Chapter IV: Part 4

Your secretary’s annual report one year ago showed that 1897 had been the most prosperous year in the history of the movement in this city. By the present report it is seen that 1898 far surpasses the previous year, and this in the face of financial distress and general unrest. The prediction is ventured that 1899 will bring a still greater need of success, for it is the beginning of a California cycle. In 1849 the name of California was emblazoned before the world. The closing year marks the passing of the seventh septenate of the cycle, and 1899 will usher in the new cycle which is to bring California again before the notice of the world, but this time as the depository of spiritual gold.

This report would be incomplete without reference to the Chicago Convention, held on February 18, 1898, at which time the Universal Brotherhood, or the Brotherhood of Humanity, was promulgated under the leadership of Mrs. Katherine A. Tingley, and of which the Theosophical Society in America and the International Brotherhood League became integral parts. San Francisco Branch at once transformed itself into a Lodge of Universal Brotherhood, becoming Lodge 7—the mystic number—and the results of the year are ample justification of the action taken.

There were a few defections from the Society because of its expansion, but the record shows that the result was in no wise serious for the organization. An organization, like a human body, is made up of atoms or lives, and as growth proceeds these atoms are constantly changing their position and passing into and out of the body. The correspondence is very similar, except that in the case of this organization it is not the law of fatality which expels the atoms, but each has the free will to maintain his position in the growing body if he so desires, or to leave it. Each will choose as he desires, and we have not the right to attempt to compel them. We have but to perform our full duty in every department of our lives, and the recorders of karma will adjust the conditions and the result.

I congratulate the members of Universal Brotherhood Lodge No. 7 on the work of the closing year and the prospects of the coming one.

Fraternally,

AMOS J. JOHNSON, Secretary.

SAN FRANCISCO, December 21, 1898.

LOTUS HOME.

BUFFALO, N. Y., Dec. 29, 1898.

DEAR LEADER:—

I wish it were in my power to express to you all the sweetness and quiet joy of the first Christmas, at Lotus Home, and the only thing that was lacking, was the presence (in the physical body) of the precious “Lotus Mother,” for it was such a delightful experience, so full of hope and promise, that we wanted you there to share it with us.

Truly the spirit of “Peace on Earth, Good Will to all Men” brooded over the Home and spread its wings over all that are working and ministering to the tiny “Buds” there.

It is wonderful to see the improvement in them as the days go on, since Dr. Kean has taken them in hand; she understands all their little needs and with Miss Morris’ gentle and unceasing care and attention they are growing as strong and beautiful as the most exacting could desire.

The atmosphere surrounding them is so serene and full of unselfish brotherly love that the unfoldment into health and beauty of mind and body has begun early, and we feel sure that they will grow to lovely “Blossoms by and bye” and be workers for Humanity on the broadest lines of “Universal Brotherhood.”

There was the Christmas Tree, filled with lights and all the “shining things,” and the sweet odor of the fragrant boughs filled the rooms, the babies and all the household gathered around it with the members of our family also, at twilight, and if any one thinks a lot of wee babies do not enjoy the fun of a Christmas tree, let them come here and see “ours,” they stared and laughed and took in all the loveliness, as wisely as the older ones of us. Little Katherine was so overcome with prolonged staring and nodding her head with approval, that she fell asleep in the midst of it, no doubt continuing the lovely vision in her dreams.

Little Grace with the rosy cheeks and laughing blue eyes had grown to the dignity of short clothes on Christmas day, and though but five months old she sat in her fine new high chair and crowed and laughed aloud with glee just as though she were years old instead of months only.

Wee Edith, our frailest Bud, is frail no longer, but is growing stronger and rosier every day, and her great wonderful eyes look as if they held a store of untold things, which she will give to the world some day, in song or verse.

On Christmas Eve a new-comer appeared, little “merry Christmas” and on Christmas day another; this one we didn’t know what to call for the time being, but little “Miss Newcome,” and that made six small workers for humanity at Lotus Home on Christmas day.

The household is now composed of twelve persons, Dr. Kean, Supt.; Miss Morris, assistant Supt.; the Housekeeper; the Maid of all work (who by the way is a jewel); the Man of all work; and the new nursery maid; with the six babies making the twelve.

Quite a household, for so short a time since the work was begun, and it will continue to grow for it is getting to be better known all the while.

We have received an appropriation from the County of $600. We are very glad to get this, it will help us through the winter and in spring we hope to have an entertainment that will bring us over $200.

I have no words at my command, dear Mother, to express all I feel in regard to our blessed work here, and of my appreciation of the great privilege you have bestowed upon us here, in permitting us to help on our great Cause in this practical and substantial way, but you know my heart, and what I lack in beautiful language, I hope I can make up in faithful work.

THERESA Y. STEVENS.

HOME CRUSADE IN IRELAND.

On December 7th the Crusaders, Mrs. A. L. Cleather and Bro. Basil Crump, went to Dublin for the first time, where they enjoyed the real Irish hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Dick. Ireland is a dreamy country, and its people are extremely diffident and hard to interest in anything novel. The deep interest of those who came to the Wagner lecture was, therefore, no less a surprise to the local workers than the unusually long and appreciative reports which appeared in the principal Dublin papers. It was a significant fact that, although the reporters were supplied with a complete summary of the lecture, they stayed to the end, and gave money for the children’s work. This lecture was on Friday, the 9th; Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were occupied with U. B. and private meetings, interviews, and general routine work. On Tuesday the children’s entertainment took place in the Rotunda. A number of Dublin ladies interested in philanthropic work came to help, and a gentleman very kindly operated the lantern. All were delighted, and said it was quite as much a lesson for them as for the little ones. There is no doubt that this work will be carried forward in Dublin. Each visitor asked for a portrait of Mrs. Tingley.

Early on Wednesday morning the Crusaders, Mrs. Cleather and Bro. Crump, left Dublin to help at the

BROTHERHOOD BAZAAR IN LIVERPOOL.

They were met by Secretary Herbert Crooke and Brother H. M. Savage, and stayed along with Brother Cranstone Woodhead at the “Mitre” Hotel. Some very advantageous arrangements had been made, so that the Bazaar started on a favorable financial basis. A beautiful picture, sent by Brother R. Machell, R. B. A., was splendidly displayed in a large shop window in Lord Street, and attracted an immense amount of public attention.

The Committee were singularly happy in securing the sympathetic services of Mr. R. Holt and Mrs. Jeannie Mole to open the Bazaar on the first and second days respectively. They both made speeches which came straight from the heart, and their appreciation of the work now being done by the Movement along practical lines was an object lesson to all in the foresight and wisdom of our Leader. Brother T. Baker’s orchestra provided excellent music, the refreshments were daintily served by lady workers in tasteful costumes, and on the seven stalls there was a profusion of articles for sale. We understand that the total receipts amounted to upwards of £150, and we warmly congratulate the Committee on this highly successful result.

BRISTOL.

Bristol reports an increase of attendence, due to copies of the _New Century_ being placed in the public libraries. _New Century_ distribution is highly important work. When the hour shall strike, when we have given it that unqualified support that it demands of us, it will then speak right into the people’s hearts in clear and simple language, so that none need longer question the “nobility of their calling,” or again forget their “true position in life.” C. O.

LIVERPOOL.

The Lodge is flourishing, and the sole topic is the “Bazaar.” The Thursday evening meetings have been very interesting during November.

On Sunday, November 20th, Brother Bern lectured on “Music.”

On the 24th November Brother Crooke gave an excellent lecture on “King Solomon’s Seal.” To all our brethren, greeting.—J. F. CROPPER.

From _The Crusader_, Dec. 27, 1898.

HOLLAND.

We know that you are in a whirlwind of work. Here, too, we are, after our own way in a whirlwind of the same kind, and things are going well. We are busy with preparations for our Lotus circle, etc., and, as for U. B. work, it goes in every way as far as our means allow. Inward work is very good, and the true members are coming nearer to each other in conscious unity. We only know our Leader here, and try to follow her.

H. DE N.

UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD ORGANIZATION.

“Slowly the Bible of the race is writ,
Each age, each kindred adds a verse to it.”

Universal Brotherhood or the Brotherhood of Humanity is an organization established for the benefit of the people of the earth and all creatures.

This organization declares that Brotherhood is a fact in nature. The principal purpose of this organization is to teach Brotherhood, demonstrate that it is a fact in nature and make it a living power in the life of humanity.

The subsidiary purpose of this organization is to study ancient and modern religion, science, philosophy and art; to investigate the laws of nature and the divine powers in man.

This Brotherhood is a part of a great and universal movement which has been active in all ages.

Every member has the right to believe or disbelieve in any religious system or philosophy, each being required to show that tolerance for the opinions of others which he expects for his own.

The Theosophical Society in America is the Literary Department of Universal Brotherhood.

The International Brotherhood League is the department of the Brotherhood for practical humanitarian work.

The Central Office of the Universal Brotherhood Organization is at 144 Madison Avenue, New York City.

THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD LEAGUE.

(_Unsectarian._)

“Helping and sharing is what Brotherhood means.”

This organization affirms and declares that Brotherhood is a fact in Nature, and its objects are:

1. To help men and women to realize the nobility of their calling and their true position in life.

2. To educate children of all nations on the broadest lines of Universal Brotherhood and to prepare destitute and homeless children to become workers for humanity.

3. To ameliorate the condition of unfortunate women, and assist them to a higher life.

4. To assist those who are, or have been, in prison, to establish themselves in honorable positions in life.

5. To endeavor to abolish capital punishment.

6. To bring about a better understanding between so-called savage and civilized races, by promoting a closer and more sympathetic relationship between them.

7. To relieve human suffering resulting from flood, famine, war, and other calamities; and generally to extend aid, help, and comfort to suffering humanity throughout the world.

It should be noted that the officers and workers of the International Brotherhood League are unsalaried and receive no remuneration, and this, as one of the most binding rules of the organization, _effectually excludes those who would otherwise enter from motives of self-interest_.

None of the officers hold any political office, the League is not connected with any political party or organization, nor has it any political character, it is wholly humanitarian and unsectarian.

THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN AMERICA.

This Society was formed in 1875 under the name of the Theosophical Society, by H. P. Blavatsky, assisted by W. Q. Judge and others; reorganized in April, 1895, by W. Q. Judge under the name of the Theosophical Society in America, and in February, 1898, became an integral part of Universal Brotherhood Organization.

The principal purpose of this Society is to publish and disseminate literature relating to Theosophy, Brotherhood, ancient and modern religions, philosophy, sciences and arts.

Its subsidiary purpose is to establish and build up a great library, in which shall be gathered ancient and modern literature of value to the great cause of Universal Brotherhood.

SCHOOL FOR THE REVIVAL OF THE LOST MYSTERIES OF ANTIQUITY AT POINT LOMA, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U. S. A.

Although American in centre, this school is international in character—“a temple of living light, lighting up the dark places of the earth.

“Through this School and its branches the children of the race will be taught the laws of physical life, and the laws of physical, moral, and mental health and spiritual unfoldment. They will learn to live in harmony with nature. They will become passionate lovers of all that breathes. They will grow strong in an understanding of themselves, and as they gain strength they will learn to use it for the good of the whole world.”

The Leader and Official Head wishes it known that there is an Eastern and Esoteric School in which a very large number of the earnest members of the UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD throughout the world are pupils. At present there is no institution where students go to learn these teachings. The studies are carried on in each group under directions from the centre in New York.

In the School for the Revival of the Lost Mysteries of Antiquity there will be an Esoteric Department, in which the higher teachings will be given to such pupils of the Eastern and Esoteric School as are prepared to receive them.

THE ISIS LEAGUE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA (OF THE ART DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD).

The Isis League of Music and Drama is composed of persons carefully selected by the Foundress, who are interested in the advancement of music and the drama to their true place in the life of humanity. Its objects are:

(_a_) To accentuate the importance of Music and the Drama as vital educative factors.

(_b_) To educate the people to a knowledge of the true philosophy of life by means of dramatic presentations of a high standard and the influence of the grander harmonies of music.

Headquarters: 144 Madison Avenue, New York City, and at Point Loma, San Diego, California.

OBITUARY.

We deeply regret to record the passing away on Dec. 30, of Bro. H. T. Lotter, one of the most faithful and earnest workers in Kansas City, after an illness lasting since last Aug. The following resolutions were passed by Lodge No. 47 of Universal Brotherhood, Kansas City, Mo.

_Whereas_ In the economy of Nature, all is subject to change, that which we see being the blossom of seed sown in the long ago in the yesterdays of Eternity which in their turn shall bear seed for futurity’s growth; and

_Whereas_ Time in its onward sweep has closed the Cycle of Active life of him who was erstwhile known to us as Henry T. Lotter gathering for further unfoldment the ripened fruit of an Earth life; now therefore be it

RESOLVED That in the passing hence of brother Lotter this lodge loses an earnest, enthusiastic and untiring worker in the Cause, its members a staunch, sincere and kind brother and an amiable and gracious friend; and further be it

RESOLVED That in token of our love and esteem, flowers shall be placed on the rostrum at the public meetings to be held Jan. 8, 15, 22d and that three members be appointed to address the audience in memoriam, also be it

RESOLVED That our recollections of him can best be kept in our memories, by making his conduct in life our standard of duty.

CHAS. E. HUNGERFORD, Pres.

J. FRANK KNOCHE, Sec.

We have also received notice of the passing away from earth-life of two of the oldest workers on the Pacific Coast, Bro. Theodore G. Ed. Wollet of San Francisco, on Dec. 12th, aged 70 years, and Dr. John S. Cook of Sacramento, on Dec. 30th. Both of our brothers will be much missed by their respective Lodges, but the memory of their faithful endeavor for Universal Brotherhood will long be kept in the hearts of their comrades.

BOOK LIST

of high class, legitimate works on Brotherhood, Theosophy, Occultism and Kindred Subjects, which may be obtained, post-paid, from

THE THEOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.,

144 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK.

Astral Intoxication, and other papers (Judge) $ 0.03

Atlantis, The story of (Scott-Elliott). A geographical, historical,
and ethnological sketch, with maps cloth 1.25

Bhagavad-Gita, American Edition (Judge), pocket size, red leather
75c; morocco, gilt 1.00 The pearl of the scriptures of the East.

Bhagavad-Gita, or Song Celestial (in verse, by Edwin Arnold) cloth
1.00

Blossom and the Fruit, The (Collins) cloth .75 A true story of a
Black Magician.

Brotherhood; Nature’s Law (Harding); paper 20c; cloth .40

Clothed with the Sun (Kingsford); paper 50c; cloth 1.25

Coming Race, The (Bulwer-Lytton) paper .15

Culture of Concentration (Judge) .05 A valuable aid to right mental
development.

Devachan, or The Heaven World (Coryn) .05 A conception of the heaven
state.

Diet Book, Buddhist boards .50

Dreams and Dream Stories (Kingsford); paper 25c; cloth 1.25

Dreams of the Dead (Stanton) paper .50

Echoes from the Orient (Judge) paper 12c; cloth .50 A broad outline
of theosophical doctrines.

Elementary Theosophy per 100, $3; single copies .05 single copies
.05

Esoteric Buddhism (Sinnett) paper 50c; cloth 1 25

Esoteric Basis of Christianity (Kingsland); paper 20c; cloth 1.25

Esoteric Character of the Gospels (Blavatsky); cloth .35

Etidorhpa (John Uri Lloyd) 2.00 The strange story of a Mysterious
Being and a remarkable journey.

Gems from the East (Blavatsky) parchment 1.00 A Theosophical
Birthday-book.

Glossary for Theos. Students, A Working cloth .50

Golden Stairs, The (Waite) cloth .75 Tales from the wonder-world for
children.

Gospel of Buddha, The (Carus); paper 35c; cloth 1.00

Heroic Enthusiasts, The. An ethical poem by Giordano Bruno, in two
parts cloth 3.00

Hypnotism; its History and Present Development (Bjornstrom) paper
.30

Idyll of the White Lotus (Collins) paper .25 A story of ancient
temple life in Egypt.

Isis Unveiled (Blavatsky) Royal 8vo, 2 vols. 7.50 A Master Key to
the Mysteries of Ancient and Modern Science and Theology.

Karma (Anderson) A study of Cause and Effect as a natural law of
Justice. paper 50c; cloth 1.00

Karma (Carus) A story of Early Buddhism. .75

Key to Theosophy (Blavatsky); uncut leaves, gilt top, laid paper
cloth 2.00 A clear exposition of Theosophy in the form of question
and answer.

Letters that have helped me (Judge) cloth .50 An aid to Aspiring
Students of Theosophy.

Light of Asia (Arnold) paper 25c: cloth 1.00 The Life and Teachings
of Buddha in verse.

Light on the Path (M. C.), with comments. An entirely new edition,
the most beautiful of this classic ever issued; pocket size, brown
linen, 15c; embossed paper, 25c; green cloth, 40c; red leather, 75c;
morocco, $1.00; edition de Luxe (very rich) 1 50 Authoritative rules
for treading the path of a higher life.

Lotus Song Book boards 50 Fifty original songs with copyrighted
music, for undenominational Sunday Schools.

Man; Fragments of Forgotten History cloth 1.25 Some esoteric
revelations on prehistoric times.

Mandukyopanishad, The boards $1.50 One of the great Upanishads of
India.

Mysticism, Philosophy of (Du Prel) 2 vols., cloth 7.50

Mythical Monsters (Charles Gould) cloth 5.00

Nature’s Finer Forces (Rama Prasad) cloth 1.50

Nightmare Tales (Blavatsky) paper 3.50 Some stories of enchantment
not wholly visionary.

Nirvana, A Buddhist tale (Carus) Crêpe paper 1.00

Ocean of Theosophy (Judge) paper 25¢; cloth .50 A condensed
comprehensive exposition of the Theosophical Philosophy.

Occult Sciences, The (Waite) cloth 2.25

Occult World, The (Sinnett) paper 50¢; cloth 1.25

Path Magazine—Index to Vols. 1 to 8 cloth .50

Pearls of the Faith; or Islam’s Rosary (Edwin Arnold) cloth 1.00

Perfect Way, The, or the finding of Christ (Maitland & Kingsford)
paper 50¢; cloth 1.25

Pilgrim and Shrine, The (Maitland); paper 25¢; cloth 1.25

Poems (Edwin Arnold) cloth 1.00

Posthumous Humanity (D’Assier) cloth 2.50

Pymander, The Divine (Hermes Mercurius Trismegistus) cloth 1.25

Reincarnation (Anderson) paper 50¢; cloth 1.00 Rebirth from a
scientific standpoint.

Reincarnation (Walker) paper .40 A study of forgotten truth.
Literary and historical evidences of the truth of the doctrine of
Reincarnation. Out of print and scarce.

Romance of Two Worlds, A (Corelli) cloth 1.00

Sankya Karika boards 1.25 Scriptural Work, in Sanskrit and English.

Secret Doctrine, The (Blavatsky); 2 vols. and Index 12.50 The
synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy.

Septenary Man (Anderson) paper 50¢; cloth 1.00 A study of the Human
Soul in relation to the various avenues of Consciousness.

Song Celestial—Bhagavad Gita, in verse (Edwin Arnold) cloth 1.00

Source of Measures (Skinner) cloth 5.00

Strange Story, A (Bulwer-Lytton) paper .25 A story of Black Magic.

Theosophical Tracts.—An Epitome of Theosophy; Karma as a Cure for
Trouble; Theosophy as a Guide in Life; Spirituality; Theosophy in a
Few Words. Per 100, 50¢; per 1000, $2.00.

Theosophie und die Okkulte Lehre; each 5¢; per 100 3.00

Travels in Tartary, Thibet, and China (M. Hue) 2 vols. cloth 2.00

Two Paths, The (Watson) cloth .50 On Human Nature, Love, and
Occultism.

Voice of the Silence; by H. P. B., pocket size, red leather, 75¢
morocco 1.00

Yoga Aphorisms (translated by Judge); pocket size, red leather, 75¢;
morocco 1.00 Rules leading to the acquirement of right knowledge,
and all the virtues, by Patanjali, for thousands of years accepted
in India as the greatest authority on true Yoga.

Zanoni (Bulwer-Lytton) paper .25

_A Great Opportunity for Propaganda._

The Ocean of Theosophy

By WILLIAM Q. JUDGE.

_A new edition, printed on antique paper and tastefully bound, the paper covers with colored border and the cloth with gilt side stamp._

In the whole range of theosophical literature there is no book so well suited for propaganda work as this. Clear, concise, lucid, it covers the ground in a such a manner as to give the beginner a thorough and connected idea of the fundamental teachings of what is called Theosophy. This it does in a manner greatly in advance of everything purporting to explain the same subjects in a form for general circulation.

* * * * *

CONTENTS. Theosophy and the Masters: General Principles: The Earth Chain: Septenary Constitution of Man: Body and Astral Body: Kama—Desire: Manas: Of Reincarnation: Arguments Supporting Reincarnation: Karma: Kama Loka: Devachan: Cycles: Differentiation of Species—Missing Links: Psychic Laws, Forces, and Phenomena: Psychic Phenomena and Spiritualism.

Pages 9 and 154; 16mo, paper and cloth.

We will forward the book, post-paid,

=In Paper Binding, 25 cents.=

=In Cloth Binding, 50 cents.=

THE THEOSOPHICAL PUBLISHING CO., 144 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK.

DIRECTORY OF UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD LODGES.

PUBLIC MEETINGS ARE HELD AS FOLLOWS:

=ARKANSAS.=

=Hot Springs.= 202 Reserve Ave. Sunday, 3 P. M.

=CALIFORNIA.=

=San Francisco.= 819 Market St. Sunday and Tuesday, 8 P. M. Class, Friday, 8 P. M. Lotus Group, Sunday, 11 A. M.

=Stockton.= Masonic Temple, Room 12. Sunday and Tuesday, 8 P. M.

=COLORADO.=

=Denver.= Enterprise Block, Champa and 15th, Room 214. Wednesday, 8 P. M. Lotus Group, Sunday, 2 P. M.

=ILLINOIS.=

=Chicago.= 511 Masonic Temple. Sunday and Thursday, 8 P. M.

=INDIANA.=

=Fort Wayne.= Tri-State Building, Friday, 8 P. M.

=IOWA.=

=Sioux City.= Cor. 4th & Nebraska. Sunday: Lotus Group, 11 A. M. Bible Class, 11.45. Lecture, 8 P. M.

=MINNESOTA.=

=Jackson.= Hanson’s Hall. Sunday, 8 P. M. Class at Dr. Tryon’s, Wednesday, 8 P. M.

=NEW YORK.=

=Buffalo.= Bryant & Stratton B’ld’g., 95 W. Genesee St. Sunday & Tuesday, 8 P.M.

=New York.= 144 Madison Ave. Sunday, 8.15 P. M. Lotus Group. Sunday, 3 P. M.

=OHIO.=

=Toledo.= 61 Currier Hall. Madison St. Tuesday, 8 P. M.

=OREGON.=

=Portland.= 228 Sixth St. Tues., Frid. and Sun., 8 P. M. Lotus Group, Sun., 11 A. M.

=PENNSYLVANIA.=

=Philadelphia.= 10 So. 18th St., Room 100. Sun. and Tues., 8 P. M.

=Pittsburg.= 216 Sixth St. Sun. and Thurs, 8 P. M. Lotus Group, Sun. 3 P. M. Class, 4.30 P. M.

=RHODE ISLAND.=

=Providence.= 206 Weybosset St. Sun. and Fri., 8 P. M. Lotus Group, Sun., 3 P. M. Rooms open daily, 3 to 5 P. M.

=DIST. OF COLUMBIA.=

=Washington.= 509 G Street, N. W. Sun., 8 P. M. Lotus Group, Sun., 3 P. M.

=WASHINGTON.=

=Tacoma.= 1004 Tacoma Avenue. Wed., Thurs., Sun., 8 P. M. Lotus Group, Sun., 10.30 A. M.

=WISCONSIN.=

=Milwaukee.= Hathaway Building. Sun., 11 A. M.; Lotus Group, Sun., 9.45 A. M.

_Please mention_ UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD _when you write advertisers_.

Transcriber’s Notes:

Missing or obscured punctuation was corrected.

Typographical errors were silently corrected.

Spelling and hyphenation were made consistent when a predominant form was found in this book; otherwise it was not changed.

Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_).

Text in bold face is enclosed by equals signs (=bold=).