Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1894-1895, 1895-07-19
SOMETHING ABOUT THEOSOPHY.
Plymouth People Soon to Be En-
lightened on This Interesting
Subject.

Burchman Harding is to lecture at
the Normal Institute, in this city. on
Monday and Tuesday evenings of next
week in the interest of the Theosoph-
ical society in America. Mr.. Harding
has been Interested in magazine work.
and is an aIl-round student and finished
scholar. He has gone deeply into the
subject Of theosophy, and is an earnest
worker in the cause of humanity. Tie
following is from his pen:
The headquarters of the 'Theosoph-
cal Socitey in America is atiflMadison
avenue, New \ ork. There are over l0C
branches and many centers through
out the United States. The theosoph-
ical society was founded in New York
i'll October, 1870. From the association
OF few members it has grown into a
vast movement, with ramilications in
all parts of the civilized world. The
organization suitable for a small society
was found unsuitable for a world wide
movement. For this reason the "TheO-
sOphical society in America" declared
its independence of other sections for
purposes of administration, Recogniz-
ing that the unity Of the theosophical
movement does not depend upon single
ness of OrganiZtiOn, but upon similarity
of work and aspiration.
The main object of the society is to
form the nucleus of universal brother
hood of humanity without any diStinc-
ton. All religious bodies, secret socet-
tOriOus object, but its accomplishment
has not been attained. Theosophy ap-
prOacheS this Herculean task from new
standpoint. 1t endeavors to convince
the individual by means of rational ar
guments, which cannot fail sooner or
later to have their effect. BY research
into the ancient religions and philos-
Ophies it is found that there are certain
laws ruling mankind, These laws are
immutable. If any man fails to live in
harmony with them he brings suffering
upon himself and others. The essence
OF brotherhood is spiritual. Whilst We
think ourselves merely physical bodies,
an aggregation of material desires
always craving indulgence in seliishness
will dominate Brotherhood will never
become a living power in our lives until
the spiritual nature Ofman is recognized.
TheOsophy shows that the real man
is the soul not the body. To be merely
told this does not suffice. Many repair
weekly to certain places to be reminded
that they have soul, but in spite of
this weekly admonition the recollection
as a vital moving force fades out before
the following day Man is the thinker
within himself. We enjoy and suffer
in the mind; hence mind is the real
dOer, using certain bodily instruments.
Reasons, arguments of an unaSsailable
nature are necessary to convince this
mind. TheOsophy does not rely upon
commandments, injunctions, but sup
dies philosophy, reasons by which
each can convince himself that right
must be followed end not wrong.
Early Christianity had this scientific
basis, and it was taught for over 500
years in the Christian church. When
the real teachings as to mans
soul were lost, the present dogmas were
substituted. To-day witnesses the rapid
disappearance of the dogmas, and the
minds of men are prepared for the
older truths. Theosophy is but restor-
ing what has been lost.
''Reincarnation is the only doctrine by
which man can understand immortal
ity, which is the first attribute of the
soul. If he is to recognize that the soul
is the real man, immortality must be
clearly understood
The lectures will be free and the pub
lie is cordially invited.
As Viewed bv Others.