The old obligation is retained merely for those Branches desiring to use it in giving the signs and passwords of the Society, which are the only points about which the new member is pledged to secrecy, it being left to his own discretion and sense of propriety, not to make public matters which do not concern the public. For that matter, however, there is nothing in the teachings or practices of the lower section of the Society requiring secrecy.
New York.—The New York Branch has issued its third number of the Abridgements of Discussions on Theosophical subjects. The object of these leaflets is to increase interest among all Theosophists, and to strengthen the feeling of union. Col. H. S. Olcott, the President in India, has written to say, that he thinks the idea of the Abridgements is excellent. All Branches ought to co-operate in this movement, either by contributing questions and answers to New York, or by starting leaflets of their own and exchanging and distributing them.
Cincinnati.—The Branch here has held its first fall meeting, and has arranged for a series of essays of an interesting character, and also for meetings, to which strangers are to be invited by members.
Olcott.—It may be interesting to Theosophists to know that a statue was offered to Col. Olcott in Ceylon some months ago, but was refused by him on the ground that his work was not yet done, and no one could say whether he would deserve a statue until his death.
There is a limit beyond which the sun, moon and the planets cannot rise, and when they reach their point of climax, they come down again. But the souls that have attained to perfection never come down again.—Jain Precept.
OM!