THE ¡¡I ★ AMERICAN HEOSOPHIST O ffic ia l Organ o f THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY in America

I N THIS ISSUE

There is W ork to be D one SIDNEY A. COOK

A bout our N ational President JAMES S. PERKINS

Francis Bacon— O ur Shakespeare SADIE G. STAVE

Calendar o f Lodge A ctivities

JANUARY* 1942

Under the Auspices of THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ADYAR O lcott

S a focus for the Theosophical work in America, Olcott has

naturally become a center for the distribution o f spiritual­ izing energies. It is linked with Adyar and with Huizen as an outpost. Through these great Centers, Shamballah sends its purifying and ennobling influence to all subsidiary Centers; and with the blessing which Adyar constantly pours out from

Those Great Ones W ho guide the Theosophical movement,

Olcott can and will become an ennobling and uplifting in­ fluence for America in just the proportions in which the en­ riching thought-streams of its members provide the channel for its out-flowing.

F r o m T h e Lodge H a n d b o o k ^ T H E AMERICAN 1 HEOSOPHIST OFFICIAL ORGAH OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA

N o. 1 Voi. X X X JANUARY, 1942

There Is W ork to Be Done

SIDNEY A. COOK

S we approach the national election our 'e course o f the years the spirit behind members have a right to expect, an^ - o f The Theosophical Society has been A have a duty to give a resume d and its true nature has ever been past and a statement looking tow- > fore-ground. Olcott, which was just ’ building and residence, torn with I came to the decisis if new beginnings, has been built re-election only *c' fious center standing as the focal I was urge'1 -.irit in the midst o f the Section, and E- its solidarity and its strength, ated here are not alone those deal paths and gardens, but ar greater value that derive personal dedication on the have lived and worked to nter and such a pillar in pu as been freely offered stai o f ability to offer fi- stan as the Section been days s and field workers, to lea rer has there been prepari lodges to utilize arduous The welfare of humble, nas been equally so arrived ation. be, that th. no serious attempt to develop some achie Old methods of so doing were some shortco __j failing with the advent o f many com­ been gained, petitive forms and attractions, and in the years Sensing the gre o f deep depression no money was available. ;gs that seems incompara Concern was for the preservation o f what re­ ^ r t lie ir value are accomplished. mained o f the once nearly 300 lodges, rather . in those respects in upholding the C than for the spreading of available effort still railure there has been in which there has more thinly over new territory in which so many garnered some measure o f practical wisdom, Theosophical lodges had died within recently from which the future may profit. Only two preceding years. things could cause the Society to fail: neglect to do its essential work in the true spirit o f its T o preserve what remained, the Greater purpose, or lack of management o f its affairs. America Plan and its personnel went to work Either would be fatal. There is therefore no in the Section, the Lodge Handbook was pub­ discouragement. lished, improved pamphlets were made avail- 2 THE AMERICAN THEO SOPHIST able, field workers went to the assistance o f five to seven that areas not included might have lodges regardless o f public work, the establish­ representation. It instituted the Higher Mem­ ment o f standards o f beauty in surroundings bership plan that has brought over $30,000 to and technique were undertaken— all in years of our treasury. It sponsored an amendment to deepest depression when preservation rather the National By-Laws limiting the expenditure than expansion was vital. T o this end all work on the maintenance o f Headquarters as an as­ in the Field was directed and the growing spirit surance to the members that their local activities o f unity and harmony at Olcott spread abroad would be prospered. through the Section as the new standards at the Center were reflected in the lodges. Now as to the future. T o me it looks tremen­ dously encouraging, for from the time that it The link with Adyar was made more strong was rumored that I would not seek re-election and the channel deepened. Adyar’s publications the number o f members who have approached were made more readily available through co­ me to continue in office, the expressions of ap­ operative measures between Adyar and Olcott, preciation, the offers o f help, have been un­ and through similar measures Adyar’s books precedented. This Christmas has brought me assumed more attractive formats, a movement more messages o f friendship than ever before. that has been greatly developed still more re­ I have learned that there is very great appreci­ cently in our own publications. The several ation throughout the Society, though in ordinary Adyar Campaigns have been fully promoted in times it goes mostly unexpressed. Members are this Section. only seemingly unresponsive. The work which The financial side o f the Society’s activities I have had to do as National President shows was given very necessary attention. Through promise of changing from an alone kind of years in which depression and unemployment responsibility (relatively speaking) to one of reached levels never previously approached in very many comradeships and much sharing, any country anywhere in the world, the Society’s which in the past has been largely in spirit net worth as shown by its audited balance sheet only, but now seems assured in the practice, too. has increased. This has been achieved after Members have written o f their realization that conservative accounting, in which its assets have one man alone cannot do all that is required, been written down over $90,000. Intrinsically, that a sense o f responsibility must permeate the the Society is worth $100,000 more than ten whole Society if all is to be well with all of years ago. Its properties have been thoroughly the work. maintained and are in a better state o f repair than ever before. The Society’s current ratio of W e are a Society o f individuals, each of whom is a representative o f Theosophy to the assets and liabilities has been steadily improved from 1.63 to 1 on the wrong side to 1.45 to 1 world. His strength is the Society’s strength, on the right side. Despite depression years, not his failure the Society’s failure. That which a bond or interest payment defaulted. Nearly Tolstoy called "progress toward well being,’’ $50,000 has been paid on the debt. that struggle on the part o f humanity toward perfection, should ever be his struggle and dis­ New enterprises have been encouraged. Youth played in his life as "human goodness.” Life has been given its place in the Society’s work. has made great demands on us all in the past National Committees were established, some few years, but despite the demands we must in­ still fruitfully producing. Advertising in new crease our efforts to be humanly good. This sense fields and in new media has been tried. Two different experimental radio programs are in o f what the Theosophist stands for in himself progress, and these may point the way to the and among his fellow members and to the world development o f new territory. District lecture forms the foundation for our unity. W e are all activities have been sponsored, but the search seekers, striving toward an ideal, and this unity for resident district lecturers still goes on. The does not mean lack of variety. W e can have it spirit of friendship as an underlying principle, in infinite degree, but all must work harmon­ essential in our activities, has been promoted. iously as the different organs of the physical The Art o f Friendship course was designed for body work together, though each fulfills a dif­ this purpose. For years past these various activ­ ferent function. Each individual member is an ities and encouragements have continued with­ organ in this body o f The Theosophical Society, out an appeal for funds. and all of the organs must work cooperatively This Administration early increased the num­ and harmoniously to maintain the Society’s ber o f members o f the Board o f Directors from healthful life. O ffic ia l Organ o f THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY in A m erica

IN THIS ISSUE

There is W ork to be D one SIDNEY A. COOK

A bout our N ational President JAMES S. PERKINS

Francis Bacon— O ur Shakespeare SADIE G. STAVE

Calendar o f L odge A ctivities

JANUARY ★ 1942

Under the Auspices of THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ADYAR O lcott

S a focus for the Theosophical work in America, Olcott has

naturally become a center for the distribution o f spiritual­ izing energies. It is linked with Adyar and with Huizen as an outpost. Through these great Centers, Shamballah sends its purifying and ennobling influence to all subsidiary Centers; and with the blessing which Adyar constantly pours out from

Those Great Ones W ho guide the Theosophical movement,

Olcott can and will become an ennobling and uplifting in­ fluence for America in just the proportions in which the en­ riching thought-streams of its members provide the channel for its out-flowing.

F r o m T h e Lodge H a n d b o o k M r . Rogers Declines In the matter of the M a y elections, I wish to thank all who have done m e the honor of inviting m e to be a candidate for the office of National President but to say that under exist­ ing circumstances I cannot accept. That does not mean that I a m declining service, for if it should be that any one of the five electoral districts desires to have m e represent it on the Board of Directors I would be willing to ac­ cept that degree of responsibility, and whatever of value long experience in lecturing and organ­ izing among our lodges may have would be as fully available to the Section there as in the higher office. — L. W . Rogers T H E AMERICAN 1 HEOSOPHIST

OFFICIAL ORGAH OF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA

No. 1 Vol. X X X JANUARY, 1942

There Is W ork to Be Done

SIDNEY A. COOK

S we approach the national election our In the course o f the years the spirit behind members have a right to expect, and I the work o f The Theosophical Society has been A have a duty to give a resume as to the maintained and its true nature has ever been past and a statement looking toward the future. kept in the fore-ground. Olcott, which was just a new office building and residence, torn with I came to the decision to be a candidate for the stresses o f new beginnings, has been built re-election only after many weeks o f thought. into a harmonious center standing as the focal I was urged one way and another by friends point o f the spirit in the midst o f the Section, and by circumstances, so that before, during an emblem o f its solidarity and its strength. and after the last Convention I was entirely un­ The beauties created here are not alone those decided. It was much later, after opportunity of trees and physical paths and gardens, but for quieter thinking, that the decision came. include those o f far greater value that derive from purposeful, impersonal dedication on the Some years ago I wrote to one seeking an appointment for field work: "It is my ideal part o f servers who have lived and worked to that those who enter Theosophical service make Olcott such a center and such a pillar in should do so impelled by a resistless inner com­ the Society. pulsion, never by the force o f outer circum­ Service in the Field has been freely offered stances.” Such is my decision. Were circum­ to all lodges, irrespective o f ability to offer fi­ stances and the many pressures o f these war nancial response. Never has the Section been days to control, I would now be looking forward without a number o f lecturers and field workers, to leaving the Presidential Office rather than nationally supported, and never has there been preparing to continue through three more lack o f encouragement to the lodges to utilize arduous years. I approach a new term o f office these services to the utmost. The welfare of humble, as one must be in the face of a decision every lodge, large or small, has been equally so arrived at, and conscious, as one must also the care o f the Administration. be, that the record o f the past, if it contains There has been no serious attempt to develop some achievements, inevitably contains also new territory. Old methods o f so doing were some shortcomings. If some desired ends have already failing with the advent of many com­ been gained, others yet remain to be realized. petitive forms and attractions, and in the years Sensing the greatness o f the work, achievement of deep depression no money was available. seems incomparably small. Yet those things that Concern was for the preservation o f what re­ are accomplished have their place and their value mained of the once nearly 300 lodges, rather in upholding the Great Work. In those respects than for the spreading o f available effort still in which there has been failure there has been more thinly over new territory in which so many garnered some measure o f practical wisdom, Theosophical lodges had died within recently from which the future may profit. Only two preceding years. things could cause the Society to fail: neglect to do its essential work in the true spirit o f its T o preserve what remained, the Greater purpose, or lack o f management o f its affairs. America Plan and its personnel went to work Either would be fatal. There is therefore no in the Section, the Lodge Handbook was pub­ discouragement. lished, improved pamphlets were made avail- 2 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST

able, field workers went to the assistance of five to seven that areas not included might have lodges regardless o f public work, the establish­ representation. It instituted the Higher Mem­ ment o f standards o f beauty in surroundings bership plan that has brought over $30,000 to and technique were undertaken— all in years of our treasury. It sponsored an amendment to deepest depression when preservation rather the National By-Laws limiting the expenditure than expansion was vital. T o this end all work on the maintenance o f Headquarters as an as­ in the Field was directed and the growing spirit surance to the members that their local activities o f unity and harmony at Olcott spread abroad would be prospered. through the Section as the new standards at the Center were reflected in the lodges. Now as to the future. T o me it looks tremen­ dously encouraging, for from the time that it The link with Adyar was made more strong was rumored that I would not seek re-election and the channel deepened. Adyar’s publications the number o f members who have approached were made more readily available through co­ me to continue in office, the expressions o f ap­ operative measures between Adyar and Olcott, preciation, the offers o f help, have been un­ and through similar measures Adyar’s books precedented. This Christmas has brought me assumed more attractive formats, a movement more messages of friendship than ever before. that has been greatly developed still more re­ I have learned that there is very great appreci­ cently in our own publications. The several ation throughout the Society, though in ordinary Adyar Campaigns have been fully promoted in times it goes mostly unexpressed. Members are this Section. only seemingly unresponsive. The work which The financial side o f the Society’s activities I have had to do as National President shows was given very necessary attention. Through promise of changing from an alone kind of years in which depression and unemployment responsibility (relatively speaking) to one of reached levels never previously approached in very many comradeships and much sharing, any country anywhere in the world, the Society’s which in the past has been largely in spirit net worth as shown by its audited balance sheet only, but now seems assured in the practice, too. has increased. This has been achieved after Members have written o f their realization that conservative accounting, in which its assets have one man alone cannot do all that is required, been written down over $90,000. Intrinsically, that a sense o f responsibility must permeate the the Society is worth $100,000 more than ten whole Society if all is to be well with all of years ago. Its properties have been thoroughly the work. maintained and are in a better state o f repair than ever before. The Society’s current ratio of W e are a Society o f individuals, each of assets and liabilities has been steadily improved whom is a representative o f Theosophy to the from 1.63 to 1 on the wrong side to 1.45 to 1 world. His strength is the Society’s strength, on the right side. Despite depression years, not his failure the Society’s failure. That which a bond or interest payment defaulted. Nearly Tolstoy called “ progress toward well being,” $50,000 has been paid on the debt. that struggle on the part o f humanity toward perfection, should ever be his struggle and dis­ New enterprises have been encouraged. Youth played in his life as "human goodness.” Life has been given its place in the Society’s work. has made great demands on us all in the past National Committees were established, some still fruitfully producing. Advertising in new few years, but despite the demands we must in­ fields and in new media has been tried. Two crease our efforts to be humanly good. This sense different experimental radio programs are in o f what the Theosophist stands for in himself progress, and these may point the way to the and among his fellow members and to the world development of new territory. District lecture forms the foundation for our unity. W e are all activities have been sponsored, but the search seekers, striving toward an ideal, and this unity for resident district lecturers still goes on. The does not mean lack o f variety. W e can have it spirit o f friendship as an underlying principle, in infinite degree, but all must work harmon­ essential in our activities, has been promoted. iously as the different organs of the physical The Art o f Friendship course was designed for body work together, though each fulfills a dif­ this purpose. For years past these various activ­ ferent function. Each individual member is an ities and encouragements have continued with­ organ in this body of The Theosophical Society, out an appeal for funds. and all o f the organs must work cooperatively This Administration early increased the num­ and harmoniously to maintain the Society’s ber o f members o f the Board o f Directors from healthful life. THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST 3

The Elder Brethren want not our devotion Here we have the clearly established truth only, but our good, sound, sensible hard work from behind the scenes by one skilled, experi­ — not our emotional outpourings, but our ardent enced and devoted, and who being free, passed effort to do Their will in work together. on to us in her wisdom her exhortations for our guidance. W e shall do ill if, knowing their The key to our future course o f action we source, we do not now rally to the banner which may well take from Dr. Besant’s counsel to she unfurls for us anew. Let me recapitulate: Dr. Arundale a few days after her passing, when her successor was on the high seas west of 1. "Study Theosophy and promote friend­ Honolulu. Her beautiful admonitions of that ship." These need no elaboration. The means time are about to be made generally available, have already been provided in the courses on and I who had the privilege o f sharing them Theosophy and on Friendship. some years ago may now openly offer them as 2. "Encourage members through the T.O.S. a basis for our future program. Discerning to put Theosophy into practice.” Some members members will see that their spirit has permeated know that I have already been working with past effort, but her direct instructions will give them in an effort to make the T.O.S. more impetus and aid in the future. After referring effective and a better channel for practical Theo­ to the special work which the Masters had given sophical expression. Some time ago I was a her and which took all her time and effort, Dr. member o f an international committee looking Besant said: toward the reorganization o f the T.O.S. The war prevented the consummation o f its recom­ "During these last years I have had no time to give that attention to the Society which it mendations, but there is much that can be done without waiting for new plans. constantly needs. You must do this, and in the right way. W e cannot act directly on individual 3. "Draw the young near to Theosophy.” members. W e have to take them as they come. Letters to the lodges from time to time have But lodges and their meetings must become emphasized their responsibility to give youth much more business like and efficient. With its place and with encouragement. The Young lodges o f the right kind and meetings wisely Theosophists have found a welcome at Olcott, conducted, there will be no difficulty in making and a place on Convention programs. The last the Society a movement which the world neither Olcott Sunday lecture was by a Young The- can ignore nor want to. osophist. They carry the program for February and for March. Younger people, attractive to "1. Study Theosophy and promote friend­ the young, have been working in the field. ship. Others are being watched as they train for this ” 2. Encourage members, through the T.O.S., work. The Children’s Department has been to put Theosophy into practice. promoted and the Round Table revived as a "3. Draw the young near to Theosophy. part o f this program for youth. Let us look again at Dr. Besant’s statement: "Study, Work, Action, Friendship— are the "You must work at the lodges. They have be­ main purposes for which a lodge exists. The come confused. They are weak and uncertain. study o f Theosophy; practical Theosophical The members pull in a hundred different direc­ activity in the outer world; and the drawing tions. They are not Theosophical lodges, what­ of the members together in real friendship; all ever else they are. They have forgotten what in the name o f Theosophy, under the inspir­ Theosophy is, what Theosophy has done because ation o f Theosophy pure and simple. You must it is Theosophy.” work at the lodges. They have become confused. They are weak and uncertain. The members There are our instructions, upon which the pull in a hundred different directions. They principle o f preservation rather than expansion are not Theosophical lodges, whatever else they has been based. There is the reason for stress­ are. They have forgotten what Theosophy is, ing work with lodges rather than with the what Theosophy has done because it is The­ public, but not neglecting the public. There is osophy. Their members run here, there and the reason for Straight Theosophy; there the elsewhere— everywhere but towards the The­ motivation for all the effort toward friendship osophy we have been preaching these fifty years and solidarity. and more, the Theosophy H. P. B. and the Does this foretell anything new for the fu­ Colonel brought to us, the Theosophy Charles ture? I think it does, for here we have assur­ (Bishop C. W . Leadbeater) and I have been ance o f the soundness o f our direction and this trying to pass on to you all.” (Continued on Page 13) 4 THE AMEBIC AN THEOSOPHIST . THE AMERICAN advancing together toward a new order and an understanding that will bring permanent peace and happiness where there has been only war IkEOSOPHIST and the rear o f war. The cost will be great, but Published monthly by little compared with the gain. THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY So— a joyous and happy New Year to all. IN AM ERICA — S. A . C . National President...... Sid n e y A . C o o k Heritage of our Fathers National Secretary...... A n n W e r t h “That which our forefathers have bequeathed Publication Office, Olcott, Wheaton, Illinois to us we must earn if we are to possess it.” Editorial Office, Olcott, Wheaton, Illinois In all the course of history no nation has so Subscription Price...... $1.00 a Year easily acquired so much as has our own. Foreign Subscriptions ...... $1.25 Faced now with the challenge to earn our Entered as second'd ass matter at the post office at magnificent bequest of bounteous land and a Wheaton, Illinois, under the Act of March 8. 1879« Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided priceless freedom, we shall through sacrifice for in Section 412, Act of February 28, 1925, authorized more truly possess that heritage. December 13, 1927. Christmas, symbol of the Christ birth, this Steond doss mail is not forwarded. Therefore changes of ad­ dress should be sent promptly to The American Tbcosopbist, year especially signifies the emergence of the Wheaton, Illinois.______deeper and more abiding qualities by which The Theosophical Society, as such, is not re­ alone our nation, or any nation can endure. sponsible for any opinion or declaration in this Those who are Theosophists and see world magazine, by whomsoever expressed, unless con­ affairs in their wider significance as a part of tained in an official document. an infinite plan, have cause not only to be happy, but to be happier this year than before. For our country is now to play her true part A Happy New Year and the world is to have a rebirth, out of which It is New Year, and war spreads over the its real principles, long submerged in the pur­ world. W e usually say “Merry Christmas!”, but suit of personal ends, are to be brought into perhaps this year there will be less merriment. full play through cooperation and collective Events will make us more thoughtful. But the sacrifice and endeavor. New Year need be no less full of the deep down quality of joy. No Black Out A m erica , has committed herself fully and A ll that endures stands through sacrifice. The unitedly to the task of ridding the world of all degree o f sacrifice poured into The Theosophical threats to liberty and all gangster domination o f Society by its founders and its early leaders peaceful nations. There will be some cost, but made of it an enduring institution. Sustained we may be joyful that we have chosen to defend sacrifice through the years has assured its con­ for all the world those treasured qualities that tinuance and it is by the unrestrained giving of we could not retain unless all the world could our effort that it will live on. Work of the share. nature of that of The Theosophical Society A common enemy and the defense of a com­ thrives under sacrificial conditions. mon cause have brought an increasing degree These are days of sacrifice. War is upon us of cooperation among the nations. Learning of and our work is more important now than under their inter-dependence in war, they are begin­ more favorable conditions. There must be no ning to appreciate the possibilities of mutual black out of our service because of war. W e helpfulness in more constructive effort. When have the example of England, where the work the nations are being brought together there is goes on in every lodge, bomb shattered as they new cause for joy. may be; where the meetings in the London The creation and preservation of peace, re­ Headquarters are held despite blasted windows stricting the activities o f nations everywhere to and shrapnel pierced roof. It is under such peaceful pursuits, is now recognized as the joint conditions that the degree of our dedication responsibility of all nations. W ell may we be is proven by our willingness to overcome ob­ joyous at this assurance of the end of war. As stacles. we view the whole scene and look beyond the Things that are to stand must be sacrificed immediate war years, we see cause for great joy for, ana unfavorable situations will not block that our country and so much of the world are the ardent server of the Cause. Such are the THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST 5 conditions under which The Theosophical So­ tion. W e, too, have been careless. W e, too, ciety pulls itself together and where a group have sought to blame others for conditions at encounters difficulty the unity o f us all adcfs our own door, conditions that can be righted strength. In our finer moments we sustain our­ only through our own cooperative effort. selves, but in times when our strength would T o the nation comes the proof that isolation fail and when obstacles are great, we sense the is not only weak and wrong, but impossible. value o f the collective help o f all brethren as T o each citizen comes the challenge to do more one body. for America, to be truly cooperative, to do what In these days we must be together in spirit he can right where he is to win the war. Rut more, not less. W ar created barriers must not we must do more than win the war in the separate member from member, nor reduce the Pacific; we must win the war o f righteousness degree o f our service. W e must meet— not less against evil, o f light against darkness, o f co­ —-but with adjustment to the conditions that operation against separateness. That war is be­ war creates. W e must meet more frequently, ing waged and must be won not only in Europe, sense more greatly our nearness to each other in Africa, in China and in the Pacific, but in and our splendid purpose and, with all our our communities, our homes, our lodges and energy, work collectively for greater service to our hearts. Thus only can there be safety and meet the greater need. peace. Philosophy Theosophists, always warriors for the right, will not only do their share as citizens, but be­ A philosophy by which life might be made cause they are Theosophists will everywhere sweeter and more profitable is expressed under­ lead in placing the common welfare above all standing^ by Wilfred A. Peterson, a logician that is for less than all. and writer of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a W ar has come to the United States. Sincerely recent issue o f The Silver Lining, a private pub­ as some have held the view that war could have lication, as follows: been avoided; opposed on principle as many "H ow we do worry about things we can’t honest thinkers have undoubtedy been; desiring control, such as floods, thunder storms, and wars an American basis o f peace, as all men o f good in Europe! Just for a change, why don’t we do will have done; war is yet brought to our land something about things we can control? For and to our people. example, while none o f us can lengthen his The treachery with which war came brings span o f life, perhaps, beyond the hand o f des­ home to all the nature o f the forces, evil and tiny, we can control its width and depth. It is dark, that are loose upon the world. The evi­ not given us to control the contour of our dence that the war is not merely one of peoples countenance, but we can control its expression or countries or empires, but o f light and dark­ — we can smile instead o f frown. W e cannot ness is laid clearly before us. The President alter the distance o f our heads above the ground, is profoundly right when he says that it is the but we can control the height o f their contents will o f the people to make very certain that such — we can think high thoughts. W e have no treachery shall never endanger us again. control over the weather, but we can control the moral atmosphere that surrounds us. W e The task we as a nation have undertaken cannot control the other fellow’s annoying hab­ will not be easy. There will be many dark days its, but we can do something about our own.” and long periods o f heartache and much to cause discouragement. But there will be no des­ A Glorious Goal pair, no cessation o f effort, o f determination, Every American has a work to do. W e love of sacrifice, until the victory is won. As a na­ our country. D o we love America enough to tion we are embarked with other free nations honestly ask ourselves: "Can I do more?” and upon the course o f ridding the world o f inter­ to go to work and do more? For all the war and national ruthlessness and aggression. The end all the suffering until the final victory, every will be a world worn, but at peace and prepared citizen has a share o f responsibility. Karma falls for an era o f cooperation in preserving justice where karma has been earned. W e have earned and good w ill; a world determined in the fu­ the shock that has come and the sacrifice we ture to stop evil everywhere ere its work begins. now must make. Theosophists are no excep­ It is a glorious goal. It will be achieved. 6 About our National President

JAMES S. PERKINS

S the present Administrative term draws to world— all o f these things, initiated entirely by its dose and our thoughts as members o f Mr. Cook, have certainly justified our belief A the Sodety are directed toward the fu­ that his was truly an appointment with Destiny. ture, with the grave responsibility we all share To those of us who feel the great reality of in the coming election of new officers in a our work (and who does not?), the particular period of great uncertainty in the world, there privilege that is ours to belong to a Society that are certain considerations which I feel we should may be said to be the Masters’ Society—to all review thoughtfully. of us, the guarding of the Light of the Ancient Mr. Cook has announced that he will stand Wisdom, which is Theosophy, is one of our for re-election to the office of National Presi­ highest duties. In practical terms this means the dent. I know he did not make his decision with­ constant promotion of what we have come to out weeks of careful thought. As a dose co­ call Straight Theosophy. Mr. Cook has stood worker of his during a good many years of his first among us in his unfailing and tireless ef­ service as National President, I feel urged to forts with regard to his stewardship. For this offer to the membership in the cause of en­ I am, as one of the members, grateful. His lightenment some recollections, thoughts, and loyalty to our great leaders has been unques­ testimony of what that assodation has revealed tioned. He has steadily deepened and made to me regarding the man and his work. more real the channel and the link between the I shall never forget my first visit to Olcott in American lodges and members, and Adyar. He 1932. I knew instantly then (as I believe I shall has ceaselessly endeavored to lift the standards always know) that it was my “spiritual home” of our work, both at Headquarters and in the in America. It has been one of my joys to see field and. among our members and lodges. year by year, how it has grown in beauty, all of These may all appear to be generalities, yet its values preserved and cherished while new "first things come first,” and these are first ones were constantly added. Wherever there things. Without them all else sinks to an in­ is such an accomplishment there needs must be ferior level. some steady vision, some driving influence ever Mr. Cook offers outstandingly the quality of watchful, never failing, with regard to those friendship. His has been a steady emphasis interests. That work, of course, is the duty of upon friendship as a vital part of our work. the National President, but the constant care How truly we know that this is among the first and intelligence with which it has been done by virtues of a Theosophist! There are endless Mr. Cook is indeed our good fortune. I say little episodes that might be mentioned which this because I think we should all realize the have gone unsung and unknown, that have importance of a Headquarters— and our Head­ proven the generosity and the wise friendship quarters particularly. which our National President has ever offered, None of us can forget the days we faced and I am thinking of that friendship as it has from 1930 on, when our work indeed hung been extended in every direction and not just in precariously in the balance as our center was terms of my own personal relationship, which threatened with grave financial uncertainty. has indeed been one of the happiest and most Where among us was there anyone so fitted with fruitful friendships of my life. the business and financial and organizational To many of us Mr. Cook has long been an in­ abilities as was Mr. Cook for such an hour in spiration in the matter of personal sacrifice in the history of our Section? There are few of the service of our Great W ork. Certainly none us indeed who fail to feel that here was an can say that he would continue service as the “appointment with Destiny.” And the years National President for another term out of that have followed— the steadying years of a personal desire or gratification. It is an arduous new financial security— of reorganizing our Sec­ task that becomes particularly heavy as the tion’s business along modem, acceptable lines world’s critical situation develops. Yet, with a of procedure, of introducing efficient methods positive genius for the use of time, Mr. Cook and practices common to large enterprises, but manages to face every task adequately, as a con- very uncommon in organizations such as ours tinous sacrifice, which I am sure he regards as a which seek to bring a practical idealism to the continuous happy opportunity. It would not be THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST 7 possible were it not for the qualities in him that a common cooperative effort according to ca­ draw servers to his assistance. Olcott today is pacity and not a system to gratify the ambitions not only functioning efficiently, but with a of a few. This is a high moral level to main­ group o f devoted servers surrounding the Na­ tain and I believe he successfully does so. tional President it is more than ever before There are none o f us who are human who ready to face the strenuous days ahead. do not err. Mr. Cook is a man who will defend Contrary to some opinion, I have ever found his point o f view vigorously, but who listens Mr. Cook encouraging new ideas and new de­ attentively to the arguments o f others far more velopments in our work. Again and again he than seems to be realized. N ot only is he open has initiated or aided new developments that to the viewpoints o f others, but he sincerely seemed sound. His care in inquiring deeply invites them. This has been a valuable quali­ into the nature o f every scheme proposed is fication which makes possible an openness to certainly an anchor to the windward— an im­ change with regard to mistakes. A vigorous portant factor of safety in a group o f idealists defense of one’s point of view is not to be easily given to flights o f fancy that often could mistaken for unwillingness to welcome the new. prove highly expensive and even disastrous. Mr. Cook brings to us preeminently the sane, com- These are things I have experienced and felt monsense and clear-headed point o f view o f a as I have labored with Mr. Cook in our common man who faces successfully the world o f 1942. cause. It has been a great privilege to be associ­ It is easy to level against such a man the ated with him. Nothing but the best for me criticism o f being undemocratic. I protest that has resulted, a thought which I am sure many viewpoint. I have found Mr. Cook’s ideal of others can echo. I can only hope that in the democracy to be one in which all participate in years ahead that relationship will continue.

S h a d o w s o f Illusion B Y ROSALIE C A N N E Y F O X N my preceding article, "The Divine Archi­ the Many— the Unity amid the seeming di­ tecture,” I endeavored to show how shi- versity. I dents o f Occultism are also (because o f it) In the early stages of our evolution, we are students o f Architecture in its broadest and blinded by the forms, and in our blindness we highest sense, students o f that Divine Architec­ fall victim to the snare of Illusion which ture that is ever in the process o f Becoming in Buddhism terms "Maya,” and which has been every atom o f Space throughout Eternity; that defined as "the magical glamor o f appearances Divine Architecture, o f which man-made archi­ which causes the unenlightened percipient of tecture is but an outward symbol o f a great them to conceive multiplicity and duality as inner Cosmic Reality— the evolution o f Life being Real.” We are dazzled by the forms— through Form. and in our dazzlement, we mistake them for But as students o f this sublime and eternal Reality. Hence has arisen the heresy of separ­ Architecture, let us never, even for a moment, ateness, which has been the cause of a large become blinded by the forms themselves, be­ part o f the suffering and sorrow that shadow our lieving that in them we have found Reality. existence. They are but vestures— veils— hiding the face As we progress further in our Pathway of Becoming, the Life is revealed to us— first in of Reality from us, even while revealing it. glimpses, then in increasing fullness and splen­ Let us think of them as but guide-posts, if we dor, until at last, with the dawning o f Dis­ will— revealing to us something of the work­ cernment, we can see the forms as but vehicles ings o f the Life— but, even while so doing, o f unfolding Life that dwells in them for a veiling from us the fullness o f Its transcendent brief time until their usefulness has been ful­ splendor until within us has awakened that filled— and then the Life discards them, in quality o f Spiritual Discernment which enables order to build for itself better and more perfect us to distinguish the Real from the unreal, the vehicles. Yet even when we are able to per­ Permanent from the impermanent and transi­ ceive this, we have not yet seen the Life in Its tory, the shadow from the Eternal, Timeless Reality. Shadows o f it, perhaps— like shadows THAT which casts the shadow. Only then can cast upon a screen— that flit across our vision we pierce beneath the illusory veils with which dimly and are gone, re-absorbed into the greater the Life clothes Itself— and find the one amid shadows from whence they came. W hile the 8 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST

Life does dwell in the forms, it is yet a thing for a day (or shall we say an hour?) in Eternity. apart and we must learn to distinguish the one They dissolve and die, but the Life goes on to from the other. In the seeming diversity, we build newer and better forms through which it must never lose sight of the fundamental unity can more fully and perfectly express Its Un­ which dwells ever at the heart of that seeming foldment. Its Path is ever upward— eternally diversity. Life is ever one, while the forms upward and outward, and the forms it uses are which it inhabits during the course of its un- but incidents in its Unfoldment and Eternal foldment are many. B ecom ing. When we study the Evolution of Life and Let us think o f the experience o f viewing the the Evolution of Form, we see, at once, that unfolding glory of the dawn as it is painted they are two separate processes which move to­ upon the face of the heavens with colors of gether in somewhat of a parallel. The Evolution living fire. First, the darkness begins to pale of Form is a complex process, passing through and merge from darkness into a shadowy dim­ many stages, many transitions. First, Birth, ness that gives promise of awakening light. then unripened Youth, then, slowly reaching Then, slowly, the paling greyness seems to toward and becoming a seasoned maturity that flush with soft, delicate tints of rose and coral holds within it Fulfillment— then, at last, the and pale lemon yellow— heralds of the coming decline of the form toward the sunset of its glory of the sunrise. Yet they are not the span of existence—old age, and gradual dis­ sun, though they bear witness to his coming. integration at last dissolve the form and, having They are but reflections of his radiant glory— fulfilled its purpose, it returns again to the yet, because of them, we know that the sun elements from which it was molded. is rising and that his flaming presence has These stages in the life of the form—birth, flushed the dawn sky wherein his radiance is youth, maturity and age— bring to mind the reflected, making way for him as he ascends "Seven Ages of Man,” which Shakespeare so into his heaven. graphically and understanding^ described, for So do the forms bear witness to the Life; man enacts in his span of life in any one in­ but they are to the Life what those first, pale carnation, the same stages o f birth, growth, and flushes o f the dawn are to the sun, they merely eventual decay that all forms of our universe point the way to those who have the eyes to also pass through. It has been said that man is see Beyond. Let us never mistake them for that a universe in miniature, and that in the span of of which they but bear witness. Let us study each earth-life he re-enacts the same periods of them and know them for what they are, but growth, fruition, and dissolution as that which let us strive to awaken within ourselves that is experienced by every other living thing upon power of Discernment that will enable us to the earth. And with reference to man we may find and to know Reality amid unreality, Perma­ turn again to Shakespeare, and meditate upon nence amid impermanence, Eternity amid the his words: "A ll the world’s a stage; and all transitory and the fleeting. Let us as students the men and women merely players; they have of the Divine Architecture strive for that— their exits and their entrances; and one man, knowing that even the Architecture is but a in his time, plays many parts.’’ Is this not an means to an end—not the end, in itself. Let allegory of the Life process— not only in man, us study and know the forms, but let us pierce but in all forms inhabited by the Life in the beneath their outward seeming, and know them course of its evolution? Is it not an allegory for what they truly are: garments worn by the of the Doctrine of Reincarnation and Reem­ Life just so long as the Life needs that par­ bodim ent? ticular garment to express an unfolding aspect The Evolution of Life is quite a different of its growth. In our study of the forms, let process— for whereas the Evolution of Form us not become blinded by the forms themselves, is complex, the Evolution of Life is wondrously mistaking them for that of which they are but simple. For Life there is no decline and dis­ fleeting shadows. Only that which is eternal, solution in death. Life has but one movement changeless, and permanent can be Real— all else throughout Eternity— and that movement is is but illusion that veils Reality from us until U nfoldm en t. Unfoldment is its Purpose in we have learned to pierce beneath the veil. Being, and Unfoldment is the Fulfillment of So, as students of Architecture, let us never its Purpose. The forms that it builds and en­ forget the true nature of that Architecture— souls, while travelling its Pathway of Unfold­ but let us seek in its diversity for that Eternal ment, are but incidents to the Life (again the Unity which is the Root of all Being, the Goal simile of shadows comes to mind), lasting but of all Becoming. 9 Francis Bacon— Our Shakespeare

SADIE G. STAVE

HIS month we celebrate the birth o f the the idea o f teaching the common people the great genius who wrote the Shakespearian cardinal virtues in great epics o f moral passion T plays— Sir Francis Bacon. He is of particu­ — the Drama, similar in principle to the way lar interest to us as the Master who is connected we find truths embedded in the myths, the wis­ with American affairs. Here is our opportunity dom o f the ancients. to learn the truth about this great personality— In Elizabethan days the language o f culture the greatest figure in English letters, one o f the was Latin. There was virtually no English lan­ greatest personalities in European civilization. guage save barbarous country dialects. The cus­ As long as the truth is not generally known toms and manners o f the people were rude and or taught in our schools, it is our duty to be­ coarse so he began the herculean task o f giving come acquainted with the facts and communi­ England a language, building up a vocabulary, cate them to those who are ready to listen. Let and refining the ethical standards o f the masses. me relate briefly the dramatic details o f a tragic He spent all the money he could make or obtain life. If you are interested in the scholarly re­ to further his aims as did also Lady Bacon, his search work connected with the subject o f the foster-mother, and Anthony Bacon, his foster- Shakespeare-Bacon controversy, you will be able brother, who were fired with the same ideals. to obtain many excellent books. I list a few at This hidden work was known to the Fraterni­ the end o f the article. ties. When Bacon died, the great scholars of the day united to acclaim him the greatest poet The story o f the life o f Sir Francis Bacon who had ever lived. Yet Francis Bacon never as given in books dealing with English history wrote poetry (save one or two translations) over and literature is false. Bacon ranks with the his own name, any more than he claimed martyrs o f the world. He was the victim o f a openly to be a Prince of the House of Tudor. plot as diabolical as ever stained the pages of history. There are now abundant proofs that not The Queen’s intimacy with Leicester resulted in another child known to history as the Earl only did Francis Bacon believe himself to be the son o f Queen Elizabeth, but that others o f Essex. The two men knew each other as knew it also as a State secret. His father was brothers. They arranged that if ever Essex Robert Dudley, later known as the Earl of should be acknowledged heir, Francis should have a free hand for his literary and philos- Leicester. The Queen and the Earl were married privately, and the boy was born four months phic ideals. When Essex was condemned for later. At the age o f fifteen Francis accidentally treason, Francis had no fear that Essex would learned the secret o f his birth and was sent to actually go to the block. Essex had the Queen’s France in the entourage o f the Ambassador to ring in his possession. The Queen had prom­ the French court. He traveled over the very ised that if Essex would send her the ring, she scenes immortalized in the Shakespearian plays. would refuse to sign the death warrant. The He visited Spain and Italy— Verona, Padua, and ring did not come. The ministers pressed Florence. W hile at the French court, Francis Elizabeth for her signature. The fact is that fell in love with Marguerite of Navarre who Essex had sent the ring relying on the Queen’s was then taking steps to be divorced from her promise. The Countess of Nottingham kept it husband, and the loss was bitter even to the end back. On her deathbed she sent for the Queen o f his life. and confessed her guilt. History records that the horrified and enraged Queen shook the dy­ All efforts to persuade the Queen to acknowl­ ing woman on her bed, screaming at her: "God edge him publicly as her son and heir to the may forgive you, but I never can.” For his­ throne failed. Unofficial records state that he torians to declare that Essex was the Queen’s was compelled to keep the knowledge a secret lover is absurd. All the facts point to this: at peril o f life and to swear that he would make that she had the love o f an imperious woman no claim to the succession. for a wayward child and that false pride on W hile on the Continent, he was initiated into both sides led to their joint undoing. the Rosicrucian Order. He had also become All this time Francis was known as the imbued with the New Learning then spreading straightest man in the House o f Commons by from Greece to Italy and France. He conceived all the Freeholders o f England. At James’ first 10 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST parliament he was returned by two constituen­ Bacon’s interview with the King in which cies, always a rare honor. It was a signal tribute Bacon declares that he is ready to make an to virtue and ability. At fifty-one he was made oblation of himself for the King. The name Attorney-General, and then successively, Lord Shakespeare is a penname taken from the God­ Keeper, Lord Chancellor, a Peer of the Realm. dess Pallas Athene— the Shaker o f the Spear of He held the office of Lord Keeper for three Knowledge at the Serpent o f Ignorance. years, and at the age of sixty he was created Sir Francis Bacon played a large part in many Viscount St. Alban. Yet within three months other activities. He was the founder of the after receiving this honor, England’s greatest Royal Society for Science. He was deeply inter­ Chancellor fell— a catastrophe so surprisingly ested in the colonization of the New W orld. It dramatic that its ecpal can only be round in is due to him that the Atlantic seaboard was the terrible tragedies of Shakespeare. It is English rather than French or Spanish. He in­ a tangled tale of the deceit, hypocrisy, and cor­ fluenced profoundly English prose through his ruption rampant at the Court. Lord St. Alban Essays and English philosophy through his was falsely accused o f taking bribes and pervert­ philosophical books. He organized the Rosi- ing justice in the Chancery Division by political crosse Literary Society that helped him in all his enemies who wanted to get rid of him, who literary undertakings, "his literary compeers by coveted his position and who despised his up­ night.” He organized the English Masonic rightness and intellectual genius. Bacon was so Order and wrote its classic and stately ritual. taken aback that his health was broken. Never­ He gave the final literary form to the King theless he began to prepare a defense. The James Version of the Bible. Later in history King, full of fear of ruin and revolution, begged he is known as the Count St. Germain. Today him to plead guilty lest the Throne be jeopar­ He is the Master at the head of Seventh Ray dized. At last the King commanded him to activities. enter a plea o f Guilty. Then the Chancellor sub­ mitted. Bacon’s enemies to humiliate him, de­ Let me summarize briefly the evidence for the manded that he plead guilty to each particular Baconian authorship o f the Shakespearian plays; charge. There was no way of escape. He could 1. Edwin Reed, the English scholar, has not draw back. The truth is that Lord St. Alban pointed out 885 parallelisms in the Baconian pleaded guilty to technical carelessness only, books and the Shakespearian plays. not to crime; carelessness, too, when he was 2. Only five badly written signatures of new to the office, his registrars, his secretaries, Shakespeare’s are extant. The details o f his life and his clerks. before he left Stratford and after his retirement After his fall, his enemies were in power. are unbelievably petty. There is not one sign Dissatisfied suitors were encouraged to obtain of interest in the plays. There is not one indi­ a reversal of his judgments. The fact emerges cation of love of culture. As a scholar charac­ that though there were many attempts to set terized the Shakespearian plays, they are "writ­ aside his verdicts, not one was reversed. They ten in the most courtly, refined, and classical stand sound in law and sound in fact. That in English, replete with learning, full o f evidence itself is sufficient to acquit Francis Bacon from of wide reading, dealing with aristocratic life the common verdict passed by elementary his­ and manners, and instinct with poetry of the tory books. very highest order.” "Shakespearian Scholars A ruined man socially and politically, and freely admit that the plays show knowledge of penniless, Bacon turned to his literary work. the Neo-Platonic philosophy, are full of Ma­ W ithin five years he turned out work after work sonic symbols, reveal a familiar knowledge of of prose, philosophy, and numerous secret vol­ the Bible, a masterly knowledge of the ancient umes. He compiled the Shakespearian Folio and world, and an extraordinary vocabulary.” W il­ published it secretly so that it should not be tar­ liam H. Furness, one of the greatest Shakes­ nished by his personal disgrace. He completed pearian scholars that ever lived, said: "I have his personal poems, Shakespeare’s Sonnets, never been able to bring his Life and his Plays which contain the secret o f his true personality. within a planetary space of each other.” The These sonnets were sold only to the Brothers of plays and sonnets, however, harmonize per­ the Masonic and Rosicrucian Orders. He re­ fectly with the life, character, attainments, and quested the Brothers not to divulge the secrets learning o f Sir Francis Bacon. of his birth, life, and death. Ben Jonson be­ 3. The ornament placed at the head of the lieved in his innocence. A note is extant of Sonnets in the Quarto is also found in Francis THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST 11

Bacon’s works, Shakespeare’s plays, and the feet are the Sonnet initials T. T. The fingers of King James Version o f the Bible. It is a speci­ the statue points to the Queen at the side. The men o f Rosicrucian symbolism which at the place o f honor in front is given to a beautiful same time reveals Bacon’s true identity. youth— a crowned Prince— young Francis Bacon 4. De Augments, published at Leyden in o f the Hilyard Miniature (found in Queen 1645, contains a frontispiece which is a pictorial Elizabeth’s prayer book). On the left side is allegory. Bacon is seated before a table point­ the figure o f the Queen’s second son, the Earl ing with the forefinger of one hand to an open of Essex, and the Queen’s husband, the Earl of book. The other hand restrains a figure clad Leicester. in a skin that is struggling to reach a temple Alfred Dodd, the greatest living authority on on the top of a nearby hill. Bacon is here repre­ the Shakespeare-Bacon controversy today states: sented as the author of two works— one open "Think you that the abbey authorities would and acknowledged, the other, enigmatical dra­ have allowed all this apparently meaningless matic and unacknowledged. The figure clad in foolery if they had not known to whom the the beast’s skin struggling to reach the Temple Shakespeare Monument was actually being erect­ o f Mysteries is the Muse of Tragedy. ed— Lord St. Alban, a Prince o f the House of 5. The head-ornament o f The Tempest in Tudor? Not likely . . . The High Dignitaries the Great Folio and that o f the Novum Organum knew the truth as the State Secret. And it is are the same, thus externally indicating the close known today in the Highest Quarters. The time connection between the two books: the one in­ is now ripe when the inscription on Francis augurating the "Inventory of Things in Nature,” Bacon’s Tombstone must be made manifest— the other the "Inventory o f Human Passions.” 'Let Compounds be Dissolved.’ ” 6. That ciphers were popular in Queen Eliza­ I close with the words of Alfred Dodd: "Let beth’s day is well known. At least five o f the me, then, appeal to you in the sacred name of ciphers that Bacon used have been deciphered. justice to help to touch the public conscience, These ciphers are discovered profusely scattered to restore to one o f the noblest o f men his good through the plays, sonnets, and ornaments, name, so that this generation may hand to revealing his name and identity, also his posi­ posterity the lamp o f truth respecting this most tion in the two brotherhoods. lovable character, the pure soul o f a W orld 7. The dangers o f publication were so dread­ Master.” ful that Bacon’s concealment o f his identity is Bibliography readily understood. "In 1530 Press Censorship A lfred D odd was established until 1694. If by chance any­ 1. The Personal Poems of Francis Bacon, thing to which her Majesty took exception hap­ Shakespeare’s Sonnet Diary. pened to find its way into print, the unhappy 2. Shakespeare, Creator of Freemasonry. printer, if he was not broken on the rack or his feet smashed into a pulp with boots, had 3. The Marriage of Elizabeth Tudor. his hands cut off and the.stumps seared with E. Francis U dney a hot iron.” (Harold Bayley.) Later Incarnations of Francis Bacon 8. A most interesting piece o f direct evi­ dence is the Shakespeare monument in W est­ To obtain Alfred Dodd’s books, write to him minster Abbey which had been erected by Pope. personally at Fahelen, 108 Sandforth Road, The statue is graced with the head o f Francis Liverpool 12, England. Bacon, the stockings are engraved with the I should also like to call the attention o f our Tudor Roses and a Crown, the lace work on readers to the publications o f the Baconian So­ the ruffs o f the sleeve is an exact repetition of ciety in England, 30 Ridinghouse Street, Lon­ the ruff worn by Queen Elizabeth. Between his don, W . 1.

The failure o f humanity in the West to pre­ physical chain o f events. serve the worth o f their civilization and the dig­ The first experiment in this diabolical faith nity o f man weighs like a nightmare on my was launched in Manchuria. Those who built mind. their power on moral cynicism are themselves It seems clear to me that this failure is due proving its victims. The nemisis is daily prov­ to men’s repudiation o f moral values and to ing more ruthless. their belief that everything is determined by a —Sir Rabindranath T agore 12 Looking Backward and Forward

JAMES S. PERKINS

OW that I have completed the first part offer whatever on that score. I have expected N of my season’s work, traveled many nothing and found much, and I feel that I hundreds of miles and visited about 35 want to shout: "Fellow Theosophists! With lodges, it might be of interest if I put down a what w e have got we are doing great things few impressions and thoughts. Before doing and will do far greater!” so, however, I want to remind readers that my Our hour of greatest peril is past. The tide approach is not analytical, but intuitive. I find is swinging in world affairs back toward unities. that I cannot step out of my role of an artist, Our nation at last is lined up with forces com­ and thus I have entered again and again into mitted to freedom and to greater unities. Im­ the limitations of each problem and have pro­ mense opportunities now open for The The- ceeded to "paint pictures.” The qualities I osophical Society to spread with greatest effect have needed and have called forth have been the teachings of Theosophy and the value of those the painter uses. Theosophical living. I have looked upon the work clear-eyed and Though it was a great physical strain upon without presupposed ideas of what I felt it me to travel and be constantly adjusting to new might and ought to be. I have taken it just as conditions, I look forward eagerly to day by it was, and have found it good. day service in the great cause or creating a love I have often listened attentively, and some­ for and a new interest in Theosophy. times, I must admit, with a sinking heart, to some who have attempted to interpret the state I appeal to the lodges that I have not yet of our work in many places. If I had any ex­ visited to make every effort to gather responsive pectations, they were that conditions in certain audiences. This cannot be done without adver­ quarters might be found rather depressing. Now tising. In a small city of 17,000 I had the finest I have seen for myself and I no longer believe example of good advertising and follow-up that. Everywhere I found Theosophists cour­ publicity of any single place. The result was ageously and earnestly doing their work, roots fine audiences of people, intelligent above the down and chin up— working, whatever their average. It was very encouraging. In other limitations, to further the spread of Theosophy. places little effort was made, with correspond­ This I marveled over again and again. It has ing results. The chagrin of members who felt inspired me with a great hope ana confidence an opportunity had slipped by is an unhappy regarding our future. experience. I hope there will be few, if any, further examples o f this inadequate preparation. On all sides, along all lines, unities are being shaken. The spirit of the time has been against It should be understood that those of us who unities. It has Been an age o f transition, o f con­ travel really mean to give our best to the work. fusion, an age of choice— yet the phenomenon Let the lodges give theirs. In the common ef­ of our Society has continued throughout; the fort we shall make the most of our oppor­ web of brotherhood has been a reality. tunities. I ask myself, have we— some of us— expected One suggestion I would like to offer, is that too much on the surface ? Have we held hopes chairmen should experience a feeling o f cheer­ that were unreal because they were not keyed ful confidence in our work and avoid giving to the difficulties of our time? It is much, very negative impressions regarding the local or the much, to find here and there, in city after city, national work. It is necessary to be positive and members standing firmly in die support of our not negative in the creation of any work. I have work. It is our task to help them to carry on found that simple piano music, if it is good, ever with more efficiency and beauty, to aid helps me greatly in creating a successful atmos­ them in their limitations—not with too much phere for the lecture. criticism, but rather with inspiration and en­ I mention these facts only because they con­ couragement. tribute to successfully making the most of our Everywhere I have found Theosophists con­ opportunities. I am looking forward with great siderate and kindly with regard to my personal anticipation to the privilege of working with needs. I feel that I want to commend the Sec­ other members and lodges as my itinerary pro­ tion’s good manners. I have no complaint to gresses. 13

THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE (Continued from Page 3) combined with the recognition that all must tors on the subject o f issuing certificates of work, that all have a responsibility, and the organization, and therefore o f recognition, to promises o f collaboration in practice as well as groups too small to form lodges, and thereby in spirit which have come to me so genuinely give them encouragement to meet, to study and from so many sources— these collectively will to prepare themselves for lodge work. I have make a new future. proposed a Workers’ Conference to be held in W ith such assurances of work, we can certainly connection with next summer’s Convention and still further improve our methods and modern­ Summer School, and to be attended by all who ize our thinking. For the Theosophical Society care to come and help promote in any practical like democracy itself can be preserved only by way, new phases o f activity. making it work, meeting actual needs. That Special leaflets on Theosophy are in course of does not involve departure from Theosophy to preparation for distribution in great numbers to something weaker or something less, but an up­ men in the armed services. Volunteers are holding o f Theosophy in its purity more strongly needed and have been called for to serve in than ever, insuring its application to the needs this work. o f the present time as it so successfully met the Early in November I suggested to a feder­ needs o f the materialistic days o f the Society’s ation struggling with the problems of its own inception. bulletin that it make use o f T h e A m e r i c a n Theosophy holds the answer to the problems T h e o s o p h i s t for a quarterly presentation o f o f today no less than to the problems o f yester­ its views and thus reach a wider circle o f readers. day, and as it was Theosophy that met the needs The national magazine has always been open and enlightened the world in early days, so it for constructive articles, and every federation is Theosophy that will answer today’s needs. could in turn be given space for such contri­ W e have but to find the way o f making the butions. It is not a new idea. It is but being primary truths clear in the midst o f a world of emphasized with the hope that long standing problems now much more complex. opportunities for exchanging ideas may be For this purpose there is need for all kinds availed of. o f Theosophical work. There is a place for the I want to clear up a point about which there Theosophical specialist. Fritz Kunz and his appears to be doubt. It is well known that I work come in that category and the Theosoph­ did not favor the change in the method of ical Research Association has been encouraged electing members o f the Board o f Directors. I in that sphere, though only the few can be did not attempt in any way to influence the de­ specialists. The great majority o f mankind still cision of the members regarding it, but after­ need just straight Theosophy, simply, inspir- wards frankly stated that I thought I had been ingly told, and related to the problems that beset remiss in not presenting certain points o f view the world and all men individually. This is the that I believe the members would have wel­ nature o f the work that James Perkins and Fred comed and that might have affected the result. Werth are doing so well, and to which youth Throughout my term o f office I have strenu­ also is so responsive. They share, too, with Mr. ously worked to maintain the unity o f the Sec­ Rogers the public work. So far as developing tion, and it has been maintained, except for one new territory is practicable, Mr. Rogers since lodge (when and if the interest of the Society last summer has assumed that responsibility. He requires the full story o f that one incident to is unequalled in that field. be published, much that is now obscure will be­ A training program is in the course o f de­ come clear). I have been opposed to the di­ velopment, largely under the direction of N or­ vision o f the Section into political units o f any man Pearson. Aids to chairmen, secretaries, kind. I regard such a step as a departure from hostesses, class leaders, librarians, publicity the essential principle o f unity. I have felt that chairmen, book sales agents, etc., are being de­ members would regret any plan by which there signed as a part o f this program, all to be sup­ were five Board members, for each o f whom plemented with a special course next summer, 8 0% o f the members o f the Society had no and possibly through the magazine. This is part chance to vote, and I would have liked the o f the "work with lodges,” to add further subject further considered. I abhor politics quality and therefore pulling power and effec­ and political scheming within the Society and tiveness to their activities. have kept the Society free o f them as though I have recently consulted the Board o f Direc­ they were poison— which they are. Principles 14 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST

openly proclaimed should govern our proced­ we work as one, as They work as one. The work ures and to set the stage for political divisions is Theirs, but we must find the way of work was, in my judgment, a serious mistake. and it is not the way of self-seeking and of But those who are fearful that I would ob­ separateness. It is the way by which all o f these struct the working of the new plan once it had are forgotten in the glory of the work itself. been adopted do an injustice to their National Only today I was among a group of men who President, who knows too well the occult law see in present international collaboration just that requires whole-hearted cooperation in any an expedient of the moment and who believe decision lawfully taken. Members therefore that when the war is over this nation and every have my assurance of the fullest cooperation in nation will return to the methods o f nationalism making the new procedure effective. I hope and greed, laying the foundation for more wars that under it we shall select a Board o f Directors and no improvement in human relationships. each prepared to be intensively active in the I was alone in defending the opposite point of promotion o f the work in his own district, truly view. But so long as there are men without representative o f the National Headquarters ana hope, who do not know that in a better ordered the unity it represents, as well as o f the interest world men would be better behaved one toward of the members in the district. Such a Board another, who do not know that there is a plan Member should be a bond of union with the by which the world steadily progresses and center, visiting and sustaining the lodges in his mankind achieves, so long must the work of district, familiar with their needs and assisting The Theosophical Society go on. them to better work and understanding ana All men cannot be reached by lectures and mutual cooperation. The success of the new by books. The majority respond, touched by procedure depends entirely upon its being made the light in the life of some Theosophist, by his o f practical value to The Theosophical Society, faith, his certainty, his knowledge of the wis­ to lodges and to members— not merely o f polit­ dom. One sees daily the value of Theosophy ical influence and preferment to the few. as a living influence even more than as a teach­ Let us remember too, that these are times of ing, and while the knowledge must be spread testing. Men are under fire, not only of tanks abroad by all the means in our power, by old and guns on the battle fronts of the nations. methods and by new, the most urgent of all Men are being proven big or little, fit or unfit needs toward the fulfillment o f the real purpose by their reactions when their small schemes fail o f The Theosophical Society is that we shall be or their ambition is seemingly denied. The most brothers together and show the light o f brother­ vociferous often tell the least of the truth. hood and truth and beauty to all men. With Incidents seen on the surface sometimes go back this achieved in solidarity and oneness, with all many years for their beginnings. pulling their full weight together and in one Differences there may be among us, but direction, though in their different capacities, among men who are big and whose hearts are all else that is desired for and of the Society true, differences but enhance and enrich. Light can be realized. on the Path tells us that we never gain what we I acknowledge most gratefully suggestions want or need from those with whom we differ which have been made to me and help which until we have made them our friends. has been offered as to a future program. There W e are a nation at war. The air has been are, no doubt, many other thoughts and all will cleared as we know what it is we stand for as be welcome. a nation. Others with whom we differed we For myself, I have but one real ambition. That now clearly recognize as comrades in a common is, sometime when strenuous work is done, to cause. Lesser ambitions have been merged in have what I call "a house by the side of the the common interest. Differences and uncer­ road”— a Theosophical house on a Theosophical tainties within the nation and the world have been subtly reflected within the Society. The road where the Theosophical world will go by, unity achieved by the nation should now be where members with whom I have worked manifest no less in our own ranks, in our com­ through many years will always be dropping in mon interest—the more effective living and — and new members, too, and all who are in spreading of the truth of Theosophy. trouble can find some com fort and some strength I give you a slogan for the future: "There is through the sharing of a ripe experience and work to De done." But I say to you also that where Theosophical work in quieter ways can be this work can be done and done well and effec­ continued. tively and to the glory of Those W ho founded But for the present: ’There is work to be the Society and placed it in our hands, only if don e.” 15 Calendar of Lodge Events

JANUARY, 1942 (W e all participate in Tbeosophical work, and it should be encourag­ ing to us all to realize the degree to which we are sharing with our brothers in a unified work. In order to bring to all a more real sense of this sharing in a work that is not simply local, but national, each lodge was asked to send in its program for the month o f January. The result is this composite calendar. Only forty-four lodges responded— and some of these were indefinite as to time, date and type of program — or the calendar o f this typical month would have been very much more extensive. It serves, however, to shoiv that we are at work, and the steadfastly continued effort is truly magnificent in its extent. Clearly, so much space cannot be given every month, but this will give assur­ ance to all that there is activity steadily carried on the Section over.)

January 2 (Friday) D e t r o i t : Lecture, "Jesus and the Woman A tlan ta (Georgia Lodge) : Members’ Class, from Samaria” — Mr. Joseph Hadjisky. 8:00 p.m. (every Friday), "The Laws o f M adison: Members’ Meeting, 3:00 p.m. Manu.” (every Sunday). C o l u m b u s : Class, 8 : 0 0 p.m. (every Friday), N e w O r l e a n s (New Orleans L od ge): Lec­ "Elementary Theosophy” — Mrs. Jennie ture, 8:15 p.m. (every Sunday). Bollenbacher. San Francisco (Pacific Lodge): The Round D en ve r: Study (M em bers), Devotional Table, 11:00 a.m. (First and Third Sun­ Reading— Mrs. Ruth Goodwin; "History days)— Mrs. Lago. o f The Theosophical Society” — Mr. C. V. Members’ Talk, 2:30 p.m., "Karma-less- Hickling; "The Inner Meaning of the ness” — Mrs. Estelle Fledelius. W ar” — Mrs. Elizabeth Ferrin (every Fri- Informal Public Meeting, 4:00 p.m. ( every day). Sunday)— Mrs. Ruth L. Doak, Chairman. Lak elan d : Study, 8:00 p.m. (every Friday), "The Ocean of Theosophy.” S a n t a B a r b a r a : Lecture, 3:30 p.m.— Mr. Roy Rush. Longview : Study, 8:30 p.m. (every Friday), "Talks on the Path o f Occultism.” T a c o m a : Social hour and tea, 7 : 0 0 p.m.— M ilw au kee: Open House. "Viewing the Mr. Austin Bee in charge. New Year” — Miss Marcella Schmitt. Public Forum, 8:00 p.m., "Life After N ew Y ork (New York Lodge): Tea, 4:30 Death”— Mr. G. A. Weber. p.m. (every Friday). January 5 (Monday) Talk with Questions, 5:00 p.m. (every A l b a n y : Class, "Fundamental Theosophy” Friday). (every Monday)— Mr. J. G. Selley. Lecture: 8:15 p.m., "The Philosophers’ Stone” — Mr. Fritz Kunz. A n n A r b o r : Discussion, 8:00 p.m., "Cur­ rent Problems in the Light o f Theosophy.” Paterson: Members’ Meeting (First and Third Fridays). A t l a n t a (Georgia L od ge): Study (M em ­ S e a t t l e (Besant Lodge): Study, 8 : 0 0 p .m . bers), 10:30 a.m. (every Monday), "The (every Friday), "The Secret Doctrine”— Laws o f Manu.” Mrs. Mae Willatsen. B e r k e l e y : Class for public ( every Monday). January 3 (Saturday) C leveland: Lecture, "G od in His Unity” — Long Beach : The Youth Group (every Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. Saturday)— Mr. James G. Forsyth, Leader. D en ver: Class (every Monday), "First January 4 (Sunday) Principles o f Theosophy” — Mrs. Florence B o s t o n : Lecture, 4 : 0 0 p.m., "Theosophy Kramer. and the New Order” — Mrs. Gladys Pope. N e w Y o r k : Class, 7 : 0 0 p.m. (every Mon­ Cleveland: Lecture, "Let there be Light on Genesis”— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. day), "Elements of Theosophy” — Mr. Colum bus: Lecture, 3:00 p.m., "The William J. Ross. Mission o f Our Forests”— Major Frank Sacram en to: Members’ Meeting (every E. Noyes. Monday). 16 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST

Sa n D iego: Members’ Meeting, 8:00 p.m. Port H u r o n : Lecture, "Man and His “Atoms, Through Involution and Evolu­ B odies.’ * tion”— Mrs. Mina Brust (Continued to Sa n D iego: Lecture, 8:00 p.m., "T h e C on­ Jan. 1 2 ). stitution of Man”— Hans Pajunk. W h e a t o n : Study (Members), "History o f Springfield: Class, 3:30 p.m. (every The Theosophical Society”— Mr. J. E. Wednesday). Middlekauff, Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Chaney. T a c o m a : Members’ Meeting 8:00 p.m. January 6 (Tuesday) (every Wednesday). A lh am bra: Members’ Meeting (Business), January 8 (Thursday) 7 :3 0 p.m . A l b a n y : Members’ Meeting, "History of Bo sto n : Research Class, 7:30 p.m. ( every The Theosophical Society"— Mrs. Florence Tuesday), "The Secret Doctrine”— Miss P ohl. Marion Swift. A tla n ta (Georgia Lodge): Gass, 7:30 p.m. Colu m bu s: Members’ Meeting, 8:00 p.m. (every Tuesday). (every Thursday), "Reincarnation and Karm a.” D etroit: Business Meeting followed by study in three groups— "The Ancient W is­ Berkeley: "Questions and Answers”— Mrs. dom,” "The Laws of Manu,” and "Dis­ George Friend. cussion of Selected Passages from the Chicago (Fellowship Lodge): Lecture, 7:00 B ible” (every Tuesday). p.m., "The work of the Bodhisattva in H artford: Class in Comparative Religion Christianity” — Mr. Albert Hardcastle. (every Tuesday). Gass, 8:00 p.m., "The Formation of the L o s A ngeles (Chela Lodge): Lecture, 8:00 Solar System”— Mr. Alfred Gabrielson. m., "Giordano Bruno, Mystic” — Mr. Long B each: Dinner, 6:30 p.m. &enry B. Donath. Lecture, "How to Die Nicely"— The Rt. M ia m i: Members’ Meeting (every Tuesday). Rev. Charles Hampton. N ew O rlean s: Class, 8:15 p.m. (every N ew O rlea n s: Members’ Meeting (every Tuesday), "Elementary Theosophy”— Mr. Thursday), "History of The Theosophical R. K. Mitchell. Society.” Paterson: Lecture, "Death, the Gateway to Sa n ta Barbara: Members’ Meeting, 7:45 Life”— Mr. Fred Werth. p.m . (every Thursday), "Man: Whence, January 7 (Wednesday) How and Whither.” A n n A rbor: Class, 8:00 p.m. (every St . Petersburg: Gosed Business Meeting. Wednesday), "History of Civilization in T a c o m a : Gass, 8:00 p.m. (every Thursday), the Light of Theosophy.” "Principles of Theosophy”—Mr. G. A. Boston : Class, 8:00 p.m. (every Wednes­ W eber. day), "The Art of Friendship”—Mrs. January 9 (Friday) Fannie S. Pritzker. C leveland: Lecture, "God in His Trinity,” Cleveland: Lecture, "God in his Duality” —Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. —Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. M ilw a u ke e: Lecture, "William Blake, G rand Rapids: Class (Members) 8:00 p.m. Artist, Mystic, Philosopher”— Miss Lillian (First and Second Wednesdays), "T h e Zim m erm an. Ancient Wisdom”— Miss Maude Jessup. N ew Y o r k : Lecture, 8:15 p.m .,"Of Cab­ M ilw a u ke e: Members’ Meeting, "Recon­ bages and Kings”— Mr. Fritz Kunz. struction.” January 11 (Sunday) N ew Y o r k : Supper, 6:00 p.m. (every Wednesday). Bo ston : Lecture, 4:00 p.m., "Browning, Meditation Class, 6:15 p.m. (every Poet and Mystic”— Mrs. Katherine Hol­ Wednesday)—Mrs. Dora Kunz. den. Public Speaking Class 7:00 p.m. (every Cleveland: Lecture, "The Symbolism of Wednesday)— Mr. William J. Ross. Hell Fire”— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. Class, 7:00 p.m. (every Wednesday), "T h e Colum bus: Lecture, 3:00 p.m., "Invisible Bhagavad Gita”— Dr. Mukerji. Helpers”— Mrs. Jennie Bollenbacher. Members’ Meeting, 8:15 p.m. (every D etroit: Lecture, "Jesus in the Court of Wednesday), "Comparative Religion." Potiphar”— Joseph Hadjisky. O k lah o m a Cit y : Study (Members), "The Forest G rove: Members’ Meeting, 7:30 Laws of Manu.” p.m . THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST 17

San Francisco (Pacific Lodge): Lecture, January 18 (Sunday) 2:30 p.m., "Distribution of Karma"— Mrs. Bo st o n : Lecture, 4:00 p.m., "Reincarnation” Calista Lewin. — Mr. Fred Werth. San ta Barbara: Discussion of Basic The­ Lecture, 8:00 p.m., "Death, the Gateway osophy— Mr. Roy Rush, Moderator. to Life”— Mr. Fred Werth. Cleveland: Lecture, "The Four Arms o f the January 12 (M onday) Cross” — Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. A n n A rbor: Study, 8:00 p.m., "The Laws C o l u m b u s : Lecture, 3 : 0 0 p.m., "Force of o f Manu." Habit” — Mrs. Rosamond Bradshaw. Cleveland: Lecture, "The Bread of Life D etroit: Lecture, "Y e are the Salt o f the Broken for all Souls” — Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. Earth” — Mr. Joseph Hadjisky. January 13 (Tuesday) S a n F r a n c i s c o (Pacific L od g e): Talks on A lham bra: Class, 8:00 p.m. (every Tuesday "The Physical Body” and "The Etheric except first) "History of The Theosophical Body” — Mrs. Mary Patterson and Mr. Ben Society.” Harris. 2:30 p.m. Bo st o n : Tea and Book Review, 3:30 p.m. San ta Barbara: Lecture, 3:30 p.m.— Mrs. — Mrs. Ida Robier. Jessie Crum. Paterson: Lecture— Mr. W illiam J. Ross. T a c o m a : Lecture, 8:00 p.m., "The Way to Los A ngeles (Chela Lodge): Theosophical the Masters” — Mr. Charles Berst. Quiz— Mr. Henry B. Donath. January 19 (M onday) A n n A r b o r : Study, 8:00 p.m., "The Laws January 14 (Wednesday) of Manu.” Cleveland: Lecture, "The Great Law of In­ Bo ston : Lecture, 8:00 p.m., "Experiments cubation” — Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. of Pythagoras” — Mr. Fred Werth. G rand Rapids: Study, 8:00 p.m., "The A n­ C leveland: Lecture, "The Descent of the cient W isdom” — Miss Maud Jessup. Soul”— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. H artford: Lecture, "America’s Destiny” — S a n D i e g o : Class (Members), 8 : 0 0 p.m., Mr. Fred Werth. "History of The Theosophical Society— M ilw au kee: Business Meeting. Mrs. De Hosnery. Port H u r o n : Lecture, "The Occult Signifi­ W h e a to n : Book Review— Mrs. T. Chaney. cance o f Color.” January 20 (Tuesday) San D iego: Class, 8:00 p.m. (every Wednes­ Los A n g e l e s (Chela Lodge) : Lecture, "Kar­ day except first), "Principles of Theosophy” mic Variations” — Vinnie Pearson. — Mr. Hans Pajunk. Springfield: Lecture, Mr. Fred Werth. T a c o m a: Meditation and Reading (second January 21 (Wednesday) and fourth Wednesdays). C leveland: Lecture, "The God in the Lions’ January 15 (Thursday) Den”— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. Berkeley: Class, "First Principles o f The­ G rand Rapids: Business Meeting, 8:00 p.m. osophy” (every Thursday except First). M ilw au kee: Study, "The Art o f Friend­ Chicago (Fellowship Lodge): Adyar Hour, ship.” 7:00 p.m.— Mr. A. H. Person. P o r t H u r o n : Lecture, "Post W ar Recon­ Lecture, 8:00 p.m.— "Theosophy: A key struction.” to the Education of the Future” — Miss Springfield: Lecture, Mr. Fred Werth. Joy Mills. T a c om a: Study, 8:00 p.m., "The Art of H artford: Lecture (Members), "Theosophy Friendship” — Mrs. Viva Emmons. Through the Ages” — Mr. Fred Werth. January 22 (Thursday) Long Beach: Lecture, "Practical Theoso­ Chicago (Fellowship L odge): Study, 7:00 phy”— Mr. Eugene Munson. p.m., "Thought Power” — Miss Rhayma St. Petersburg: Study, "The Inner Life.” Roberts and Miss Marion Card. January 16 (Friday) Study, 8:00 p.m., "The Art o f Friendship” C leveland: Lecture, "The Stable and the — Mrs. Mabel Lattan. Manger”— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. L o n g B e a c h : Lecture, "The Jewish Reli­ M ilw aukee: Symposium, "A re There Invis­ gion” — Rabbi Graffman. ible Helpers?” St . Petersburg: Study, "The Inner Life.” N ew Y o r k : Lecture, 8:15 p.m., "The Con­ T a c o m a : Class, 8 : 0 0 p.m., "Principles o f cealed of the Concealed” — Fritz Kunz. Theosophy”— Mr. G. A. Weber. 18 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST

January 23 (Friday) January 27 (Tuesday) Cleveland: Lecture, "The Lost Meaning of L o s A ngeles (Chela Lodge): Lecture, “The Death,"— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. Devachanic Plane”— Mrs. Beulah Donath. M ilw a u ke e: Lecture, “The Ancient Wis­ Rochester: Lecture, “Death, the Gateway dom"— Miss Flora Menzel. to Life”— Mr. Fred Werth. N ew Y o r k : Lecture, 8:15 p.m., “Made in Paterson: Lecture, Viggo Westergaard. the Image”— Mr. Fritz Kunz. January 28 (Wednesday) Sacram en to: Lecture (Members)— Miss Cleveland: Lecture, "The Ark and the Etha Snodgrass. Flood”— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. January 24 (Saturday) Rochester: Lecture, "The Power and Use Berkeley: Talk (Members)— Miss Etha of the Mind”— Mr. Fred Werth. Snodgrass. G rand Rapids: Study, 8:00 p.m., "The Art January 25 (Sunday) of Friendship”— Mrs. Emma Briggs. M ilw au kee: Study,"The Art of Friendship” B erkeley: Federation Meeting— Miss Etha (M e m b e rs). Snodgrass. Port H u r o n : Lecture, "Steps in Spiritual Bo sto n : Lecture, 4:00 p.m., "Our Heritage" G row th ." — Miss Marion Swift. January 29 (Thursday) Cleveland: Lecture, “Why is a Mummy?” Chicago (Fellowship Lodge): Business — Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Colum bus: Lecture, 3:00 p.m., "Science— Long Beach : Questions and Answers, The Limited Path to Truth”— Mr. Charles “Thought Power.” R. Swisher. Rochester: Lecture, "America’s Destiny”— D etroit: Question and Answer Program Mr. Fred Werth. (Public)— Mr. Edwin N. Lord. St . Petersburg: Lecture, "Inspiration.” Forest G rove: Members’ Meeting, 7:3a January 30 (Friday) p.m . C leveland: Lecture, "Bom in Virgo; Re­ Sa n ta Barbara: Tea and informal Discus­ born in Pisces”— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. sion, 3:30 p.m. M ilw au kee: Lecture, "Freedom is for the January 26 (M o n d a y ) Brave”— Mr. Dudley C. Brooks. B erkeley: Study Class— Miss Etha Snod­ N ew Y o r k : Lecture, 8:15 p.m., "Created in grass. the Likeness— Man”— Mr. Fritz Kunz. A n n A rbor: Class, 8:00 p.m., "Mysticism." We regret that programa received from Heraldes Lodge (Chicago), Chicago Lodge, Besant Lodge (Hollywood) and Cleveland: Lecture, "W eighed in the Bal­ Rainbow Group (Columbus) reached our hands too late for inclusion. The fifteenth of the month preceding publication ance"— Dr. Alvin B. Kuhn. is the last moment copy can be accepted.

Mountain Peaks

Dr. Arundale to New Members

Through membership in The Theosophical very especially those who have learned to be­ Society the way stretches upwards to the feet lieve in Brotherhood. of the Elder Brethren. When we join the So­ By joining the Society you assert in the outer ciety we come, as it were, from the plains of the world that you believe in Brotherhood. That is outer world into the hills of a great Brother-, a great step towards membership o f this mighty hood which we have joined, we perceive the Brotherhood of the Elder Brethren. Some day mightly Mountain Range on which are Those I pray that all of you may come face to face who have gone before us— the Elder Brethren, with one or another of Them. By joining The the Rishis, the Great Ones o f the world. Theosophical Society not only are you reorient­ Some of us have found the feet of one or ing your life to a new, a beautiful, and a happy another o f these Elder Brethren. The Theosoph­ Brotherhood, but you are also wending your ical Society is one of the pathways of approach way towards Those who are the great Friends, to Them, for They are a Brotherhood Them­ the mighty Elder Brothers o f the world. selves and can acknowledge, recognize and help From Theosophy in New Zealand, June-July 19 Theosophy in the Field

Aurora Lodge: "Miss Jean Glen-Walker Our Super-physical Consciousness.’ ” spoke to our lodge members on November 25 “CincinnatiLodge was happy to have Mrs. on 'The Spirit of Adyar.’ She stressed the im­ Dora Kunz give three public lectures at the portance o f lodge members working together in Netherland Plaza Hotel on November 16, 17, times like the present. Since there is such a and 18. Her lectures had an attendance of tremendous amount of work to be done likes about 225 each night. The titles were, 'The and dislikes should be forgotten completely. War as Seen From the Invisible Worlds,’ 'A She brought us into close touch with the spirit­ Day Among the Dead,’ and 'The Aura and Its ual life o f Adyar and with Dr. Arundale, Ruk- Effect on Daily Life.’ mini, Bishop Leadbeater, Dr. Besant, and Mr. “Our lodge is designing and painting Christ­ Jinarajadasa.” mas cards and is conducting a swap sale as a “Besant Lodge (Cleveland) held a very means of raising money to help meet lodge successful Christmas Bazaar on December 3. expenses.” Mrs. Claudine Lemley was chairman and worked Detroit Lodge reported three exceptionally hard to make the Bazaar interesting and finan­ interesting Sunday evening programs in Decem­ cially successful. ber, including a question and answer meeting, “The attractive rooms were gay with all sorts a lecture, "The Occult Significance of Christ­ of Christmas things, lovely scarfs, chiffon hand­ mas,” by Mr. Edwin N . Lord, and an illustrated kerchiefs, costume jewelry, aprons, wall hang­ reading of "The Other Wise Man,” by Mrs. ings, pillows, blouses, etc., and fortune tellers Mabel Lovell, assisted by Miss Eleanor Lord. added to the fun. This bazaar is an annual Dharma (Austin) Lodge: "W e hold one affair, preceding Christmas, and always proves meeting a week with six as the usual number in financially helpful and makes Christmas shop­ attendance, and we take no summer vacation. ping easy and pleasant.” Books are loaned when there is a call for them Besant Lodge (H ollywood): “Our Found­ and appointments are made for any inquirers ers’ Day meeting was full of love and power. who through their reading are stimulated to The program was introduced by the candle ask questions. So far we have met at the home lighting ceremony arranged by Mrs. Gladys of two of the members.” Goudey, and carried on by four speakers— Mrs. “Houston Lodge is enjoying to the full Hotchener, and Messrs. Steinstra, Hotchener, and finding great advantage in owning and and Knudsen. Everyone present felt the inspir­ operating its own Theosophical Center.’ Here ation that is the life of the Society. it is that two or three meetings are held and "Our December lodge activities included library days maintained every week. The high­ music with comments by Mr. Howard Coombs; light of the season has been Mr. L. W . Rogers’ a lecture on 'The Unity of Minerals’ by Mr. series of lectures, at which an audience of two Tames Roddy; an evening devoted to the mem­ hundred heard him nightly for five nights. Great bership committee with Mrs. Lois Homes and interest has been manifested, and seventy-three Mrs. Gladys Goudey in charge; a Christmas registered for the study class. program, and a drama group program with “Joliet Lodge is very happy over the fact Mrs. Julia Brain and Mrs. Lucy May Moore as that the minister of St. JoW s Universalist speakers.” Church, after hearing a public lecture given by Brotherhood Lodge (New Orleans) was one of our members, asked this member to glad to present Mr. L. W . Rogers on November teach his Sunday morning class. Three other 20 and 21 to lodge members and friends. He members of the lodge are also teaching classes spoke on “Rebirth; a New Chance” and "The in the same church.” Masters of Wisdom, Power and Compassion.” “Lightbringer Lodge (Washington, Casper Lodge: "M rs. Jessie Crum has given D.C.) continued their series of open forums us a series of three lectures on The Power and during December. Mr. C. F. Stillman led a Influence of the Mind and Emotions,’ 'After discussion on 'Alcohol— Its Occult Effects’ on Death, What?’, and 'Seeking the Eternal.’ December 7. On December 14 the discussion Following this Mrs. Bible gave two talks: centered on 'Blessed Be Drudgery’ with Mrs. 'Music and Its Effect on Our Super-physical L. H. Bean pointing out the. importance of Consciousness,’ and 'The Effects of Color on simple daily tasks. Mrs. L. Rauzi led the 20 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST

forum on December 21 using ’Healing Through "Your Place in the Universe,” and "The Power Higher Consciousness’ as her topic. On Decem­ of Thought.” ber 28 Mr. Carl Huboi took the chair and led St. Lotus Branch’s activities for December the discussion on 'Evolution in Architecture.’ ” included lectures on "Germs of Mind in Plants,” Lotus Lodge (Philadelphia) enjoyed two by Mrs. Schwartzkopf and "The Karma of lectures by Mr. Fred Werth, "The Power of War,” by Mrs. Ruth McMyler. On December Thought,” and "Your Place in the Universe,” 21 a Christmas program was held with Mrs. ’ on December 13 and 14. Mr. Werth brought Connelly in charge. Theosophy to his audience in a simple yet force­ St. Petersburg Lodge writes: "Our lodge ful manner. His material was well thought out is going on about the same. Mr. Chaffin gave a and was presented with a sincerity of manner talk on ‘Dharma’ recently. W e advertised in that was well received. the local paper (small announcement) but only Miami Lodge’s program for December in­ two people came. W e think that sending per­ cluded "Creative Theosophy,” in which each sonal invitations is better as we recently mailed member took three minutes to present to the thirty-six and six visitors attended. On Christ­ lodge something of value which he had found mas eve we gave The Other Wise Man.’ ” recently— a few pages from a book, a short ar­ San Antonio Lodge. "Mr. Rogers gave ticle, an account of an experience, a lecture, or four lectures for the public, the four being a thought mulled over. On December 9 Mr. broken into groups o f two, by a members’ meet­ Rawdon Sharpe presented "Some Thoughts on ing. Our auditorium, with a normal seating The Theosophical Society.” Mrs. Pauline Down­ capacity of 100, over-flowed into the hall. The ing reviewed the book "When the Sun Moves other three lectures filled the auditorium to ca­ Northward” on December 17, and on Decem­ pacity. A study class in Theosophy was organ­ ber 23 a Christmas party was held which in­ ized with Mr. Beauchamp as teacher and leader, cluded a program by the children, a visit from with one dozen people registering.” Santa Claus and refreshments. Mid-South Federation “Milwaukee Lodge has offered to the pub­ The annual dinner of the Mid-South Feder­ lic a series of interesting talks during Octo­ ation was held in Atlanta Georgia on November ber, November and December. Mrs. Annette 15 with forty members and friends present. Mr. Schmitt gave two talks each month on funda­ Geoffrey Stevans presided as master of cere­ mentals of Theosophy. Symposiums were held monies, and the following officers were in­ on the following subjects ’The Purpose of the stalled: Mr. Geoffrey Hirsch, president; Mr. Present Crisis,’ 'Man’s Journey in the Other Harry Bromley, first vice-president; Miss Ruby Worlds,’ and ’Have You Lived Before?’ Mr. Radford, second vice-president; Miss Emma Dudley Brooks gave three talks on 'The Method Glasscock, treasurer; Miss Mary Phillips, secre­ of Occult Study,’ 'Occult Momentum,’ and tary; Mrs. Carolyn Cothran, Mr. Norman 'The Secret Heart’ ” Pollitt, Mr. Irving Walker, and Miss Mary Minneapolis Lodge reports: "W e had a Douglas, board members. Talks were given by very interesting Founders’ Day program ar­ Messrs. L. W . Rogers, Fred Werth, Adolphe ranged by Mrs. Helen Loenholdt. The meeting Michel and Geoffrey Hirsch. was well attended, with thirty-four members The federation presented the retiring presi­ resent and two visitors coming for the social dent, Mr. Adolphe Michel, with a gold key on our which followed the program. which was engraved "First President, Mid- “In December our calendar included the fol­ South Federation, Theosophical Society, 1940- lowing lectures and activities: 'A Theosophical 41, Adolphe J. Michel.” Quiz,’ with Mrs. Florence Sperzel as chairman; Mr. Norman Pollitt, chairman of the awards 'Four Doctrines of the Person of Christ,’ by committee, made the presentation of the Marion Professor George Conger; 'And a Little Child Ehrhardt cup to Georgia Lodge for their activ­ Shall Lead Them,’ by Rev. Newton A. Dahl, ities last year. Augusta Lodge was given honor­ and 'The Old Soul Takes the Road Again,’ by able mention for their contribution to The­ Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Loenholdt. On December osophy in the field of radio. This award is an 27 we had a Christmas party which included annual one and is given to the lodge that renders music, refreshments and a delightful time be­ the greatest contribution to Theosophy in serv­ side the fireplace.” ice, education and cooperation ana was made Norfolk Lodge was happy to have Mr. possible by the friends o f Marion Ehrhardt who Fred Werth give two talks in November on gave it in her memory. 21 Theosophical News and Notes

From the President A L e tte r

D e a r C o l l e a g u e , D e a r F r ie n d s a n d F e l l o w -M e m b e r s , The resolutions of your National Convention Your spontaneous and warm-hearted letters, are indeed heartening both to myself and to the coming, as they have, from every part of the members of the Staff and other workers at Section, upon the announcement of my resigna­ Adyar. O f course, this and other generosity tion as National Secretary, have served to deepen comes naturally from members of the American the joy which has always been mine in serving Section, who have supported our Society in the our Society through this particular office. You present war in a marvellous manner— and I have been so generously land and appreciative think specially of the conferring of member­ that I feel, too, very humble, and can only wish ships in good standing upon hundreds of our that I could have been really as useful as you brothers sorely stricken in Europe, of the help seem to think. If I know my own limitations given to the Headquarters itself, and to various and mistakes better than you do then I am glad Relief Funds, and of other ways in which the that at least you have not discovered them but Society has been able to carry on almost as if instead have inspired me to their overcoming in there were no war. order that as time passes I shall be more wise and loving and true in this greatest o f all work. If my services have been to a certain extent what they should be, and if our Headquarters In any case, however much I shall miss Staff is able to be appreciated so generously, it Olcott, the Staff there, and all its activities, and is in no small measure due to the American not less the friendly, the understanding, the in­ Section which I ever bless for its most generous spiring letters which have poured through my good-will to myself in the arduous years of hands during the years from all of you, mem­ my Presidentship. bers from everywhere throughout the Section, I am deeply conscious of my shortcomings yet I shall have the compensation of travel and of my unworthiness to follow our beloved amongst you. For this privilege I am deeply President-Mother. I am, therefore, all the more glad, for to serve the Society at any time, and grateful for the understanding and sympathy still more in war time, is a privilege greater which have prompted these two resolutions. than any other opportunity life can offer. Then, I request you to be good enough to communi­ too, I shall have the pleasure of greeting you cate the contents o f this letter to your member­ personally, many o f whom I know only through ship with my deep admiration of die strength of letters. To this happiness I am looking forward your Section ana its solidarity in these cata­ with keenest anticipation, for we are comrades strophic times. who must know each other better, must learn Very cordially, to appreciate each other more truly, in order

G e o r g e S. A r u n d a l e that we may together constitute that "nucleus President of universal brotherhood” which our true Heads may use in helping our distraught world to the T h a n k y o u discovery of happiness and unity. Mr. Cook, Mrs. Werth and the members of Thank you all very much for your kindnesses the Headquarters Staff wish to thank all those members who so thoughtfully sent cards of to me always and with good wishes until I may greeting and remembrance during the Christ­ greet you in your own lodges. mas season. They were all posted on a bulletin Faithfully yours, board especially prepared for the purpose and Et h a Sn o d g r a s s made a very attractive display.

"Bringing M e to You" M t. Vernon Lodge Reincarnates Mr. Cook will be glad to send additional Recent reference to prospective new lodges, copies to any member who, because he shares has been hopefully made in this magazine and the magazine with another member, did not re­ it is gratifying that one group— Mt. Vernon, ceive a personal copy. Just write to him if you New York,— has now organized its new incar­ want a copy of your own. nation and has received its new charter. 22 THE AMERICAN THE0S0PH1ST

A New Library Project Thoughts for Practical W ork To be on the alert for new methods of spread­ There is need for practical instruction for all ing Theosophy is one of the ways we can all Theosophical workers. It is planned to meet serve the Society. this need by the publication of a series o f small Last January Mr. Casper C. Phillips, of brochures which will be designed for program Meridian, Mississippi, wondered how Theo- chairmen, hostesses, librarians, etc. so that any­ sophical books would "take” in department one assuming any responsibility for Theosoph­ store rental libraries, and got in touch with the ical work in the lodge or out of it can learn librarian in charge of the lending library in the practical procedures of his particular job his community. They talked it over and Mr. from a book designed to meet his need. Phillips was so enthusiastic that the librarian They must, however, be practical books, and referred him to Mr. Carl K. Wilson, head of each one should therefore be compiled from the chain of 112 such libraries in large cities of the actual experience o f practical, working mem­ the United States. bers. W e need help. W ill everyone who has Then Mr. Phillips wrote to Headquarters for had Theosophical responsibility in any office, cooperation and suggestions, and arrangements or on any job, large or small, send to Head­ were made to place ten Theosophical classics quarters the essential things gleaned from his (including The Ancient Wisdom and First experience (what to do, what to avoid, etc.) ? Principles of Theosophy) on the shelves of the libraries in the stores of the following cities: Prom M iss Flora Selever, General Secre­ Butte, Montana; Rockford, Illinois; Cincinnati, tary in Budapest Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Denver, Colorado; W e have just received a greeting signed by Seattle, Washington; Long Beach, California; over sixty members in Budapest assembled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Meridian, Mis­ their Thirty-fifth Annual Convention on No­ sissippi. vember 9 to be forwarded to Adyar as their There are 112 libraries in this chain. We greeting to the International Convention. Air have been able to place books in nine of them mail via the Pacific now being suspended, it will because members in the cities where they were not get there in time, but it will be heartening located showed an interest in the project. The to the President to know that this group is keep­ requirement, in order to encourage further co-' ing the light shining amidst the darkness of a operation on the part of this organization, is war darkened world. to create a demand for Theosophical books by referring friends to the library or borrowing The League for American Womanhood the books ourselves just to make them "popu­ Many are the worth while activities carried lar.” Let us know if you would like to join in on by members of the Society, which, because making Theosophical books available in this' they are not officially a part of the Society’s new way, and we will refer you to the Carl K. activities, do not always receive all the recog­ Wilson library in your community. nition they deserve. The League for American Womanhood is one of these. Headed by Mrs. Have you Noticed? Kathrine Perkins, it is an organization dedicated Have you noticed the steady improvement in to the promotion of the ideals of true woman­ the quality and appearance of Theosophical hood. Its declared objects are as follows: Press publications? Modem type, high grade 1. To promote the dignity of woman and bindings, new materials and new color tones the sanctity of marriage and motherhood. make them books to take pride in, both as to 2. To promote the recognition of Beauty and content and bindings; books for friends. the Arts as essential foundations of life. Mr. Rogers Wants Assistant 3. To promote true brotherliness to all crea­ Mr. Matt Boardman, my very efficient assis­ tures, and actively to oppose all forms tant, has answered the call o f military duty and of cruelty. I must replace him. A young Theosophist be­ If these objects strike an answering chord in low draft age is preferred, but one above 45, the hearts o f any of our members, Mrs. Perkins or who is otherwise not subject to draft, will would be very glad indeed to hear from them. do. Must be a T. S. member, non-smoker and Address: Olcott, Wheaton, Illinois. The League a competent driver. Address me in care of The also publishes a very attractive Bi-monthly Theosophical Society, Wheaton, 111. bulletin devoted to the promotion of the above L. W . R o g e r s objects. THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST 23

Reassurance He said, "It is a means o f helping to effect the The many friends of Major and Mrs. Martin object for which the Society was founded, and H. Burckes, who have been stationed in Hawaii which is clearly stated in its constitution. O f the for the past few months, will be happy to learn three declared aims o f our Society, the first is that they are safe and well. Mrs. Burckes 'to form a nucleus o f the Universal Brotherhood recently wrote: "Everything quickly went on a of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, war basis . . . At the very first all women and sex, caste or color.’ children were evacuated from the army posts, "The second: 'To encourage the study of as they were targets, but before the week was Comparative Religion, Philosophy and Science.’ out most were back in their own homes ...” "The first is the indispensable antecedent to Mrs. Burckes also states that she and their the second, as the latter is the logical conse­ son, Melvin, will soon be returning to the quence of the former . . . Our Society is an Mainland. agency o f peace and enlightenment and in founding this Library is but carrying out its Theosophy for Soldiers policy o f universal good will. For some time we have planned the publica­ "W e do not desire to crowd our shelves with tion o f a small booklet on Theosophy for wide tons o f profitless speculations, but to gather distribution among men in the Services, but be­ together the best religious moral, practical and fore going to press we would like to know how philosophical teachings o f the ancient sages.” many lodges will definitely undertake Theo- sophical work in the camps, barracks, etc. of W e have such books in the National Library. our army and navy, and how many o f these We have books on Hinduism, Buddhism, the booklets can be used. teachings o f Confucius, and many others. W e Where lodges may not wish to undertake this can help you in your efforts to further the three work officially, individual members may be will­ objects o f the Society. Are you an isolated ing to do so. W e would like to hear from member? W hy not make use o f the National them also. Library? Are you a lodge member? Why not borrow from the National Library the books The National Library Serves You that your own library lacks. The National The National Library now has a few more Theosophical Library is your Library— use it! than 8,450 books on its shelves. Throughout the years it has shown a slow but steady growth. From Meridian, Miss. At the time that Headquarters was moved from D ear M iss Snodgrass: Chicago to Wheaton about 1,700 volumes were Whatever this group has accomplished is due brought to the new location. In 1932 T he to the inspiration o f your kindness and your A merican T heosophist informs us that there patience. Had it not been for you we would were about 5,000 volumes on the shelves. N ow not now be talking about the marvelous lec­ we have 8,450 books— a growth of about 3,450 tures o f Mr. Werth and Mr. Rogers and we in a ten year period, after a good deal of weed­ would not be looking forward to the establish­ ing out of inferior books. ment o f our lodge. For this you are due our There are no figures available on the number everlasting gratitude and thanks. Some day o f borrowers in the earlier years o f the Library we will have the opportunity o f seeing you and but in October, 1940 there were 70 people, telling you in person. members o f the Society, who had borrowed Casper Phillips books within the previous six months and 30 active non-member borrowers. In November, New Members 1941 there were 102 active member-borrowers Twenty-six new members joined the Society and 27 non-member borrowers. in the month o f November: five o f them, in­ Our library is for the use o f all members of cluding two minors, being the basis of the the Society and o f all who are interested in the prospective new lodge in East Orange. Besides teachings of the Ancient Wisdom. It exists to these, there were three in Cincinnati, three in help promote the objects for which the Society New York, two in Baltimore, two in Boston, was founded and to spread the teachings o f the two in Tacoma, and one in San Diego, Holly­ Ancient Wisdom. wood, Buffalo, Glendive, Milwaukee, Oakland, Col. Olcott in 1886 made statements con­ Columbus (Rainbow) and Seattle. And so, cerning the Adyar Library which we might in from Massachusetts to California, the work a modest measure apply to our own Library. goes on. 24 THE AMERICAN THEOSOPHIST

To-Tbose-Who-Mourn Club Mrs. Rebecca Boardman Comparative.shipments of leaflets, December Mrs. Rebecca Boardman, the first president 16, 1940 to'December 15, 1941: of The Theosophical Society in St. Petersburg, N o v . 16 to and known by many as the Grand Old Lady of D ec. 15 1940-41 1939-40 Theosophy, and beloved by all, gave up a worn C alifornia 825 1,079 and tired physical garment pf some 93 years on Canada 100 169 the twenty-seventh of September, 1942, at 1:30 C olorado 43 52 in the afternoon, and slipped quietly away. Connecticut 8 From the Bulletin of the Florida Federation District of Columbia 2 3 Mr. A. Eugene Deaderick F lorida 3 341 166 Mr. Eugene Deaderick, who died on October G eorgia 6 100 8, joined the Society through Akbar Lodge and H aw aii 27 was at one time editor of The Messenger. H e Idaho 38 was president of Chicago Lodge and of Sirius Illin ois 26 1,933 2,331 Lodge, which he helped to organize, and of Indiana 21 Pythagoras Lodge, in Cincinnati. He became Iow a 25 a priest of the Liberal Catholic Church and in Kansas 1 805 1926 went to Holland for special training under K entucky 15 Bishop Wedgwood. Louisiana 115 55 Dr. Besant Quoted M aryland 37 210 Arnold Bennett, author of How to Live on Massachusetts 25 320 24 Hours a Day, refers to Dr. Besant’s T hought M exico 5 P ow er in his book, and praises it very highly: M ichigan 100 1,022 431 Another example of how the concepts of The­ M innesota 100 355 osophy are becoming more and more popular Mississippi 20 42 2 as die world begins to understand. M issouri 64 5 M ontana 10 15 S ta tistics Nebraska 12 November 16 to December 15, 1941 N ew Jersey 2,405 2,650 American Theosophical Fund Previously reported ...... 4169.18 N ew M ex ico 5 To December 15 ...... 26.85 N ew Y o rk 500 4,875 3,938 Founders* Day to December 15 ...... 147.21 $343.24 North Dakota 100 30 Building Fund O h io 32 258 707 To December 15 ...... 113.87 Oklahom a 100 War Relie f Fund O regon 30 825 901 Previously reported ...... 857.57 To December 15 ...... 68.50 826.07 Pennsylvania 219 352 Philippines 3 5 Adyar Art Project Fund Previously reported ...... 78.60 Rhode Island 1 To December 15 ...... 1.75 South Dakota 1 ------80.35 Tennessee 30 M arried Texas 30 114 87 Miss Florence Bay, Oak Park Lodge, and Mr. Lysett, June 14, 1941. V erm ont 100 100 Mrs. Theodora L. Francis, Covington, La., Lodge, and Mr. W ashington 135 4 Oren S. Kelso, October 21. Miss Phyllis Harry, Fellowship Lodge and Mr. William V irgin ia 18 Fleischmann, Oak Park Lodge, December 6. W iscon sin 1 100 D ied Mrs. Janet D. Adams, Butte Lodge. December 8. W yom in g 25 111 Mr. Augustus Baur, National member, recently. Mrs. Marie Cory, Washington Lodge, recently. Mr. Eugene Del Mar, National member, November 27. T otals 753 13,817 15,286 Mr. Carson E. Jarvis, Genesee Lodge, Rochester, N. Y., November 11. "I consider it every man’s duty to do what Mr. Gust Johnson, Alhambra Lodge, recently. he can to make the world better and happier.” Damodar K. Mavalankar. Convention is the most Mrs. Janet Adams important date on your Butte Lodge lost a valued member and its Theosophical Calendar. former president when Mrs. Janet Adams Don't miss it! passed beyond the veil on December 8. Book Reviews ,

Man, the Master, by Gerald Heard. Harper to society— psychological & Bros., N ew York, Cloth $2JO. o f Reality. Seership, a new orientation, dynamic love must become the concern o f men In Man, the Master, Gerald Heard warns us qualified by life, circumstance and spiritual that it is only by understanding the evolutionary training, to help themselves and others. W e crisis in which humanity stands, that men may trust the truth o f the scientists; we worship extract themselves from chaos. He offers fac­ beauty everywhere. Should not faith in good­ tual, historical evidence for his thesis, that the ness, for the "pure in heart,” be restored to its world's disorder is but the outer evidence, in place in our hearts and in society? "For where political and economic forms, o f the disorient­ there is no vision, the people perish.” ation o f man’s whole being. "History is the — G. A. O. shadow cast by the moving mind of man.’’ His powers o f growth have exceeded his capacity to A Royal Romance Bacon-Sbakespeare, by assimilate and give meaning. Monarchy, demo­ James Art her. The Theosophical Publishing cracy and totalitarianism are but reflections of House, Adyar, Madras, India. Adyar woven the increasing loosening o f the bonds with the Cloth, $4.00. unifying sub-consciousness, and man’s emerg­ ence into isolating, self-conscious individualism. Every lover o f the Shakespearean plays will want to read this latest contribution to the He regards this high development as a neces­ Bacon-Shakespeare controversy. The book is a sary but transitional phase o f growth. Man is masterpiece o f the printer’s and bookbinder’s also part o f a greater reality. What must come art and a credit to the publisher. The truth about is a new understanding of, and a new came to the author, as to many other Baconians, adventure in, consciousness. For the next step will not be a spontaneous emergence, but an psychically. His enthusiasm for the subject and his love for the Master, who was once Sir intentional, directed one. Only so can Man become Master o f his destiny. Failing this, he Francis Bacon, shines on every page. The book deals principally with the evidence given by the will go the way o f other over-specialized crea­ ciphers. The author has most painstakingly tures, or destroy himself. analyzed the ciphers in many o f the Elizabethan But there is evidence that a new creative type poems and plays, not only those usually associ­ is emerging in human stock, whose grasp of ated with the name of Shakespeare. According reality is based upon a wider apprehension and to the testimony o f the ciphers Sir Francis Bacon a more extended time-sense than the individual­ was the whole Elizabethan literary movement, istic. An acknowledgment o f the prophet and having written not only the Shakespearean plays the seer type, without executive function, in and sonnets, but Spenser’s The Shepherd’s society, would restore to men their sense o f con­ Calendar, Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy, tinuity— of eternity— and would guarantee the and the plays o f Marlowe, Peele, and Greene; use and not the abuse of each man’s work and also, the beautiful and classic style o f the King integrity. As forecasters they would provide a James version o f the Bible is his. new service to mankind. The eyes are but a small part of the total body, but make possible Some Baconian scholars are o f the opinion its safe accommodation to the rest o f the world. that Francis Bacon was assisted by a secret Mr. Heard sees, under such guidance, competi­ literary group known as the Rosicrosse Society. tive anarchy dissolved. Men, united in a new This group accounts for the enormous number understanding and co-operativeness, would of works that bear the various Baconian marks function according to a natural four-fold di­ — the ciphers, the symbolic frontispieces and vision o f abilities and time-sense. The ancient the ornamental headpieces, and the watermarks Code o f Manu has already expressed this natural on the pages. division. Every lover o f the subject should read this delightfully written and printed volume. Religion has now an unparalleled opportunity to provide its particular and unique contribution — S. G. S. ******************* **************

.. NEW PUBLICATIONS..

The Night Bell, BY g . s . a r u n d a l e . . . . 90c Offering in book form the fascinating articles which have appeared month by month in The Theosophist since the outbreak of the war. Dr. Arundale in these stories graciously shares with us some of his experiences as an Invisible Helper. Attractively bound in linen of atmospheric grey.

A Royal Romance, BY JAMES arther . . . s4.so Under his chosen nom de plume, the well known Theosophist, Mr. A. J. Hamerster, deals most expertly and understandingly with the Bacon- Shakespeare controversy. The writing is a triumph of classic prose, the format a tribute to the fine workmanship of the Vasanta Press and the bindery at Adyar. A limited number of copies available in Adyar-woven cloth binding. FOR WINTER READING Good Books With Inexpensive Bindings The Mystery of Life and How Theosophy Answers It,

BY CLARA M. CODD . . . .20c Explicit and concise answers to your questions on Theosophy and the Mystery of Life. lust off the Press, with a cheerful leatherette paper cover. Bhagavad-Gita or The Lord's Song,

ANNIE BESANT TRANSLATION . . . .35c Priceless teachings of the great Hindu epic poem, "The Mahabarata." Miniature paper. Clairvoyant Research and the Life After Death,

BY GEOFFREY HODSON . . . .30c ''Death touches only the physical body, freedom from which releases us in large measure from the binding power of matter." Later Incarnations of Francis Bacon,

BY E. FRANCIS UDNY . . . .60c A glowing account of many lives of service rendered by a great occultist. Do the Dead Suffer? n BY L. W . BURT . . . .35c An answer to the many questions raised by this intriguing subject. Life View for Moderns,

BY PIETER K. ROEST . . . .35c ''We need a new life-view; a philosophy of depth and daring, linked to what we know already of truth; a vision of existence which once more will gather up the fragments of our being and make us whole."

The Theosophical Press OLCOTT, WHEATON, ILL.

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