The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1896-03-20
THEOsOPHY, WHAT?

It is a synthesis of religion. science and
philosophv-a scientific religion and a
religious science. 1t is wisdom about
God to those who believe that 'sHe is all
things and in all" and wisdom about
nature for those who accept the state
ment that Good can not be measured or
discovered" 1t teaches the fundamental
unity OF all religions; the universalitv Of
law; the divinity of mans spiritual ma
ture; the sacredness Of duty; lnculcates
love and charity, forbids selfshness and
points to perfection OF soul,
The theosoph1cal society is not a Sc
cret or political organization. 1t was
founded in New York in 1875. It's main
object is the formation OF a nucleus OF
universal brotherhood, without any dis
tinctions whatever. It's subsidiary OBJ
jects are the study of ancient and
modern religions, phIlosonhies and
sciences, and the demonstration of the
Importance OF that study; and the inyes-
tigatlon Of the unexplained laws OF ma
ture and the physical powers latent in
man.
Every member has the right to be-
lieve or dlsbelieve in any religious sys-
tenn OF philosophy and declare such be-
lief or disbelief without affecting his
standing ais a member OF the society,
each being required to show that toler-
ance for the opinions OF others which he
expects from them.
From the above it will observed that
1t offers attractions chiefly a. to such
as are imbuded with the desire to pro-
mote kindly and tolerant feeling between
nan and man; (2) those interested in
the study of ancient literature and reli
| gions and (3) those VINO desire to know
OF the occult in human nature and the
universe OF which we are part. The first
object is the one condition Of member
ship. The true member is in it for what
he car give, not for what be can get.
Not for what be car getout OF his fellows
not for self, but for sacrifice Of self. He
ls an altruest, not for effect in this world
or for post-mortem COMPENSATION.
The spread OF the II. S. is one OF the
marvels OF the time. 1t has not in.
increased though the patronage OF the
''great," but by the devotion and quiet
activity OF most OF it's members Of every
"reIiglon'' and nationality, yet on our
rolls are such well known names as
Edison, Sir Tom Crooke, Judge Mcbride
Judge O'Rourke, Donald Nicholson,
Ella Wheeler Wilcox, ETC., etc.
The gospel means "the glad tidines."
II a gosne! IS preached that is not glad
tidi1gs it is not a true message. In 'rHls
presence is f~ullness Of joy'' and the way
to the Presence is notfear of damnation.
A man met a lad, weeping, "what do
you weep for?" he asked. II am weep
ing for my SINS, said the lad. "You
must have little to do" said the man.
The next day they met again. Once
more the lad was weeping. 'wRy do
you weep now?" asked the man. 81 am
weeping because I have nothing to eat'
SAID the lHd. u thought 1T WOutd come
to that" said the man. Robt. l.
Stevenson.
The Buffalo, N. Y. Theosophists OBJ
tanned the use OF over $50 acres IN sur
burban lots, free OF charge and planted
the same with potatoes. The lowest es
innate OF the value OF the crop distrl
buted to the poor during this winter il
$4,000.
Compromise of Delinquent Taxes
Il !. o.. .u.Al.L;A.. IL H. l>a.4, 1891