Theosophical Activities.
New York: The Aryan Theosophical Society continues to publish its short Abridgement of Discussions, which are circulated to all Branches, and have met with commendation.
At a recent meeting Mr. C. H. A. Bjerregaard lectured on mysticism, showing how much the world is indebted to its mystics. Mr. Bjerregaard promises the Society further lectures in the Fall.
The Rochester Convention was held July 4th, 1886, at Mrs. Cable’s house in Rochester. Delegates attended from fourteen Branches, and enthusiastic meetings were held July 4th and 5th. The report of the Secretary showed a gain in Branches, of over 100 per cent. since July, 1885.
Important orders were received from India, being the resolutions of a council meeting held in Adyar, at which it was resolved that American Theosophical Branches shall form into a general American Council, similar and subject to the parent body, and thus being democratic and more like a brotherhood. Arrangements were made for carrying these orders into full effect, and soon, perhaps, we will have another convention.
Rochester Branch.—This Branch held a public meeting near the end of July, which was duly advertised, and well attended by intelligent people. Mr. E. Sasseville, of that Branch, read a paper on Reincarnation, and Mrs. Cables addressed the meeting on the Inner Life of Man. This is really the first public Theosophical meeting we have had in America, and marks an era. Strangely too, it occurred in Rochester, where the spiritual rappings first were heard. The members who got it up and carried it out are not those who have become the most famous, but are a band of devoted souls who believe in the cause and are willing to let it be known. It is through such people always that the most work is accomplished for the progression of any cause.
The Psychical Research Societies of London and America.—The London society some time ago had a long report made by one of its members, a Mr. Hodgson, in which the Theosophical Society is attacked, and Mme. Blavatsky is branded as the greatest impostor of modern times. By many weak people who swear by authority, and who do not rely upon their own judgment, this report has been accepted as final, and has prevented them from giving any further attention to the study of either Theosophy or Aryan literature. We are not sorry for the Society, but commiserate those who, thus deluded, have lost a golden opportunity. The cause of theosophy does not depend, however, upon them, and still flourishes in every land.