The momentous tide of the new cycle which gave birth to a grand organization on the 18th day of February last is a complete vindication of all that had been told and promised in this direction; yea, all was foreshadowed by wave upon wave of growing sensibilities in the hearts of a nucleus of earnest souls who have held fast to the torch of truth which was handed down by the Gods for the enlightenment of mankind.
This beacon light will now blaze forth brilliant and bright so that all who walk the earth may see; it is the message of man's liberation, freedom from bondage.
This newly-born organization declares that Brotherhood is a fact in nature; its principal purpose is to teach brotherhood, demonstrate that it is a fact in nature and make it a living power in the life of Humanity.
The superb literature which was produced by the Theosophical movement from the keynote given by the first messenger, H. P. Blavatsky, has brought to the world a sound philosophy of the life and destiny of mankind as well as a basis for conduct of individual existence. The principal feature of this philosophy, that brotherhood is a fact in nature and that it can be proved is now sufficiently grounded in the hearts and minds of a large contingent of students who have endeavored to make it a part of their lives to enable them to effectually interpret and promulgate these truths for the benefit of the people of the earth and all creatures.
Thanks also to the undying efforts of our chief, Wm. Q. Judge, who guided the movement successfully through the period of preservation and assimilation as the second stage of the evolution of this all-embracing ideal, though the tide of materialistic activity was strong and the public ear apparently deaf to the divine message, the teachings have nevertheless penetrated subtly but permanently the minds of millions of men and women. The large extent to which this has been accomplished has made it possible to launch the movement forward before the world at the termination of the first cycle of 5000 years of the Kali-Yuga that it may now become the hope of the future for the ultimate welfare within the appointed time of the whole human race on this globe.
As the ideal precedes the practical in all things so has it been in this great movement; but, after the first two stages of inception and preservation, there remained yet to be done the master-stroke to make it practical so that it might reach the masses and become a lasting light among them.
The living torch-bearer at the present time, Katherine A. Tingley, who has taken upon herself the responsibility and burden of guiding this spiritual movement forward into the ages to come has already touched the keynote to the third stage which shall be the most lasting pillar of the temple; Practical application of the philosophy!
Already magnificent expositions in simple form by heretofore obscure students have come forward under this touch, the power and wisdom which has been stored up all this time during the existence of the Theosophical Society is now to come to the surface and spread its light among the hungrily seeking multitude of despairing souls. Then, practical philanthropic work backed by this philosophy of hope which as already outlined and inaugurated by this leader is not the palliative like casual or promiscuous application of benevolence, shall go to the root by simultaneously awakening the true principle of helpfulness.
While the Theosophical Society, as an instrument and vehicle for bringing the light of truth to the present point of usefulness, has done wonders thanks to the wise leadership of the guiding messengers and the devoted labors of its votaries — it was not a competent instrument to reach the ear of the world. To do this it had to broaden its views as an organization and fortunately for the world, its members perceived that the movement had outgrown the confines of an ordinary worldly society. The Theosophical Society in America had to become what it now is: a department in a fitting place of the world-wide movement for brotherhood in which there are other departments whose function the T. S. in A. could never have undertaken and much less have carried out, and which other organizations were seeking to monopolize.
One of the obstacles against popularization of Theosophy was its too high altitude in the scale of education, though this was necessary for a period until the philosophic foundation in a sufficiently large number had reached an impregnable standard of attainment. However, nothing is so certain as the destiny of destruction which would have awaited it, had it remained at the mercy of imperfect human nature alone. Its history has caused untold anxiety in the hearts of the seriously devoted members on account of the troubles and vicissitudes within its folds by ambitious individuals who sought to become leaders; it is only too well known that much power was wasted in scrambling for offices and strife for personal recognition; thereby its growth was impeded and greater spread of the doctrine prevented. All this is now obviated for all time to come.
From the beginning and up to this day the members have always tacitly recognized that the inception of the Movement in this century was due to the compassionate aid of Helpers, who yet hope to revive the slumbering faculties of man's divine nature, who also assisted in the establishment of its magnificent literature and teachings. It is undoubtedly true that the cause has been guided in its unfoldment at all important crises and even at all times in its plans and policy.
While thus recognizing the actual condition and largely depending on this help in the future, the unique and extremely liberal platform of the outward organization was not made conformable to this belief. The time had not yet come. Meanwhile some members became enamored with the mere shell which they elected to preserve, though it might not now serve the purpose of the true work.
However, the intuition of the units had grown to such an extent that at the proper occasion, on the 18th day of February, 1898, an overwhelming majority of them asserted that they will declare to the world their belief in the ideal foundation of this institution.
The Gods are descending again among mankind under cyclic law. It is quite certain that no one human being, except a high occultist of the white order, can be entrusted with the guidance of a spiritual movement such as this.
Whatever the truth may be, the members of the Theosophical Society in America, in a supreme moment of inspiration, with genuine enthusiasm declared their belief that the Gods have come among us again to point the way whereby we may realize the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity.