Edgar Cayce Readings, 254-90

Time: 3:15 to 3:35 P. M.

TEXT

GC: You will have before you the work of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., in presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce, and especially the contemplated trip to New York City for a two to three week period from April 8th. You will advise us regarding the proper presentation of the work during this period, giving any suggestions as will be helpful in meeting and working with the various individuals who will be contacted. You will give any other advice as will be helpful in carrying on the work of the Ass'n and answer the questions which will be asked.
EC: Yes, we have the work of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., and its efforts in presenting the psychic work of Edgar Cayce; also the contemplated trip to New York. This we have had in part before. This may be well-spoken of, or it may become as has been indicated.
At this particular time, it would be well to consider the work of the Association from this light:
First, there should be the sincere consideration by the members of the Board in New York of those propositions or conditions in all phases that present themselves at this time.
Heretofore such a trip has been that there may be the wherewithal to carry on. Now there are two definite conditions that arise that are of a different nature: The ideas of those that would through their writings or through publications PRESENT the work. This is one phase. Then there are the investigations that are being made.
And there should be the expressions from those of the Board in calling such investigator, or such individuals that seek to make a study of same, and letting it be known that the Board is willing to be of help in whatever direction that is feasible, plausible or desirable. Also let it be known by expression that thy first lesson IS COOPERATION; not that it is only the psychic work itself, but that there IS a cooperative spirit!
The same with the publications, the writings of any nature.
Hence in such a contemplated trip, these two should be kept primary or foremost.
Then, the contacts and those that are to be interviewed as to the needs in the publication of various papers or pamphlets; or the associations and connections that should be made in the various States for the presentation of the Work in an ORDERLY way and manner.
How reads the first? Let all be done in decency and in order!
Then the purposes that there may be added moneys for the carrying on; let these not be first considerations but rather the help that may be given, the encouragement that may be given to those who have in one way or another contacted same. Let the spirit of the purposes and aims of the Association be manifested and expressed by those that would present same.
And if in the general order of conditions and circumstances the remunerations come that should be, then these may be used properly. For, as has ever been given, these will be supplied as fast as the individuals handling same EQUIP themselves for their use!
Ready for questions.
(Q) Any special conditions to be warned of in regard to N.Y. trip?
(A) As indicated.
(Q) In line with the suggestions thru a rdg. of Nov. 20, 1935 [254-88], it is planned to approach individuals in N.Y. relative to assisting in setting up a definite publication program.
(A) (Interrupting) This is very well, as we have indicated. There should be three definite programs. First: Publications; that is, data respecting the Work through writings, magazines, books, or whatever may be presented respecting the Association's work. Next: The investigations. But let it go through the Board, let it be a consideration by those present, see? Then: The individuals. And know what is desired; know what is necessary to meet the needs. In the publications booklets are needed, pamphlets are needed, the lessons [in A SEARCH FOR GOD] need to be published, the studies along the various lines need to be published; these combined may become as those things that would be very much worth while, and these would come as the third portion of the activities of those in charge of the carrying on of the purposes of the Association. While the presentation of the psychic phenomena should be FOURTH; not first! See?
(Q) Regarding publications, any special individuals to approach?
(A) Keep these in mind, you see - all phases to be approached should come first through being presented to the Board: Here are these things. First we have these that are writing; we have these that are investigating. We have these needs, and we have these conditions. Let them be acted on in their regular order. And as they join in their activities, if they choose not to act then discard same. It is for their OWN help, not for the psychic work!
(Q) In order to make the trip a success in every way please give individual advice and suggestions to each of those closely associated in the work as I call each name: First: EDGAR CAYCE.
(A) Let the self be as naught but that HIS work may be carried forward.
(Q) GERTRUDE CAYCE.
(A) Love without dissimulation; keeping to those tenets, those truths that ARE as oneness of purpose with that to be accomplished.
(Q) GLADYS DAVIS.
(A) Let self and self's interests be as nothing compared to that as may bring a help, a hope, and service to others.
(Q) HUGH LYNN CAYCE.
(A) Let this activity be rather that self is a channel, presenting the needs of that as shown by the activities of all.
(Q) What phase of the work should be stressed in meeting with Mrs. Holmes through Dale Parker?
(A) This will depend upon the approach. As we find, ALL phases should be presented; and that that is appealing, ask that she aid in.
(Q) Will you suggest the proper combination of individuals for suitable planning of the research work of the Ass'n? Warner, Holmes
(A) (Interrupting) As indicated, first call the whole Board and its representatives there, see? Then, if there is the desire that these others not of the Board be called in for discussion, if that is determined by the Board or considered worthy of proper consideration at this time, then let them all advise together - see?
For you cannot, will not, pull this string, that string, and expect a spiritual work to be jumping as ordinary activities are usually considered.
(Q) In what groups should David E. Kahn be asked to take an active part?
(A) Well, this becomes confusing again. This may depend upon what the decisions are. First, call the members of the Board together, see? As they interest themselves or are interested in this or that phase of the work, classify them in the order as indicated, see? Then in their meeting with individuals that may be interested, or are interested in this or that phase of same, let them - as a body or as individuals - present same. Let it all be done in unison, and in decency and in order!
We are through.
Copy to all Trustees
Copy to Work file

REPORTS

4/07/36 HLC's ltr. to Douglas T. Johnston, Chm. of A.R.E. Board and President of Health Home Remedies Corp. [Also used under 1800-25]:
Dear Mr. Johnston:
Enclosed you will find a copy of a reading [254-90] taken on the coming New York trip. I will not attempt to discuss in detail the three matters mentioned in the reading but will just give you briefly a note on each one. Our trustees in N.Y. are not familiar with the various developments of the work. The reading advises a discussion of these points with a view of securing the advice and agreement of all of our board members who will manifest an interest at this time.
1. The publication of magazine articles and a book dealing with the Association's work, but not directly connected or sponsored by the Association.
Note: Sugrue's articles will be ready at an early date following certain necessary conversations with my father.
Jennie Moore now has on hand several articles of a general nature which do not mention the name Cayce or that of the Association but carry ideas and material from the readings.
I plan to work out a brief report with Sugrue as Chairman of the Publication Committee to be submitted and discussed at the Board meeting. It is possible that some of the members of the Board may have helpful suggestions as to types of articles, placement, etc. Harry M. Goetz, especially, would be helpful - if he is in New York.
2. The publication of certain pamphlets, papers and booklets under direct supervision of the Association. On a separate sheet I have drawn up an outline of certain suggestions along this line which I will present. I am confident that I will be able to secure sufficient interest from one or two of our members there to secure a budgeted amount to finance this program, or certainly major items in it.
3. The establishment of connections with certain universities with the view of carrying on research work.
Note: Dr. Lucien Warner, who had been connected with Duke University for the past year as an independent psychic investigator, has become a member of our Association. He recently spent a week here and had forwarded to Dr. J. B. Rhine of Duke a very good report of our work. Dr. Warner has indicated that he will endeavor to secure the cooperation of Dr. Rhine in placing him [Dr. Warner] here for a period of six months or a year to carry on a complete investigation of the work with the view of preparing a book on his findings and also including same in Duke's official reports of their investigations of psychic phenomena. Dr. Rhine is becoming a member of the Association and is having a reading on his daughter [GD: See 1139-1] who is ill. This reading incidentally is at this moment in progress.
These are the three major points to be taken up at such a board meeting. While it would possibly have been simpler to just call a meeting of the New York members no official action would have been possible, if we find such motion advisable.
Therefore if it meets with your approval will you kindly drop Miss Davis [GD] a note authorizing the calling of such a meeting? This of course just for the records. Under separate cover I am including letters and proxies advising the board members of the meeting. As you will see on both letter and proxy the time and place have been left vacant. It is necessary that at least ten days be allowed from the date of the letter. Naturally any date you select will be suitable to me. If convenient your office would be fine, or I'm sure we can use Mr. Kahn's apartment, 44 W. 77th St., Apt. 14-W. I imagine an evening will be more suitable for you than during the day. The 17th, 18th, 20th or 21st would be alright according to your own plans. Kindly have the letters and proxies filled in and mailed.
I will phone you soon after our arrival and arrange an appointment so that we can discuss several matters relative to different phases of the work. Perhaps it would be possible to see you for an hour on Thursday or Friday evening and then have Dr. Warner, whom I want you to meet, drop in wherever we are. If the first of the following week would suit you better I am sure we can arrange to meet Dr. Warner if I can advise him a day or so ahead.
Mr. Dale Parker has indicated that a Mrs. Holmes [Bettie Fleischmann Holmes - Mrs. Christian R. Holmes], for whom we have had a couple of readings, may be interested in taking an active part in the work. Dependent upon just what phase of the work she shows an interest in, I would like to have a small group, including you, meet and talk with her. You will follow the trend of my thinking, I believe, in some of the questions asked in the reading.
I have not as yet received from Mr. Dawson the letter mentioned in your last letter. In order to avoid further delay I will undertake to send these letters out from New York if you will advise him to hold the papers there. The Health Home Remedies Corp. is functioning smoothly now. I will have a complete unofficial report on activities with me. I hope some of my wild ideas did not completely frighten Mr. Eugene T. McQuade away from the idea of the economic readings. [GD: See 3976-16 on 4/18/36.] I have had no word from him since answering his last letter. Perhaps we can arrange to see and talk with him while in N.Y. this time. In fact I would like to have the first of our series there where you and he could be present and ask questions. A note from Mr. Ralph M. Taylor in California indicates his continuing interest in the proposals.
Under still another separate cover I am sending you copies of the [1089] file. You will find this whole case interesting and, from recent letters from him, I am sure we have been of real help. [This reading was sponsored on your Research Membership you will remember.]
We plan to drive up on Wednesday, April 8th. I will phone you Thursday.
Sincerely yours, [HLC]
PUBLICATION SUGGESTIONS
Reprint of "Cayce" Booklet (Slight changes to bring it up to date) [GD: See Feb. 1937 Cayce booklet under 254-92 Reports.]
Pamphlet on the Association Ideal and Purpose Organization and Program Departments of Activity Memberships (Membership Blanks might be included in back.)
Lessons (Norfolk Study Group #1) in booklet (1 booklet containing 12 lessons.)
Series of Small Pamphlets 1. Three lectures by Edgar Cayce (To be selected) 2. Dreams (A Psychological Study) 3. Affirmations (Lessons and Healing Group) Research Reports (To be mimeographed) These to be sent to Advisory Research Board for comments. Now in preparation.
BULLETINS FOR NEXT TWELVE MONTHS
April - Case Report (Intestinal Influenza) May - Studies from the Life Readings June - Historical Data (General) July - Congress Report August - Condensed reports on a certain type of condition September - Studies from Life Readings October - Mental Telepathy November - Interesting Psychic Experiences of Association Members December - Intuition January - Spiritual Healing February - Condensed Reports on Certain Types of Conditions March - Inspirational and Automatic Writing
SUPPLEMENTARY PAPERS (Mimeographed to go with Bulletins)
Dream of the Future with interpretation (Edgar Cayce) Lecture (Special) Edgar Cayce Congress Announcements Spirit Communication Book Reviews of works pertaining to Psychic Phenomena After Death What? (From the Readings) Continued Study of the Laws Governing the Transmission of the Information Through Edgar Cayce
Note: Complete estimates will be made up for each of these items, both printed and mimeographed. I will have these with me.
4/11/36 A.R.E. Board Meeting Notice:
Douglas T. Johnston Graybar Building MOhawk 4-0350 New York
Miss Gladys Davis, Secretary Association for Research & Enlightenment, Inc. c/o Mr. David E. Kahn 44 West 77th Street, New York
Dear Miss Davis:
Will you please issue formal call for a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. to be held on April 22, at 8 P.M. at room 1620 Graybar Building, 420 Lexington Avenue, New York City.
The purposes for which the meeting is to be called are:
1. The publication of books and magazine articles pertaining directly and indirectly to the work of the Association. This work is now in progress and should be discussed by the Board.
2. The publication program being undertaken by the Association; i.e., pamphlets, papers, bulletin, etc.
3. The establishment of connections with certain Universities for series of research studies.
Very truly yours, [Signed] Douglas T. Johnston, Chairman