"While there is one blind soul still held in the toil of drink or drugs, while there is hopeless poverty amongst us, while our laws are biased, prejudiced and unjust, while the horrors of the old torture chambers are still practiced in our laboratories, the occultist has work to do here, — for he cannot separate himself from any of these things; the meanest animal that utters a cry of pain or terror is himself. It is his duty to convert that pain into pleasure, that fear into faith — and so to destroy the evil which causes it."
THE CHANGE
With this issue Universal Brotherhood takes the place of Theosophy on the title page. The change is significant. The Path represented the preparatory stage, leading naturally to Theosophy, and the sphere now entered upon is the practical outcome of the two preceding steps. When Mr. Judge started The Path he stood alone, looking forward with hope, seeing the possibilities of the future. From small beginnings great things are born in the fullness of time. The work he commenced has had its result. It is ours to carry forward that work inspired by his wonderful example.
The difficulties in the way of obtaining an unprejudiced consideration for the truths of Theosophy must be removed one by one. The word itself must not be regarded as sacred when it makes more difficult the task we have undertaken. New methods must be adopted as conditions change. We are called to be pioneers in one of the greatest humanitarian movements of the age. Personal limitations must not obscure the possibilities of the hour, and the criticism of the cynic should not be allowed to paralyze our efforts. To be in a position to do even the most insignificant thing to raise the veil which hides the divine from the vision of men should be regarded as an inestimable privilege. We should not for one moment overlook the fact that only as we are true to ourselves can we be true to our trust.
NEW ENERGY
A new energy is being liberated from the centre of life. This stream of force, for such it is, is felt at first as a mighty Niagara, rushing forward with such rapidity that it threatens to engulf everything, but as it approaches a climax it spreads out in every direction; its currents circulate over the whole earth, and its influence pervades all things. Nothing can rest still; all things are pushed forward by the great solar energy now being set free. Care should be taken that it is not misdirected and all personal barriers should be removed before they are ground to powder. This force acts everywhere; the gods are its ministrants. There is no need to retire to the woods for the inspiration which it gives, for where the needs of humanity are greatest the presence of the Helpers can be felt most.
HEROIC IDEALS
The hero of today must be a hero of heroes. The ideal must no longer be remote from life, but made divinely human, close and intimate as of old. Now is the day of resurrection; man looking up will see the old ideals raised, and seeing live. The son of God is the son of Man.
The "Heart Touch"
In the "heart touch" is the saving quality which will redeem humanity and bring about Universal Brotherhood. The word "charity" should be eliminated. In the name of charity, men and women have been treated like so much personal baggage and labelled accordingly. Out of the great heart of Nature all things proceed, and all things lead back there at last; all worlds and systems of worlds, from the great central sun to the smallest particle in space must thrill responsive to the pulsations of that infinite heart of compassion. The great mother reaches forth to receive her own. All efforts to retard are less than insignificant. In every act which partakes of that divine quality of infinite compassion lies concealed the potency of all the spheres, and all nature obeys the command of the one whose heart beats constantly for others.
A NEW HOPE
A new hope is dawning on humanity as the new century approaches. This hope is the mainspring of progression and the evidence of it can be seen everywhere; the great heart of nature pulsates with joy, as it did in the days preceding the dawn of the dark age. Men and women who have so long borne the heavy burden of life, whose hearts have been well-nigh broken by the weight of many sorrows feel the new joy awakened by the great symphonies of harmony which are now being sounded. It is felt in the heart of man and gives rise to a constant aspiration; it is the quality which makes him great. The golden light is shining; the herald of the morning proclaims the message of love anew; the ripples of the waves on the sea shore lisp the glad song; the breeze bears it on its bosom; the tints of the flowers convey it; it shines forth from the stars in their sparkling brilliance; the great blue dome above suggests it; the birds warble it forth from every tree; the new born babe is a complete revelation of it; the eyes of the loved ones passing into the great beyond, impart the strength and courage of that great hope and point to a future day when they shall return again to carry on their work, for hope incarnates from age to age and where hope dwells beauty and love abide for ever.
The law is immutable, and love is eternal.