This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 21st day of May, 1934, in accordance with request made by those present.

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

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., which is presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce. You will advise us at this time in regard to the selection of Trustees who will constitute the new Board to be elected at the Annual Congress in June. As I call each of the names that have received as many as five nominations from Active members to be voted upon. You will consider all qualifications and conditions in relation to the work of the Ass'n and give such reasons for their selection or rejection as might be used in requesting their cooperation or in giving reasons for not considering them to the present Board.
2. EC: Yes, we have the work of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated, and its members and their various interests and activities in relationships to a work of this nature.
3. In considering those that should present the policies of an organization of such a nature as the Association for Research & Enlightenment, it would be well that those chosen have of themselves a personal interest in the work being presented - and in the channel; yet those not so narrow as to hinder the active work of the Association in considering or presenting varied phases of phenomena that may be of a kindred or even a supplementary nature to that being fostered in the one that is being considered in the main.
4. Hence such a Board should be chosen with care and with consideration.
5. Ready for names.
6. (Q) C. A. Barrett.
   (A) One with considerable ability. One that has considered many of the plans and the work of the Association. But one who would not accept, nor work with others. No.
7. (Q) S. A. Bisey.
   (A) One very much worth while in the study of such phenomena from the varied angles, yet one that is quite biased at times in his opinions and experiences. Yet, we would choose such an one as a balance in certain directions. Yes.
8. (Q) F. F. Bradley.
   (A) One whose interests are so divided on such conditions or experiences in the lives of individuals. Yet one that would be well worth considering and the abilities for consideration of various activities - and one having been associated in some way. Be well to consider provided he accepts. Yes.
9. (Q) Alfred D. Butler.
   (A) Qualified. Yes.
10. (Q) Gertrude Cayce.
    (A) In consideration of all the associations and relations - while the qualifications for and of the body in these channels as related to same would be very good, yet as we find, when all conditions and relations are considered - No.
11. (Q) H. L. Cayce.
    (A) The qualifications for activity that have been builded by the entity, the soul, in the directions should be such as to maintain those relations and activities in such a way and manner that there may be determined in self as to the value of such information - not only in the experience of self but others. But study seriously. Yes.
12. (Q) L. B. Cayce.
    (A) The associations and relations here are of such natures and activities in the present that it would be well. We would also make this body either President or Chairman of Board.
13. (Q) Wm. B. Cravis.
    (A) Well that the associations that were begun in such a relation be continued, and that the activities be kept in such ways, manners and measures that there may be for the body, for self, for others, that development that is possible. At least give the body the opportunity. Qualified. Yes.
14. (Q) J. J. Danzig.
    (A) The interests here have been such and of such a nature that it is not well to insist. No.
15. (Q) Boyd Davis.
    (A) From the relations and the associations, the activities and the study of same - provided there is given the body in its activities such an UNDERSTANDING as to what it is all about - yes.
16. (Q) Gladys Davis.
    (A) The associations and relations in such ways and manners are such that the body, in its position and in its relations, should be among these. Yes.
17. (Q) Mildred Davis.
    (A) Inasmuch as the activities are such as the relations have been in the capacity of the Secretary, it should be then among those of the Board - but remain in that capacity. Well. Yes.
18. (Q) Florence Edmonds.
    (A) Has qualified. Yes.
19. (Q) Edith Mildred Edmonds.
    (A) Do not unbalance; while the qualifications are such, there would be a rejection here. No.
20. (Q) C. W. Dillman.
    (A) The relationships here, and those activities of the body in the varied relations and various positions, various situations, would be very well. Yes.
21. (Q) A. J. Foerter. [A. J. Foerter, M.D.]
    (A) The qualifications are well. The rejection would prevent the associations. No.
22. (Q) Harry Goetz.
    (A) The relationships and activities of the body would qualify for the offering of same, even if it is rejected. Yes.
23. (Q) Francis H. Greene.
    (A) The activities of the body and the interest in such QUALIFY the body for such a relationship. Yes.
24. (Q) H. B. Harrell, Jr.
    (A) The interests are well. The activities belie same. Give him another opportunity. Yes.
25. (Q) T. Mitchell Hastings, Jr.
    (A) The interests in such an activity, the relations in the activities of such undertakings, are very good. Yes.
26. (Q) Thomas B. House, Jr.
    (A) The interest and the relations and the abilities well qualify the body for such a relation. Yes.
27. (Q) Douglas T. Johnston.
    (A) The interest, the abilities, the qualifications in all fields of activity would make of the body one wherein many of the Board might gain much from the abilities and activities of the entity. Yes.
28. (Q) H. H. Jones.
    (A) The interest, the associations and the relations are well. Yes.
29. (Q) W. L. Jones.
    (A) The position, the place, the conditions would prevent much activity in the relationships that would be desired of the body. But, as we find, the qualifications are well. Yes.
30. (Q) David E. Kahn.
    (A) The qualifications are such as to make for those things that would be aidful in those relationships to the body. Yes.
31. (Q) Robert N. Ladd.
    (A) Well that those things that make for activities in these relations be well considered. Yes.
32. (Q) David Levy.
    (A) While the interest and the activities have belied the active forces not in it, but we would not consider him in the present. No.
33. (Q) Thomas Morrow.
    (A) The relationships, the associations, the interest, the activities, are well. Yes.
34. (Q) Henry G. Otto.
    (A) The relationships would require an activity that would be well for the interest of the body to be directed in such relationships. Yes.
35. (Q) Rush Pearson.
    (A) While the qualifications and activities are of such nature and relations that these would be well, we would retain and maintain these relations - and save this for future reference. No.
36. (Q) H. E. Poole.
    (A) The interests, the activities, the relations, are well. Yes.
37. (Q) Chester Robinson.
    (A) The qualifications, the activities, the relations, well. Yes.
38. (Q) F. H. Scattergood.
    (A) The interest and the activities are well. The changes will make for such relationships that we would say No.
39. (Q) Gertrude O. Tubby.
    (A) By all means. Yes.
40. (Q) Wm. Vincent.
    (A) The developments and activities, and the studies along those lines that may be pointed out for the body, will produce in the relationships and activities that which may be well. Yes.
41. (Q) Esther Wynne.
    (A) Yes.
42. (Q) E. W. Zentgraf.
    (A) Yes.
43. (Q) Helene Zentgraf.
    (A) The interest and the relationships, the activities, have been and are such that it would be well. Yes.
44. (Q) Robert Zentgraf.
    (A) The activities and relationships may make questions for much in the activities of others. Yes.
45. (Q) Laurie Pratt Carmody.
    (A) The activity and relationships of the body have been and are such that such relationships would be well for all concerned in same. Yes.
46. (Q) Are there any individuals who have not been nominated that should be considered?
    (A) We will look over the list here a second. (pause) We would say that Carl Percy should be considered, and should be asked. That's all the change we find in the present.
47. (Q) If reappointed as Manager of the Association should Hugh Lynn Cayce remain a member of the Board of Trustees?
    (A) Under the same provisions that have been set out before would be very well. Or it may be changed to the Office of Managing Director, without the vote.
48. (Q) Please give such suggestions and counsel at this time as will aid in carrying out this election of Trustees in the proper way and manner.
    (A) Rather should aid in his suggesting what those elected should do! In carrying out the election, give all of those an opportunity to express themselves as to any fifteen that are named at this time, for their election. Those receiving the higher number should be considered in their respective places and as to the chairmans for the varied activities that are set forth in the provisions on the blanks of Active Memberships. And do not merely appoint or elect. Those that do not respond or accept immediately those activities, do not number them among those that are to be those formulating policies and activities of the Association. Then we would present to the Board present that accept, and forward to the others in writing, the policies - as we would see from here.
49. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Work Book
    Copy to Ass'n file
    [GD's note: Upon awaking, EC said his headache was gone.]

BACKGROUND

1. Much discussion and levity just prior to the reading. EC had complained of headache.

REPORTS

1. 6/05/34 HLC's invitation to Dr. Sparks W. Melton to speak at Congress, and see 6/07/34 Dr. Melton's answer [See Par. R3 below].
   Rev. Sparks W. Melton 1117 Cambridge Crescent Norfolk, Virginia
   Dear Sir:
   This request may be an unusual one. Indeed, if I should tell you why I have selected you as one of whom to ask such a favor and to whom to extend such an opportunity you might think it even more unusual. Until you grant me the favor of an interview, should you decide to consider the matter, let this explanation suffice. I understand from reliable sources that you are a man of honest opinions and an open mind, that your vision may perhaps enable you to see the possibilities in this situation. Let me be frank and come directly to the point.
   The Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., will hold its Annual Congress June 28, 29, 30 and July 1. You may or may not have heard of the man whose work inspired the creation of this Association. He has for some years been a resident of Virginia Beach and for over thirty years has been engaged in study and research in his field. I refer to Edgar Cayce. The information used as the basis of our Association's studies of both an individual and general nature deals with all phases of psychical phenomena.
   As a research organization we are not limited to any single approach. We are not presenting a set of opinions or beliefs. We are not a cult or a church, nor do we hold any creed or doctrine. Our members in Norfolk and elsewhere are active in their church work. We are concerned with a thorough investigation and study of all types of psychical phenomena with the view of enabling our members to properly equip themselves to select intelligently that which is good, that which stands the acid test of bringing results that are in harmony with the highest standards of good that we know. We believe, as every intelligent man believes, in the possible development of the soul's faculties in this life that we may make our own little world a better place in which to live, and that through carefully guided studies of psychical phenomena we may gain some light of the body's full possibilities, of the mind's unbounded capacities, of the soul's eternal contact with its Creator.
   Please do not confuse our organization with groups and churches in this vicinity approaching psychical studies along the path of spiritualism which is only one angle in this many sided figure. We strive constantly for the scientific point of view and present even the speakers on our Congress programs with the attitudes that they have from their experience a contribution that will help to complete the picture, though we may feel that we do not wholly agree with the approach.
   As there is a growing interest in psychical subjects among members of churches all over this country we feel that our members and the public need a clear statement of the religious approach, or rather the religious attitude, toward such matters. Our purpose is to balance, enlighten and equip our members to understand and meet a growing interest in such phenomena. I take this opportunity of extending to you an invitation to speak at one of the three evening Congress meetings in Norfolk on some arrangement of the following, "The Church's Attitude Toward A Study of Psychical Phenomena".
   I recognize the controversial nature of this subject and the dangers involved in its presentation, yet there is a real need for an open, frank stand that will help to clear up many questions in the minds of those who are seeking understanding. This is in no sense a request for a debate. We honestly need your cooperation. We believe that you will be able to render a service to our members and to the public.
   Please give this matter your prayerful consideration and allow me the privilege of discussing the matter in more detail with you at your earliest convenience. We invite you to be present at all of our Congress meetings.
   Very truly yours,
   Hugh Lynn Cayce, Manager
2. 6/05/34 EC's letter to [257]:
   Many thanks for yours of the 1st, enclosing the ballot. We had a reading on those nominated and each one listed on the ballot was okayed by a reading [254-75]; some nominated were left-off and others added. So, possibly every one on the list is eligible and will be among those used on committees and for other offices of the Association when the policies are formulated by the Trustees at their next meeting. The votes are coming in wonderfully well; in fact, there were thirty or forty in the same mail with yours. It's interesting to note the selection by individuals in various portions of the country. Many of these are voting purely by their own intuition and psychic abilities.
   Yes, we heard of Mr. Grove's death. We remarked that the reading [See 257-127, Par. R5, R6] was just about right. I don't think it would be at all possible for me to get away this week. We certainly have been busy; not so much financial gain but more appointments this last month than possibly during any month for several years.
   Certainly hope Lewis works out the proposition in Washington alright. I'll be glad to meet Mr. Jones the first time I get to New York.
   With love from all, I am
   Ever the same, [Edgar Cayce] EC:GD
3. 6/07/34 Dr. Sparks W. Melton's answer to HLC:
   Mr. Hugh Lynn Cayce Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear Sir:
   Please accept the assurance of my appreciation of your courteous letter of June 5.
   I regret that I cannot comply with your request on the occasion of your Congress, as I shall be out of the city at that time, except on Sunday, June 30th, when of course, I shall be busy.
   Frankness compels me to say, however, that were I here I do not feel competent to address the Congress on the subject designated. However my ignorance need not argue against this work.
   Very truly yours,
   Sparks W. Melton
4. 6/11/34 See next Work Reading 254-76.
5. GD's note: For very interesting correspondence between Edgar Cayce and T. Mitchell Hastings, Jr., between 1/10/34 and 1/10/35, See 440-11 Reports.

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