]. I was a bit tired and worn out, but I'm sure it was best to save on the fare and apply the difference on some of the things that are pressing. [GD's note: They went up and came back on the bus. GC and GD were supposed to go, but there wasn't enough money.]
   Without a doubt I feel that the meeting was a decided success. I certainly want you to know how much each and every one here appreciates the untiring effort of Lucille, as well as of yourself, in making it the success it was. I'm sure this will go a long way towards making the organization become a great help. All who are interested in the phases of human experience that this group presents must be impressed more and more with the organization work, rather than with the work of an individual. While it is still individual assistance that is given, the organization makes this possible; and it is much better for individuals to interest themselves in the group or organization work rather than in the activities of an individual. I know this isn't your policy and never has been. I know you think and are anxious about Edgar Cayce; you've always shown that, and I appreciate it - yet this Work is a great deal bigger (if conducted right) than Edgar Cayce can ever be.
   I'm sorry I didn't get to talk with you at some length; not so much about the needs of myself and associates right now as about yourself and some of the things that your readings have warned you concerning, not only recently but in the years past, that I know are harassing and worrying you right now. Maybe they don't need conversation, but know that I am thinking about them - and I'm sure I don't have to tell you that I am anxious to be of help if possible in meeting those things as they come from time to time. [GD's note: Dave Kahn was having his business and financial problems also.]
   I certainly did enjoy my little visit with your mother. Of course, you know how dearly I love her. I was glad that I had the opportunity to talk with her - just she and I - for a little while, at least. I would have liked to have talked with you about that, too; for I know how near and dear to you are the things that make for her comfort and well-being. [GD's note: EC called her Mother Kahn, so we all did.]
   We have already had two or three applications returned [for readings], that were given out that night. None of these had money attached, but they make the promise to pay in the next two years something like two hundred dollars. And while we are in need right now, I'm sure as it comes in it will be just as badly needed then.
   I'm glad it was possible not to stress the financial phase right at this time. I'm sure it was more gratifying to you that this was not done. However, I hope that the meeting aroused sufficient interest as to enable us to assist many - and through that means supply the necessary moneys right at this time to meet our emergencies. I don't want to have to call on you, and all the other members of the Board who have so willingly and generously given of themselves and their money to assist us in these hard places. We still need just that two hundred dollars, but it will be coming - somewhere - somehow.
   I'll be quite anxious to know Mr. [334]'s reaction and trust when you do discuss at any length his impressions or reactions you will let me hear from you about it. Not that I want to impress him any more than anyone else, but he has indicated so often that there are channels through which he might obtain funds to further a work of this kind, if convinced that it can be made helpful to a great number of individuals.
   Even with the stress of conditions, I certainly do hope that you will be able to be with us at the Board meeting - which comes over the week-end of the Congress, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th of June. We will try to get the concensus of opinion from the other Board members as to the proper day, whether Saturday, Sunday or Monday would be better. If you can, I'll be glad for you to kind of plan to be in Washington that week and run over for the meeting at least.
   I certainly trust that when you have your report from the order that had gone through, that it was satisfactory in every manner. As you said at the time, I'm sure this will be an opening wedge.
   By the way, what did [334] think of his reading as to the broadcasting station and advertising agency? [334-1]
   I'm glad to say that all here are fairly well. Let us hear from you. Thank you for all the favors and courtesies shown us while we were there. I certainly regretted having to run off as I was forced to do, but I hope you know just how it was.
   All send our love and best wishes to you and yours,
   Ever the same, [Edgar Cayce] EC:GD
2. 5/27/33 EC's ltr. to [2457] - Mrs. [2457], Selma, Ala.
   Dear [2457]:
   Just a line to let you hear from us, and to answer yours of the 15th. Hugh Lynn and I went to a meeting in New York on the 18th, and were there for a few days. It was a get-together meeting of the New York membership, in the form of a dinner given in my honor. It was quite an enthusiastic bunch of people. It was really the first of the kind we have ever had in New York - where all the various groups came together at one time. You can well imagine that it was quite a conglomerated crowd. Many very beautiful and complimentary things were said about "Yours truly", which made me feel rather good in some respects, but very humble; for I realize that I have a great responsibility. We made the trip up and back on the bus, as it was the cheaper way.
   Yes, we received the watches alright. They are fine! I'm sure [3657] is the best watchmaker that it has ever been my experience to meet. We certainly appreciate his attending to these for us. I think Hugh Lynn has been having some trouble with his watch, and is going to send it to [3657] soon. He has had it in two or three places, and seemingly there's no reason why it shouldn't work - but it doesn't keep very good time.
   I certainly do hope little [305] has gotten over his scare and bump. I'm sure it was upsetting to him and to [3657] also. Do you use the Sterate of Zinc Powder with Balsam in it, for the heat? I believe you will find it quite helpful, and one of the most soothing things you ever tried. The Sterate of Zinc with Balsam (which is Balsam of Tolo) used to be carried all the time by Cawthon-Coleman. I'm sure you'll be able to obtain it. I don't know just the entitlement, but that's what it is.
   You must have had quite a trip to the country - you had quite a house full.
   So you have been busy with your dewberries and strawberries. I haven't started anything yet. I have never attempted anything with strawberries, and we haven't had anything else so far that might be jellied or jammed. I still have a weakness in that direction, and wish I could get a whole lot of dewberries. You know, dewberries make the best wine of anything you can get hold of.
   I'm sorry to hear that Mrs. [310] is not feeling so good. I know just how she is when things like this come up, as you say.
   Yes, [228] came by to see us - and he wrote me of going on to Pittsburgh and seeing Bus and phoning Walter. He tells me that Bus is possibly as large as he and Roger put together. Has Bus ever married, or do you know? About Miss Mary, I gathered as much from [228]. He seemed to think that some people do get a peculiar slant on life and never really understand much of that they attempt to teach or present to anyone else, for they never make demonstration of that they teach.
   I had a note from [3914] a few days ago; haven't answered it yet. I'm sorry she is having trouble again, and is not so well. You know, [2457], there is a wonderful illustration - if I understand it correctly - of how individuals can contact something that is very much worth while, and in the misapplication of it bring detrimental physical results. Do you understand me? There's no reason, as I know of, why she shouldn't be as physically well and strong as anyone. I know she has had two or three right bad spells in her life. I know much of the high nervous tension, and all the disagreements and things she has had with her husband and his family. When people contact spiritual activities and do not know what to do with them [GD's note: Mrs. [3914] had become involved in spiritualism and was practising as a spiritualist medium.] they will wreck the physical body rather than bringing physical, mental or spiritual benefits to themselves or anyone else. It's very much like a razor, even a safety razor; it's a good thing to use but it would be an awful thing to give [305] to play with, wouldn't it?
   I'm not condemning, please understand that - but I certainly do wish she could understand and use the sources of information properly, and not bring hardships upon herself and the very work she represents.
   I certainly do hope that when you have heard from Tuscaloosa again conditions with sister [5684] will be better.
   We are all very well here, physically. Of course, we do not just yet know how things will be. Our Association Annual Congress is to meet here from June 15th to 19th, inclusive. Whether we will be able to get away to visit you after that or not I don't know yet. As I said before, we will if it is possible to make arrangements with someone to use our place here for a price that can at least enable us to rest for a few weeks, and then we might use the time in making contacts or connections with many of those we would like to know better. Of course, if we get away, we expect for Selma to be among those places visited.
   How is [259] getting along? When is school out there?
   Let us hear from you. With love from all to you all, I am Ever the same, Edgar Cayce EC:GD

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