. > ee eS gee eo : - <. uae - a : — ra nae SE -20 rae ba te ann ws Rory gerne nastnarett ro Se eS EES pare, = Frntese ee hyriragneemenrnnnes SN OR aS Bo SE SS es Sam Fe Rs ee ete PL FS EE BITS a - > a: A ; — —- err 2 G2 sgroerar ee eee = Sea tS remaioom eh t av el sor dn my a con me ALY Sw RO EO BR a ae a A EE ne be Sr SS RE PES POLIS VS PINE ET OT OT (ee EEE =e SS SU TOES RE SR SEE EE ES A MA TE SS ET AE ES BS SE NE eS ESE A ER SEE RE AO ET EA ARNE ME OR Ee A ar OTL ONSEN I AT SN a Ea! AS ERP DIOL YAP LOE AOL LANA CE ET OM i ie Oe I AD I a VE al oe 0 GRE BP 530 .T38 1925 The theosophical movement, 1875-1925 a : | ae eat “ 4 fF - > nn ie bait, , 5 _" P THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT eas Mia (kan bee \4 mee 9 aus Ba, ‘i si Loy a i, ; pent jer Wyte Io Nevo i A, vb hy ao i ry ENE ee eae eek ny Ye eee if rw. ot sy, % { a f 1 vee ‘ : : att & 4 * P ‘ roa Pe) THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT 1875-1925 A HISTORY AND A SURVEY NG er gaa PAIS ONS i f) EY ay) Aa\ A, <7 = RRS —) ny NEW YORK E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY 681 FIFTH AVENUE CopYRIGHT, 1925 BY E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America “To all true Theosophists, in every coun- try and of every race, for they called it forth, and for them it was recorded.’’ ees an ha ie Mali 4 vi PREFACE There exists nowhere a collected and authentic recital of the Theosophical Movement of the nineteenth century. Yet, although a scant half century has elapsed since the foundation of The Theosophical Society at New York City, the work there begun has spread into all portions of the civilized world, until the word Theosophy is a familiar term to every educated mind. The teachings known under that name have been more or less investi- gated and adopted by millions, while its more earnest students who have accepted it as a complete and satis- factory explanation of all the problems of life, here and hereafter, are numbered by thousands in every country and of every race. In an indirect but none the less powerful manner the teachings of Theosophy have profoundly affected the ideas and ideals of the race on the great questions of ethics, of morality, of religion, philosophy and science, so that today it may be truly said that there is nothing worthy of the consideration of the human mind that has not been leavened by the injection of Theosophical leaven. It is not too much, therefore, to affirm that the direct and indirect influence of Theosophy upon humanity in the course of a single generation has been greater than that of any other system ever promulgated, during as many centuries as the Theosophical Movement numbers dec- ades. And the Movement can as yet scarcely be said to have passed the stage of its germinal impulsion. The record of the Theosophical Movement is scattered through thousands upon thousands of pages of books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets and other documents. Many of these are extremely controversial in character, many inaccurate, many contradictory and confusing. The attempt to study, digest, collate and compare the im- vil viii PREFACE mense literature of the subject is a monumental under- taking. The writers have spent many years in connec- tion with the work of the Theosophical Movement, and their opportunities and facilities have been greater than most. Yet they know only too well the impossibility of doing anything like justice to the subject, or of affording satisfactory replies to all questions of the sincere stu- dent of its complexities. The very nature of the subject forbids. For Theosophy, the Theosophical Movement, and the real and true Theosophical Society have, each of them, an esoteric as well as an exoteric side, and the latter can never be fully grasped and understood but through the former. Some of this hidden side can be touched upon, some documents referred to, some indications submitted, some deductions offered for the consideration of the reflective mind, but for by far the most important portion of the esoteric aspect the student must rely upon his own in- tuition: for the hidden side of Theosophy can only be arrived at through the hidden nature of the student himself. Still another difficulty that confronts alike the writers and the sincere student is the fact that many of those who were active in the lifetime of the parent Theosophi- cal Society are still living and now prominent, both in the public eye, and as leaders and exponents of the many conflicting theosophical and occult societies that have sprung up in the past twenty-five years, since the death of the original society. All these antagonistic organiza- tions have their devoted adherents, their own particular tenets and claims of pre-eminence and successorship. The situation exactly parallels that of the early centuries of Christianity. Rival pretensions to apostolic succession, to knowledge, to authority, and to the possession of the keys to the teachings of the Founders confront the in- quirer. The danger is imminent that if a better knowl- edge and understanding of the real teachings of The- osophy, the real mission of the Theosophical Movement, and the real facts in connection with the history of the Parent Theosophical Society, are not made available for PREFACE is all those who may become interested, the fate that has long since overtaken Brahminism, Buddhism and Chris- tianity will inevitably befall the great Message of H. P. Blavatsky. For all the reasons expressed and implied, an acces- sible record of the facts, as accurate a survey of their significance and bearing on the present and on the future as possible, is of the utmost moment to all sincere stu- dents and to all earnest enquirers. Themselves members of none of the existing organizations, but profoundly convinced of the surpassing value of the noble philosophy of Theosophy, the writers are moved to this attempt to aid the unimpeded flow of the great stream of the The- osophical Movement, not so much by any belief in their own especial ability as by the conviction that that flow is being impeded and corrupted by the partisanship and pretensions of the leading exponents of the existing societies. It is therefore addressed, not to any society or societies, but to all true Theosophists, whether members of any of the existing organizations or of none, and to all true enquirers everywhere, who may be willing to ac- cept truth wherever it may be found, and to defend it, even looking popular prejudice—and their own—straight in the face. For the rest, it may be added that the Sytuasus which precedes the text will, it is hoped, be found, both by the general reader and the serious student, to be more satis- factory than an index. The abundant direct citations and the collateral references included in the text render superfluous a separate bibliography and will, it is thought, enable those so minded to verify at first hand every minor as well as major subject discussed. ee, ~ bet 7 AS AG ame Sa eran pit VP dra WR ges r . a rete TD 2 : | Pres y t Hy Pieris ; } ? a ky Wy aye | ‘ (Sie ; ae oe le feat fi on OE Uma erd Wy aa oo i : CET Sn SG he Ly eae eka SUNT CR eRe CE o we i ing } 3 | | | | A sa) { f 1? ay; Pin vee 7 4 ee bale ee Sh eh 3 ‘i eth | Lath jt TNR et on Cl lpia a Lon Py, wee Cet Ate at ses " } inn bole Rt. a Om : ¢ {me ptt : seats Stree eS = a A Be « if Is rad hy % lh nape an iO

| sa | a Aaa ; FY, ‘ 14 Y SiR ih ae ae + CHAPTER XVI. XVIT. XVIII. XIX. XX, XXI. CONTENTS CHANNELS OF THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT . THe PARENT THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY *“Ists UNVEILED’’ . Earuy Days oF THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY THe S.P.R. AND THE THEOSOPHICAL PHE- NOMENA THE REPORT OF THE S.P.R. DIvIsIons AMONG T'HEOSOPHISTS—NEW PUvBLI- CATIONS Esoreric AND Exorertc ASPECTS OF THE THEO- SOPHICAL MOVEMENT H.P.B., OLtcort, AND JUDGE . THE FORMATION OF THE ESOTERIC SECTION THE WoRK OF THE ESOTERIC SECTION MaseL CoLLINS AND PROFESSOR COUES . THE CourEs-CoLLINS CHARGES AND THEIR AF- TERMATH . The New York Sun Lipeu CASE . Oxtcotr Versus H.P.B. Outcott’s ATTEMPT TO CENTRALIZE ALL AU- THORITY H.P.B. Taxes CHARGE OF THE T.S. IN EUROPE Deratu or H.P.B.—HeEr Last Messaces THE CRISIS IN THE SOCIETY ATTEMPTS TO SUPERSEDE H.P.B.’s INFLUENCE . Growing DIvERGENCES—OLcoTT RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT xi PAGE xii CHAPTER XXIT. XXIII. XXIV. XXYV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. NO.O.8 F AXXIT. XXXII. ROX. XXXYV. XXXVI. CONTENTS CONVENTION OF 1892—OnLcoTtt WITHDRAWS His RESIGNATION . H.P.B.’s ‘‘Succressors’’—THE PUBLICATION OF ‘‘Onup Diary LEAVES’”’ CONTROVERSY OVER H.P.B.’s Status As AGENT OF THE MASTERS . ANNIE BESANT IN AMERICA, 1892-1893 BEGINNINGS OF THE ‘‘JUDGE CASE’’ . Mrs. BESANT CHANGES SIDES THE AMERICAN SECTION SUPPORTS JUDGE . THe ‘‘JupiciaL ENquiry’’ IN LONDON . BRITISH CONVENTION DISMISSES CASE AGAINST J UDGE THE ‘‘ EASTERN DIvISION’’ AND ‘‘ WESTERN D1I- VISION ’”’ . Westminster Gazette ATTACKS THE SOCIETY Mrs Besant Tries to Drive JupGE OuT OF THE SOCIETY . THE AMERICAN SECTION DECLARES Its AUTON- OMY AND ExuEcts JupGE Its Lirg-PRESIDENT JUDGE’S DEATH AND THE TINGLEY ‘‘SUCCESSOR- SHIP’’ PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE THEOSOPHICAL MovEMENT PAGE 334 301 380 405 425 441 468 493 o19 D09 O74 596 622 653 689 ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER I. CHANNELS OF THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT 1 The Theosophical Movement the story of Spiritual and Intel- lectual evolution—Religions and systems of thought, govern- ments, sects and parties, landmarks of its cyclical progression through the ages—The Reformation, Free Masonry, the Ameri- can Republic, the abolition of human slavery, all steps—the ‘‘divine right’’ of God and the ‘‘divine rights’’ of kings alike obstacles to progress—all physical evolution preceded and accom- panied by intellectual and moral growth—upward impulses due to the inspiration of higher evolved Intelligences—they work through appropriate channels—modern signs of the Theosophical Movement abundantly in evidence—Western interest in oriental philosophy and religion—the great influence of the ‘‘Light of Asia’’—the tremendous effect of Darwin’s ‘‘ Origin of Species’’ on prevailing religious ideas of ‘‘creation,’’ God and Nature— Buckle’s intuitive perception of the rise of new religions and philosophies—the great work of iconoclasts like Ingersoll and Bradlaugh, of liberal preachers like Kingsley and Channing— the Bastilles of orthodoxy no longer impregnable—Spiritualism an index of the transitional state of mind in religion—phenomena and forces ignored by Science—the writings of Allan Kardec— Spiritualism devoid alike of morality and philosophy—becomes in a generation the faith of millions—due to awakening psychic faculties—Madame Blavatsky enters the Western arena—her ex- hibition of powers exercised at will—her totally unknown philosophy of Life—her first efforts made with the Spiritualists. CuHaptTer II. THe PARENT THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. ... hs Madame Blavatsky comes to New York in 1873—meets Col. H. 8S. Oleott in 1874 at the Eddy farmhouse—she controls the exhibition of phenomena unknown to the spectators—Olcott a prominent lawyer and newspaper writer, a life-long Spiritualist —becomes greatly interested in H.P.B.’s powers and knowledge —introduces her to Wm. Q. Judge, a young lawyer—Oleott and Judge become pupils of H.P.B.—Oleott’s book, ‘‘ People from the Other World,’’ draws public attention to the phenomenal powers of H.P.B.—her apartment dubbed ‘‘the Lamasery’’ be- comes the scene of a never ending throng of visitors and mar- vel seekers—Oleott proposes a ‘‘ Miracle Club,’’ which falls through—the Theosophical Society established in November, 1875, by H.P.B., Oleott and Judge—other early members—most of them Spiritualists who turn enemies—teachings of H.P.B. entirely opposed to the theories of Spiritualism—many Euro- pean and Indian Fellows join the new Society—The Arya Somaj and Swami Sarasvati—the original Society democratic in organi- zation—no restrictions on freedom of conscience or liberty of xiii xiv ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS thought—the ‘‘Three Objects’’ of the Parent Theosophical So- ciety—H.P.B. writes ‘‘Isis Unveiled,’’ published in 1877— goes with Col. Oleott to India, leaving Judge in America—rapid growth of the Society in the Orient—early publications and formation of new ‘‘Branches,’’ East and West. CHapris DLS Sie arr ele i ces eee ee ‘*Tsis Unveiled’’ a Master Key to the mysteries of science and religion, modern and ancient—dedicated to the Theosophical Society with whose ‘‘Three Objects’’ its teachings are in cor- relation—discusses the roots of all religion, the negations of science, and the phenomena of Spiritualism—declares all three before a blank wall only to be penetrated by recourse to the wisdom of the ancient sages—affirms the existence of the Wisdom-Religion, as the true Source of the Theosophical Move- ment in all ages—H.P.B. avows her own intimate acquaintance with living Adepts—phenomenal powers over space, time and matter—proves the fallacies of ‘‘exact’’ science by the testimony of its own exponents—all claims of religious ‘‘infallibility’’ mere theological dogmas—raises her voice for spiritual freedom and enfranchisement from all tyranny whether of Science or Theology—postulates a double evolution, spiritual and intellectual —the Wisdom-Religion the only philosophy which can reconcile faith and knowledge—Metempsychosis, in its esoteric sense— the solution of the ‘‘missing links’’ in Science and the mysteries that baffle religionists—ancient Magic a Divine Science—Cyclie Law, or Karma, the explanation of the rise and fall of civiliza- tions—the periodic destructions and renovations of Nature— every problem of existence solved by the Wise Men of old—the secret and unbroken chain of the Adepts of the Great Lodge— the great propositions of Occultism—there is no miracle, every- thing under Law (Karma)—Spirit, Mind and Matter the evolv- ing Trinity in Nature and in Man—Adeptship versus Medium- ship—the Trinity of Nature the lock of Magic—the Trinity of Man the Key that fits it. CuHAapter IV. Earty Days or THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY The Theosophical Society an attempt to form a human asso- ciation on the basis of the Lodge of Adepts, pure Altruism— H.P.B. not deceived in regard to the obstacles to be met—sece- tarian religious prejudices, the great barrier to true Fraternity —the Second Object of the T.S.—the idea of ‘‘miracles’’ and materialistic hypotheses of modern science the great enemies of true knowledge, hence the Third Object—Man inherently per- fectible, not a mortal fallible being—Adepts the living proof of the divinity inherent in every man—the Wisdom-Religion can be known and its Adepts found by any sincere man—the real enemies of human welfare—bound to array themselves against H.P.B., her Society and her mission—who those enemies are— orthodox religions, materialistic science, pseudo-scientists, pre- tended authoritves—the mercenaries and parasites of the press— ‘“Tsis Unveiled’’ neither a revelation nor an arbitrary theory—a statement of verifiable facts, physical and metaphysical—rests upon its own inherent worth—the Theosophical Society a body of students—dependent upon self-induced and self-devised efforts to study and apply the teachings of Theosophy—rejected and opposed by the Spiritualists, its natural allies, because of its PAGE 26 42 ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS XV PAGE teachings on after-death states and conditions—greatly helped in the East because of the natural mysticism of the inhabitants —Swami Sarasvati and his Arya Somaj originally sympathetic —Buddhist and Hindu friends gained for the Society in India— Sumangali, Damodar Mavalankar and Subba Row, powerful allies—A. P. Sinnett and A. O. Hume influential friends among the English—The Theosophist founded in 1879—Oleott’s ‘‘ Bud- dhist Catechism’’ published—this and his lecturing tours gain many adherents—Missionary hostility aroused at the success and propaganda of the Society—H.P.B. charged with being a Rus- sian spy and an immoral woman with Col. Olcott for her dupe —other calumnies—charges recanted by enemies—first internal disturbance in the London Lodge—Dr. George Wyld’s defection —Dr. Anna Bonus Kingsford’s ‘‘ Perfect Way’’—her pamphlet assault on Mr. Sinnett’s ‘‘Esoteric Buddhism’’—Mr. Subba Row replies—Mr. C. C. Massey precipitates further troubles—the ‘“Kiddle charges’’ of plagiarism by the Master—the storm raised in England and France in 1884—H.P.B. and Col. Oleott go to Paris and London—meet Mr. Solovyoff—Judge comes to Paris, goes to India, and returns to America via London—H.P.B. and Col. Oleott meet leading members of the Society for Psy- chical Research while in London—the S.P.R. plans to investigate the ‘‘ Theosophical phenomena.’’ CHaptrr V. THE S.P.R. AND THE THEOSOPHICAL PHE- NOMENA MERE. SR SERRA AD RRR aa TP ad RNa MOR Reet adh ear 59 The Society for Psychical Research preceded by the Dialectical Society—that Society investigates Spiritualism in 1869—pub- lishes its Report in 1870—concludes phenomena of Spiritualism are genuine—transcend all known laws—should be investigated scientifically—ceriticisms of the Report by London papers— Professor Crookes investigates Spiritualism—publishes his results in 1872—Mr. Crookes assailed as savagely as Darwin—no ad- vance in understanding of Spiritualistic phenomena during next ten years—the ‘‘Unseen Universe’’—the Society for Psychical Research established in 1882—its chief sponsors Spiritualists— some of them members of the Theosophical Society also—many well-known men and women join the S.P.R.—it begins its in- vestigation of the ‘‘Theosophical phenomena’’ in the summer of 1884—Olecott, Sinnett, Chatterji and others examined—H.P.B. interviewed—many other witnesses to the phenomena of H.P.B. give testimony—Preliminary Report of the S.P.R. issued in the fall of 1884—admits the prima facie genuineness of the phe- nomena—reservations due to the charges just made in India by the Coulombs against the good faith of H.P.B.—declares a fur- ther investigation necessary in India—appoints Mr. Richard Hodgson for that purpose—the story of the Coulomb charges of fraud against H.P.B.—H.P.B. shipwrecked in 1871—goes to Cairo—meets Madame Coulomb—is succored by her—starts a society to investigate Western Spiritualism—the attempt a fail- ure—H.P.B. returns to Russia in 1872—goes to Paris and then to New York in 1873—Madame Coulomb marries in Egypt— meets with reverses—is living in poverty in Ceylon when H.P.B. and Col. Olcott come to India—the Coulombs appeal for aid— go to India—join the Theosophical Society in 1880—are given employment at headquarters—Madame Coulomb a bigoted Chris- tian and Spiritualist medium—hecomes jealous of H.P.B.’s sue- cessful mission—iries to extort money from members—circulates Xvi ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS slanders about H.P.B.—is brought to ‘‘trial’’ by the members of the Council during absence of H.P.B. and Olcott in Europe in the summer of 1884—the Coulombs communicate with Madras missionaries—are expelled from the Theosophical Society—are supported by the missionaries—the Coulomb charges published in the Christian College Magazine and in a pamphlet—the out- burst occasioned. CuHapter VI. THE REpoRT OF THES.P.R. . . . . Madame Blavatsky resigns from Theosophical Society when Cou- lomb charges made public—resignation refused by Oleott under pressure—H.P.B. writes London Times and Pall Mall Gazette pronouncing charges a conspiracy—H.P.B. and Oleott return to India at end of 1884—H.P.B. insists charges must be met by court proceedings against the Coulombs—Oleott and the Hindus oppose legal action—the Adyar Convention declines to defend H.P.B. while affirming belief in her bona fides—Oleott and Sin- nett already mistrust H.P.B.—she resigns from the Society and leaves India early in 1885—Mr. Hodgson in India during the Convention and desertion of H.P.B. by Theosophists—power- fully affected by the lukewarmness and doubts of leading Theoso- phists—returns to England and submits his report to Committee of §8.P.R.—Hodgson’s findings adopted by Committee in June, 1885—Report of the S.P.R. published following December— Conclusions reached—H.P.B.’s phenomena fraudulent—in a long- continued conspiracy to deceive public—Coulomb letters and Mahatma letters written by H.P.B.—declare H.P.B. ‘‘one of the most accomplished, ingenious, and interesting impostors in his- tory’’—the Report of the 8.P.R. examined critically shows it to be wholly ex parte—no safeguards employed to ascertain and render justice—the investigation that of a rival society con- trolled by Spiritualists—the S.P.R. not interested in philosophy or ethics—avid for phenomena—ignorant of Occultism—contra- dictions and inconsistencies of S.P.R. Committee shown from its own Report—Committee relies wholly on Mr. Massey’s suspicions, the Coulomb charges, and the opinions of the London handwriting experts—Mr. Massey’s suspicions shown to be without tangible foundation—the Coulombs shown out of their own mouths to be lying tricksters—the handwriting experts shown as first declar- ing the Mahatma letters could not have been written by H.P.B. —then, at Hodgson’s solicitation, changing their opinion to the contrary—the expert Netherclift shown to have sworn posi- tively in the Parnell case to the opposite of the facts—the mo- tives of all adverse witnesses shown to have been culpable and their testimony impeached—more than one hundred responsible witnesses affirm the genuineness of phenomena witnessed by them —the 8.P.R. Committee declares these to have been victims of ‘‘hallucination’’—Hodgson’s findings examined—a mass of sus- picions and contradictory conjectures to account for facts testi- fied to—Hodgson recognizes necessity for showing a motive suf- ficient to account for H.P.B.’s alleged fraud during twenty years —rejects supposition that she was influenced by greed or ambi- tion—submits theory that H.P.B. was a Russian spy—her Society and her phenomena a cloak to conceal her designs against British rule in India. PAGE (6 ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS XVii PAGH CHAPTER VII. Drvisions AMONG THEOSOPHISTS—NEW PUBLICATIONS . . . Pi Oa it ‘ we (94 Effect on Theosophists of Goulamnbs S.P.R. PRS cairns Michtoote goes to Burmah—H.P.B. desperately ill—attempt to unseat Ol- cott, who returns to Adyar—H.P.B. supports him—but tells him in deserting her the Theosophists have deserted the Masters— H.P.B. resigns and leaves India for Europe—Damodar leaves Adyar and goes to the Masters—the Society in India languishes and falls into public contempt—H.P.B. finds friends and sup- porters in Kurope—Oleott and Indians find they cannot continue without H.P.B.—Convention at close of 1885 invites her to re- sume her office of Corresponding Secretary—refuses resignation of Olcott who is ready to retire as President—temporary restora- tion of harmony among Theosophists—H.P.B. in Europe, first in Italy, then Germany, then Belgium—her sickness, poverty, courage, good temper and unremitting exertions—visited by many noted Theosophists—her physical condition desperate for two years—carried to London by Countess Wachtmeister and the Keightleys in summer of 1887—her presence a great stimulus to Theosophy in England—new publications, the Sphyna, the Lotus and Lucifer—the ‘‘Blavatsky Lodge’’ formed at London—NSin- nett publishes ‘‘ Incidents in the Life of H. P. Blavatsky’’ as an offset to S.P.R. Report—new books—‘‘Light on the Path’’— ‘“Five Years of Theosophy’’—‘‘Man: Fragments of Forgotten History ’’—revival of Theosophical spirit and work—in Asia— in Europe—in America—Judge the heart of the Movement in America—rebuilds the Society—Judge begins The Path in 1886 —secures the establishment of the American ‘‘ Board of Con- trol’’ by Oleott—new Branches and Lodges in the United States —Judge forms the ‘‘ American Section of the T.S.’’—first really democratic organization in the Society—Judge becomes its Gen- eral Secretary—the work now in three streams—Judge in Amer- ica—H.P.B. in Europe—Olcott in India—all in outward concord. Cuaprer VIII. Esoreric aNp ExotTreric ASPECTS OF THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT . . ieee LEO The ‘‘ Esoteric Section of the T.S.’’—the isdeephiea Movement has an esoteric as well as an exoteriec aspect—the Theosophical Society merely the public experimental aspect of the Movement and its Third Section—the First Section the Lodge of Masters —the Second Section composed of accepted, lay and probationary Chelas or Disciples—the Masters or First Section never pub- licly known—the Second Section kept secret, but probationers accepted privately—Judge and Oleott the earliest members of the Second Section known—first public notice of the Three See- tions in India in 1880—hints and articles on Chelaship there- after appear at intervals in The Theosophist—difference be- tween Occultism and Spiritualism—Chelaship and mediumship opposed courses—reasons for secrecy in connection with ‘‘ Chela- ship of the Second Section’’—the immense change in the work of H.P.B. and Judge after 1886—shown in contents of Lucifer and The Path—illustrative articles cited—‘‘the ordeals of Chela- ship’’—practically exemplified in case of Mrs. Cables and Mr. W. T. Brown—Mrs. Cables a Spiritualist Christian with mystical tendencies—begins publication of The Occult Word—W. T. Brown a ‘‘probationary Chela’’—becomes a ‘‘ Rosicrucian’’— joins Mrs. Cables—they seek for ‘‘communications from the xviii ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Mahatmas’’—receive no ‘‘signs’’—publish a ‘‘manifesto’’— H.P.B. replies—shows dangers and requirements of Chelaship— —cites Brown’s own ease in illustration without naming him— Mrs. Cables and Brown leave the Society—failures frequent among candidates for Chelaship—out of hundreds ‘‘one only’’ achieves full success—seven years successful probation the mini- mum requirement before ‘‘communication with Masters’’ possi- ble on both sides—failure of Theosophists to lead the life. CuHaprTmr IX, H.P.B., OLcorr'anp JupDGE . . . . . 127 H.P.B. the Messenger of the Masters—Judge next to her in importance esoterically—Oleott the public head and front of the exoteric work—Oleott’s limitations and obstacles—his own let- ter quoted—Oleott, the probationary Chela, fails often and upsets his work as President—his attitude toward H.P.B. and Judge —his friendship and intimacy with those who afterward be- came enemies or traitors—Massey, Prof. Coues—Oleott’s slights to H.P.B.—his partiality for Subba Row—friction between Subba Row and H.P.B. over the ‘‘Sevenfold Classification’ ’—the contentions in The Theosophist—Judge intervenes in the con- _troversy—internal frictions cause of all external troubles— failure of Theosophists to adhere to First Object and of pro- bationary Chelas to keep their Pledges—could not endure correc- tion at hands of H.P.B. or Judge—‘‘ Pledge Fever’’ real cause of stormy course of the Society—necessity for restoration of the Movement to true lines—Judge advises formation of ‘“Ksoteric Section’’—draws up its Rules—Oleott torn by fears and doubts—the battle between the ‘‘Three Founders’’ prior to the formation of the ‘‘Esoterie Section’’—not disclosed till long afterwards in ‘‘Old Diary Leaves’’—neither H.P.B. nor Judge ever wrote anything personal—never ‘‘ washed Theosoph- ical dirty linen in public’’—story of friction between the Founders unknown to Theosophists at the time—disclosed long afterward by Olcott—‘‘Old Diary Leaves’’ not a history but an autobiography. CHAPTER X. THE FORMATION OF THE ESOTERIC SECTION . 144 The ‘‘critical period’’ preceding the formation of the ‘‘ Esoteric Section’’ of the T.S.—H.P.B. discusses Oleott’s nature in a letter to Dr. Franz Hartmann in 1886—Oleott and others never understood either Masters or H.P.B.—Oleott sincere but ‘‘ lacks in the psychological portion of his brain’’—H.P.B.’s story of her difficulties—trying to aid others to perception of the facts —Oleott tells his story at length in ‘‘Old Diary Leaves’’— thinks H.P.B. wise, foolish and fanatic—opposes establishment of Lucifer and of ‘‘ Blavatsky Lodge’’—offended at H.P.B.’s course in the Subba Row controversy—discusses H.P.B.’s nature —calls her ‘‘insulted and misunderstood Messenger’’—then says she ‘‘frets and worries over mares’ nests’’—ealls the Judge- Coues controversy a ‘‘personal quarrel’’—gives his version of the storm preceding the ‘‘Esoterie Section’’—ecalls H.P.B. a ‘*mad person,’’ ‘‘hyperexcited hysterical woman’ ’—discloses that H.P.B. was prepared to leave the T.S. and form a new Society of her own if he does not reform—the Hindu ‘‘Coun- cil’’ frightened at H.P.B.’s stand—more trouble in the Paris Branch—Oleott makes it an excuse to go to Europe in 1888— to ‘‘fight it out’’ with H.P.B.—first overrules her then rescinds his action—confirms H.P.B.’s ‘‘interference’’ as within her ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS xix PAGE ‘Constitutional rights’’—Oleott receives a letter on shipboard in 1888 direct from the Master—wrongly relates it in ‘‘Old Diary Leaves’’ to the visit in 1884—the Master’s letter a phenomenon indeed—it reproaches Oleott for his attitude and conduct towards H.P.B.—declares that it is she who is their direct agent—afiirms that ‘‘with occult matters she has every- thing to do’’—warns Olcott to attend to his own business—tells him he will have to suffer for his injustice to H.P.B.—the letter effective for the time being—Judge goes to London and the Three Founders effect a reconciliation—H.P.B. issues public notice of the Esoteric Section, accompanied by an ‘‘ official authorization’’ from Olcott—joint note of H.P.B. and Oleott to all Theosophists—Oleott afterwards takes credit to himself for the outecome—‘‘ pacifies H.P.B.’’ CHAPTER XI. THE WorK OF THE Esoteric SECTION .. 163 ‘“Old Diary Leaves’’ tells the story of Oleott’s return to India late in 1888 for the ‘‘ Adyar Parliament’’—his Address to the Convention—never set himself up as a competent* teacher—the Esoteric Section H.P.B.’s sole .responsibility—glosses the Euro- pean events to show himself the leading actor—the Convention of the American Section in April, 1889, following—a letter read from H.P.B.—Judge’s respect and reverence for H.P.B. in contrast with Olcott’s attitude—H.P.B.’s letter refers to the Esoteric Section—formed to work for Theosophy under her direction—gives a warning direct from Masters—Altruism Their object—Theosophists must strive for true fraternity— Preliminary Memorandum to candidates for the Esoteric Sec- tion—the Pledge required—secrecy, service and study—the Esoteric Section necessary because the T.S. had proved after thirteen years a ‘‘dead failure’’ and a ‘‘sham’’—the Esoteric Section not for ‘‘practical occultism’’—for brotherly union, mutual help, and the salvation of the T.S.—other extracts from the Preliminary Memorandum and Book of Rules. CHAPTER XII. Mapet CoLuuIns AND ProFressor CovEes . 178 The Esoteric Section promptly brings about Pledge Fever in the T.S.—the great storm of 1889-90—Mabel Collins and Prof. Coues the conscious and unconscious instruments—Mabel Collins joins London Lodge in 1884—a ‘‘psychic’’ with no knowledge of Occultism—medium for ‘‘Light on the Path’’ and ‘‘The Gates of Gold’’—becomes Associate Editor. of Lucifer with H.P.B.—acquires great Theosophical reputation— suddenly dropped from Lucifer in February, 1889—Prof. Coues of Catholic descent and training—highly educated—noted scien- tific authority and writer—interested in ‘‘ psychical research’ ’— joins T.S. at London in 1884—becomes member of American Board of Control—establishes the Gnostic Branch of the Ameri- can Section T.S., at Washington, D. C.—aids in establishing an American Society for Psychical Research—tries to control T.S. in United States—Judge’s cautions—Coues corresponds with H.P.B., Judge and Olcott, trying to set them at odds with each other—Oleott nearly succumbs—letter from Oleott to Coues— Coues made Chairman at American Section Convention of 1888 at Chicago—gives the Chicago Tribune a spurious ‘‘ Mahatma message’ ’—admits it to Judge—denies it to H.P.B.—his letters to Judge and H,P,B.—his hypocrisy and thirst for notoriety xX ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS and power—H.P.B. replies to him—speaks plainly—refuses to countenance his ‘‘messages’’ or his ambitions—he demands to be made head of the American Section as the price of his allegiance—his offer rejected—not present at the Convention of April, 1889. CuapTer XIII. Tar Coves-CoLtuins CHARGES AND THEIR AFTERMATH . . Coues sends a letter to the Religio-Philosophical Journal of May 11, 1889—Bundy, Coleman, Michael Angelo Lane and Mabel Collins enlisted in Coues’ campaign to ruin Judge and H.P.B.—Coues’ letter jeers at the ‘‘Theosophical mahatmas’’ —quotes a letter from Mabel Collins—says he never met Miss Collins personally—wrote her first in 1885 asking real source of ‘‘Light on the Path’’—she replied that it was ‘‘dictated to her by one of the adepts’’ of H.P.B.—no intervening communi- cation—now ‘‘unexpectedly’’ he receives letter which he gives —Miss Collins declares her original statement false—knows nothing of existence of any Master—made her false statement because H.P.B. ‘‘begged and implored’’ her to—the Coues- Collins’ charges critically examined—show Coues a conscienceless schemer and Mabel Collins a mediumistic dupe of Coues—their combined testimony proved false from their own evidence— collateral and chronological facts show baselessness and im- possibility of allegations in regard to H.P.B.—aftermath of events—Mabel Collins sues H.P.B. for libel—her own attorneys dismiss the suit on .being shown a letter of Mabel Collins in H.P.B.’s possession—the real mysteries involved in the origin of Collins’ ‘‘inspired’’ books—Mabel Collins a ‘‘failure in occultism’’—dismissed, with M. A. Lane, from the Esoteric Section—Coues never a member of the Section—admission re- fused him. CHAPTER XIV. The New York Sun Lipset CASE .. . Professor Coues’ case taken up by Judge—the Executive Com- mittee of the American Section expels Coues from the T.S.— the Convention in April, 1890, approves the expulsion—the Gnostic Branch dischartered—Coues plans revenge—the New York Sum joins in the fray—calls H.P.B. an ‘‘impostor,’’ lauds Coues for exposing her ‘‘humbug religion’’—followed by full- page interview with Coues—he rehashes all the old slanders on H.P.B.—charges Judge with duplicating in America H.P.B.’s frauds in England—the ‘‘mahatmas’’ a hoax and their ‘‘mes- sages’’ invented by H.P.B. and Judge—charges H.P.B. with immorality—Judge brings suit for libel against Sun—H.P.B. follows—her letter in The Path—no evasion of the issues—the Sun fights the case for two years—no evidence obtainable to support the charges made—the Sun publishes in 1892 a full retraction and repudiates Coues—retraction accompanied by publication in Sun of a long article by Judge in defense of H.P.B.—Sun says editorially ‘‘ Mr. Judge’s article disposes of all questions regarding Madame Blavatsky as presented by Dr. Coues’’—the Sun libel case a complete vindication of H.P.B. —infamy of subsequent reiteration of exploded slanders by Count Witte and Margot Tennant—Coues disgraced by outcome of suits—retires to obscurity—importance of the Coues-Collins- Sun battle—should be familiar to all students. PAGH 195 211 ANALYTICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS xxi PAGE CHAPTER “XiV 4) OLCOTT. VERSUS -HP.B. ee Se ee 296 Esoteric aspect of the Coues struggle—cycles in Theosophical Movement—the Three Founders the personification of the Three Sections of the Movement—a breach between the Sections in the first ten years—Olcott and others’ failure to defend H.P.B. in 1885 the sign of the rupture—first doubts—then dissent and dissimulation—then temporising—then repudiation of the Oc- eult status of H.P.B.—the long list of ‘‘failures in occultism’’ in the first thirteen years—Coues counted on Olcott’s support— Olcott becomes frightened at possible consequences to Society and himself—refuses to align himself with his colleagues—but does not openly support Coues—blinded by jealousy and vanity —‘Old Diary Leaves’’ discloses Olcott’s inner attitude and struggles—his ‘‘ pitched battle’? with H.P.B. in 1888 over the Esoteric Section—