This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 105th Street & Ocean, Virginia Beach, Va., this 12th day of August, 1931, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [943].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Mildred Davis, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mr. [943], Mrs. [5569], and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. MD: You will have before you the entity now known as [943], and his enquiring mind, present in this room. Also the ideals and plans regarding application to mankind of information given through the body of Edgar Cayce. This entity prayerfully asks, shall he handle and supervise all business matters, in the minutest detail, for and in behalf of Edgar Cayce personally and for the Association for Research and Enlightenment. Please give definite instruction at this time, answering the questions I will ask.
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [943], present in this room. Also that information as has been given as respecting the ideals of Association, also those conditions as surround the various individuals as make up same.
3. In considering the questions as are sought by the entity in the present, these SHOULD be prayerfully considered before they are even asked; for, as has been seen and given, that the ideals of the Association for Research and Enlightenment should be established upon some DEFINITE line or aim, that there are more than just one phase of the application of information as may be received for the dispersing or dispensing to the aid of mankind. When these IDEALS have been set or DETERMINED, then ask; for the ideals of one as would manage the affairs of such an undertaking, as dispensing same to humanity for the aid of humanity, MUST - WOULD the dispensing and the ideals be in accord WITH the information as may be given - be one that has and is called of the Creative Forces themselves, and SO magnify that in the life and IN the dispensing, dispersing and giving to the human family; or else it must become a boomerang.
4. As to the entity handling the business affairs of Edgar Cayce to the minutest details, are their ideals [if their ideals are] one and the same, WELL. Unless they are, it must be in a manner that each would attempt to so coordinate their ideas as to find the common basis for an ideal. The ABILITIES lie will within the entity's grasp, will the entity [if the entity will] so prepare self that there may be the answer from within as to whether the spirit bears witness WITH the Spirit of Creation, and that the promise is sure to self, and that self has been OBLITERATED IN the love as is able to be manifested in the entity's activities to its fellow man, in every detail. Ready for questions.
5. (Q) Should Edgar Cayce and this entity sign a contract covering their mutual understanding on various activities?
   (A) When their ideals or ideas are centered in an IDEAL, then they may - if they deem it wise or necessary.
6. (Q) Will the reading and meeting in New York next Friday evening bring the results hoped for?
   (A) This the basis of that as is being given as a warning to the entity, that here - as is being sought - is not that the Spirit of the Divine may be first and foremost, but the hopes that that of material forces may be gained; that NEVER has there been given that evil should even be courted that good may come of same! It may EVENTUALLY. Work to the good of all, NOT in the immediate future!
7. (Q) Should the Ipsab proposition be closed on the terms and conditions as agreed upon between E. W. Zentgraf and this entity?
   (A) There are more than one proposition as respecting same. Before any proposition, anywhere, any kind, is made or attempted, there must be - for the GOOD of all concerned - a more perfect understanding as to the ideals.
8. (Q) Was the publication department of the Association handled in the right way and manner?
   (A) No! [See 943-12, Par. R1.]
9. (Q) Any other advice that would be helpful to this entity at this time?
   (A) Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, AVOIDING the APPEARANCES of evil. We are through.

   Copy to Self
   Copy to File
   Copy to Ass'n

BACKGROUND

1. See previous readings, especially 943-2 and 3976-4 and 3976-5.

REPORTS

1. GD's note: Although EC's rdg. 254-58 on 7/08/31 in re organization and new A.R.E. membership forms warned of the inclination to become material minded, Mr. [943] was instrumental in arranging for membership forms calling for extremely high fees. This to me showed the lack of proper perspective or high ideals, especially since Mr. [943] had been the recipient previously of many readings with little or no financial remuneration on his part.
2. 8/14/31 He obtained an emergency Ck. Physical for what the doctors called appendicitis - See 943-13.
3. 2/08/32 See 943-18, an attempt to secure a genealogical history on a well known person, with the idea of proving EC's ability and thereby enabling the A.R.E. to make money giving such readings.
4. 2/08/32 See also 3976-10 on world affairs, obtained by Mr. [943] and Dr. [2119].
5. 2/17/32 Letter from Wm. B. Cravis (trustee of A.R.E.): "Things have been very difficult with me. The boy, [son, Howard Myer Cravis] is getting along alright now. He and Pearl [wife, Pearl Ossar Cravis] have been in Atlantic City the last three weeks, visiting at my brother's. It has been a help to me, financially, to leave them there. I expect they will be there a couple of months yet. One of the things that hurts me, in this respect, is the indifference of [943], regarding his obligation to me. He had a note due on Dec. 23rd. This note he gave me when he left N.Y. after his illness [See 943-15 Reports]. That note was defaulted. When I was in Virginia Beach he had done nothing to remedy the situation nor had he given me a new note. He promised to send me a new note in place of the one defaulted. After waiting a couple of weeks I wrote him, inquiring why I hadn't heard from him. Still no answer. So, I have written him again today. It does seem a little harsh on me - to be unable to keep my family with me; to have been unable to provide a private room in the hospital for my boy's operation; yet, I borrowed money for [943] so he could have every opportunity of recovery. At least, if the fellow is unable to do anything about it, why doesn't he have some consideration for my feelings, and a proper sense of obligation? It certainly leaves a bad taste with me! And I can see no reason for it at all." [2/29/32 "I finally heard from [943], poor fellow! I hope he gets straightened out in ALL ways!"]
6. 2/27/32 See 311-7, Par. 9-A and 4/09/32, 311-8, Par. 14-A advising that [311]'s continued active association with Mr. [943] would depend altogether upon circumstances and changes.
7. 4/02/32 EC's letter to Wm. B. Cravis: Dear Bill:-
   We were all indeed very glad to have yours of the 30th, for we are always glad to have a line from you.
   Yes, we thought we were settled for a year - but were notified yesterday that one of the homes has been sold and we must move again. This will give us about thirty days to get some other place lined up. Apparently, some Nemesis is following us. If anyone wants to sell property, let us move in. This place has been on the market for the last four years, to my knowledge, and to see it sold in the last thirty days since we have moved in - well, somebody is busy! [11/06/64 GD's note: This place was 403 Lake Drive, now occupied by Johan and Eloise Franco.]
   Gertrude is very well. Of course, she has been very much upset, trying to get accustomed to the new environs, and then to have this come on top of it - it's rather hard.
   Hugh Lynn is as fine as ever, and I believe is doing some real work in the preparation for the organizing of the study groups, which - according to the information for the last fifteen years - would be the basis on which the work should be properly founded in a financial way; that it would offer the channel not only for a consistent income, through the lessons for the groups, but also the channel for as many physical, mental and spiritual readings - and possibly a life reading occasionally - as possible. Somehow, I have been unable to get but very few interested in that phase, until the group was actually organized and work begun - but I verily believe this will eventually offer the proper solution for the whole thing.
   Edgar Evans is growing like everything, and is more than half a head taller than his mother - seems to be getting along very nicely at school.
   Pa is keeping pretty well, but naturally has been upset with the rest at the sudden turn of conditions, as well as all the suits that have recently been filed by our good friends against me about the old Association work.
   Miss Gladys and Mildred and keeping fairly busy. They are giving themselves in every way to the futherance of the work, without considering any remuneration whatsoever. In fact, we haven't had enough for our daily needs - but, all in all, we are still happy and all still believe we are trying to do God's service, with our fellow man's interest at heart first and foremost, BELIEVING that ours will be looked after through God's own plans.
   Yes, we have had some questions about the baby [See [4191] series]. Quite a number of sources. It is practically an impossible thing, however, to do anything of that nature at long range, and without seeking for the advice from those so vitally interested...
   Yes sir, the world seems to be all awry, and to many no doubt who seem to have tried the hardest things are most acute, yet we know He will not allow us to be tempted beyond that we are able to bear, or what is necessary for our own best development. It isn't how often we fail, either financially, socially, mentally, or what - but when we got up, were we kicking against everything or still trying to lift up, look up, toward the light? Just as [2897] asked once in a reading, you remember, how and why was it - if the work of Edgar Cayce was true - that it had so many rebuffs? The answer at that time was no doubt exactly right. If we consider, Bill, the history of those who have meant most to man's real spiritual development, it was a continued battle with the very same kind of things, under different environs, whether we think of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, or any of the other prophets, or of the Christ. To the WORLD they WERE failures. To humanity they were the beacon lights that have guided the better impulses throughout the ages.
   I certainly am in hopes that your father is able to pull through and still feel there is hope. We can never do it without cooperation, however, on the part of all who would see Right - and not Might - prevail; for it is ever as He said through Moses, "Not by might but by right will the Lord prevail."
   Yes, I wish often that I might have the opportunity to sit down and talk with you, Bill. It has always seemed to me so satisfying, so helpful to me to talk with you, as few people that I have ever known. There seems to be something of a bond of sympathy. Of course, we might understand it if we accept much that was given in the life readings - but all of us want to see something very tangible. We see it and realize it, but because we can't put our hand on it we question the very force itself, as well as our own selves and own judgement. That doesn't make it right, however.
   Certainly glad you made the contact of the [[5501] family]. They have been a blessing to us, the Lord knows! for without some support that has come to us from them from time to time, I wonder. I'm only glad to know that it has been your good fortune to make the contact also. I'm sure they do not realize or know what it has meant to us. I just hope that it has meant something to them. I realize, however, they haven't followed the suggestions in the manner they should, though some of their connections and associations have, and seem to have gotten very wonderful results - judging from all reports. Dave Kahn seems to have been quite hard put recently. I believe he is withdrawing from all his old associations. I hope it is in time not to have ruined his better self entirely. I believe it has been much of that that has been his undoing, for I believe at heart the boy has the desire to do as he wishes to be done by.
   Glad to know that your wife and the boy are somewhat better. Certainly trust they continue to be on the improve until they are entirely well, and that you continue to have unprecedented success in the placing of your products.
   Yes, we are looking forward to your being here in June, if not before, and then I hope we will have the opportunity - if I am able and the Lord's willing - to go over many things that are in the air, and no doubt much more will transpire between now and then that may have been gotten out of everybody's system.
   Mr. [943] is around occasionally. I am in the same boat as yourself, save that you have paid yours and are having to do without, while I may have to pay a note which I endorsed. I don't know what would happen if they did demand it, which I suppose they eventually will. He seems to be trying, but just doesn't make it.
   Well, I don't want to run off into that vein of pitying myself, or feeling sorry for all the things that are coming to me. They are due, I guess, that I may be the better channel to help others. I do hope though, Bill, you can occasionally get somebody to join in our work and let us undertake to be of help, if you should run across such a circumstance. We are certainly needing new members and appointments.
   Give our love to Pearl and Howard, and remember me to Mr. and Mrs. Levy [David and Bertha Levy] if you see them - and to Mr. Benoliel [D. J. (Jack) Benoliel].
   With love from all here, asking you to let us hear from you whenever you have the opportunity, I am
   Ever the same, EC:GD
8. 4/27/32 See Mr. [943]'s letter under 943-17 Reports, regarding securing patent rights on Animated Ash as recommended in 943-17.
9. 10/27/32 GD's letter to Mr. [311]:
   We are in rather a desperate situation, and Mr. Cayce is worrying quite a bit. The rent is due Monday, and we don't even have enough money on hand to pay the light and water bill. There are no appointments on hand, either - just a few prospects, which we don't know will materialize. I don't like to ask it, for I know you have your own troubles, but would it be possible for you to pay for your sister's reading and the one you're going to have Saturday week right away? that would help wonderfully if you could do it, and we're calling on the group to see what they can do, in the way of appointments, contributions, etc. This situation has seemed to slip up on us. Appointments were coming in fairly regularly for a while, and I felt sure they would continue. If you know of anyone who wants a reading, or needs it, I hope they can get it soon. When such an extremity arises, we can only call on those who have been and are friends of the work.
   I hope you will understand and so what you can.
   Sincerely, [signed] Gladys Davis
10. 10/29/32 Mr. [311]'s letter:
    Dear Miss Davis:
    On my return to ... today I have your note of the 27th. I am pleased to inclose check and only wish it were in my power to take care of this situation myself. Nothing would give me greater pleasure.
    Have just received the monthly bulletin but haven't had a chance to read it yet. What kind of a response are you receiving? Are people criticizing and praising - and are they contributing? I would like to know something about the response as a great deal of the success of the paper depends on the interest aroused and the comment for its readers, which may be used to advantage in future issues.
    Give my regards to everyone and I am looking forward to seeing all of you at my reading on Nov. 5th.
11. 11/03/32 GD's letter to Mr. [311]:
    I appreciate more than I can say your response to my request. The Norfolk group helped out considerable, and we managed to get the most urgent bills paid - even unto the monthly payment on Mr. [943]'s note.
    Mr. Cayce left last night for New York, so we won't be able to get your reading Saturday afternoon; however, if you can come out anyway we would certainly be glad to see you and to talk with you about the response from the Bulletins, etc. I'm sorry this reading will be delayed, but hope it wasn't a very urgent one. We will arrange to get it the first Saturday afternoon after Mr. Cayce gets back. The prospects are that this New York trip will mean the beginning of the launching into the spiritual spread of the work; I hope so. Please come out and see us Saturday if you can, and thanking you again and again, I am
    Sincerely, [signed] Gladys Davis
    P.S. What did your sister think of her reading?
12. 12/18/40 Mrs. [2415]'s letter: "Mr. Cayce, you ask about Mr. [943]. Didn't you know he passed on two years ago and last year the first Mrs. [...] [his mother?] passed on. I often think of the remark you made, possibly it was in one of those readings of the Bimini fame [[996] - [1274]], etc.] you said some the the party should 'get their house in order.' Later we learned of Mr. [943]'s escapades. His daughter [4477] married and later was divorced. I understand she is working for the Western Union in ..."
13. 9/06/43 GD's note: Daughter [4477] wired EC for emergency rdg. for her mother, Mrs. [5571] (Mr. [943]'s first wife), who was dying of cancer. See [5571] Reports.

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