The record-union., 1894-04-09
THEON0PHY AND ITS TEACHINGS.
The Subject of Heredity Discussed by
Dr.. Allen Griffiths.
Mans Presence and Condition On This
Earth-Current and Theosophi-
cal Theories Contrasted.

The theosophical library and lecture
rooms of the local society, at 6l04 l street.
were filed last night by an audience to
hear the Pacific Coast Lecturer discourse
upon "Heredity." Among other things,
he said:
''Three hypothesis are advanced to ac-
count for mans presence and condition
on this planet
"tirst-The conception Of personal
God, who pleased to create for the first
time some of his creatures in the slums
and others in palaces. The latter start
we'll, succeed in life, hear of the theo-
logical plan of salvation, accept it and
gain heaven OF eternal bliss by proxy.
The former are fated from the first to a
life of misery, perhaps vice and an igno-
minious death. They do not learn OF the
vicarious scheme of redemption, die and
are consigned to an eternity of torment.
This theory is rejected by theosophy
in toto because of its abSurdity, injustice
and being at variance with known laws
and analogies OF nature which demon
strate that all that exist are subject to the
law of evolution from lower to higher
states, thus evincing a rational design in
the order of nature. Theosophy teaches
that both classes are tracing two lines of
experience, both developing, and both
are equally under the control of a kind
and wise law that metes exact justice to
her children.
1.-The second is the theory of heredity.
That is also rejected for the same reasons
and particularly for the factor Of great
Injustice involved, 4. e., that two human
beings may arbitrarily endow third
with character independent of his own
choice and volition. That is, that the
characteristics, tendencies, temperament,
etc., which constitute the child together
with circumstances of his environment,
are direct inheritances from parents and
ancestors, immediate or remote, the child
being healthy or diseased, noble minded
or depraved, enlightened or unenlight-
ened, solely by reason Of condition of
parents through whom he happened to
be born. Law and order are not mani
tested by that theory, but accident,
chance and slghtless fate run rampant.
1.-The third theory is that of Theosophy,
which teaches reincarnatlon and karma.
1t is submitted to thinkers as the only
one that meets all exigencies of human
condition and environment in conso-
nance with justice, and upon the claim
that known laws and analogies of nature
substantiate it. The theosophical teach
ing may be stated in a few words. 1t is
that every human being is what and
where he is because of his own thought
his essential nature he is God, his source
and ultimate goal, and destined to evolve
consciousness of Godhood upon all planes
of being in an eternal future of progress
and development through his own exer-
tions. In sense he does inherit char
acter, but inherits solely from himself,
not from parents and ancestors.
when an Ego, Soul, Thinker (all
Synonymous terms), is ready for rebirth
after the period of sleep and rest ensuing
its last past earth life, it is naturally at
tracted to a couple OF about its own
status. Being like them mentally and
spiritually it will also resemble them
phrenologically and physiognomically,
for these are but external physical ex-
pressions Of internal mental and spiritual
states. Thus, causes the motive powers
of development, are placed where they
justly belong, in the Ego itself, holding
it responsible for it's own condition, and
answerable as it is, TO the law for conse-
quences of its own thought and action.
1.-The heredity theory is natural cor
ollary of the vicarious atonement fallacy
as commonly taught and understood.
Both are man-made devices and attempts
to escape individual responsibility by
shifting the same upon some scapegoat
The sinner, overtaken by death and con-
demning conscience, eagerly and con-
siderately accepts Jesus, whom he is told
has paid it alp and relieved him from
consequences of his own evil thought
and action by suffering for him while he,
the real culprit, enters heaven OF eter-
nal bliss. The drunkard and sensualist
attempts to escape responsibility OF his
thought and action by accepting the con-
venient heredity theory. In the first
case escape and immunity are hoped for
after death; in the second, before birth.
Both are false issues and suDterfuges at
best whose natural tendencies are to pro-
duce a race of weakhngs.
"The knowledge OF reincarnation and
Karma and realization that thought and
action of previous earth-lives have made
man what he now is, gives courage and
fortitude under suffering and unhappi-
ness, for he knows they are his just due.
Il will cause him to learn and obey law
now and thus avoid future repetitions of
past and present distress. He will not
blame angels, gods, men or devils for his
own condition, but bravely wage war
upon his lower nature and thus weave q
glorious future. From weak, ignorant
and superstitious creature he becomes
master. knowledge of the finer forces of
nature, law and himself, places the reins
of destiny in his own hands. and be is no
longer like dumb, driven cattle, but a
hero in the strife.
Thus Theosophy sheds light upon all
problems of life and human existence,
and applies to every racial and indi-
vidual condition. By its teachings of rein
carnation and karma, the apparently un-
just suffering OF many, and the seemingly
uumerited happiness OF others, is ac-
counted Tor in strict accordance with rea-
son and justice. More light, is the cry of
the Theosophist, and in search of it he is
the avowed enemy of fraud. injustice,
cant and hypocrisy"
For the Children.
Let the children take Simmons Liver