 |
vol. title: Vol Four of The Theosophical Society of The Arya Samaj of Arya-wart vol. period: Sept 1878 – Sept 1879 pages in vol.: 350 |
< Untitled (continued from page 8-144) >
her had she been more explicit and said ‘Christian British Government.’ Imagine the dire consequences to this fair land of such political fire-eaters as Warren Hastings and others not having been under some restraint from nominal Christianity. Whatever the absolute value to India of Christianity, this much is certain, that enlightened Christian example has thrown such a flood of light on the native intellect, that it cannot for a moment accept the eccentric flickerings of any phosphorescent phenomenon in human nature. We have done with Madame ’Sophy and her followers.
The Philosophic Countess
Sir,—
The Countess Blavatsky draws fine distinctions. She says “India owes much and all to the British Government—to Christianity nothing but the mutiny of 1857, which threw the country back a century.” The Countess then considers that Christianity and the British Government are two totally distinct things. Such a statement as this coming from a philosopher is remarkable, but it only serves to show that the human mind is precisely the same in its main features throughout the entire human family. Philosophers, like other people who are bent on establishing their own views, see only just so far as it suits them—all beyond that line is apparently wrapt in impenetrable fog. The Countess fails to see that the British Government is a practical and ever active embodiment of the principles of Christianity and of protestant Christianity. That Christianity is by no means confined to the clergy, and to the sections of religious teachers, but that it has leavened the entire mass. We fail to see how Christianity can be made responsible for the mutiny of 1857. We held the opinion perhaps erroneously that it was caused by the defective state of discipline at that time existing in the native army, and had something to do with cartridges being issued the native troops which were thonght to have been greesed. The Theosophic party appear to be characterised by the fierceness and intolerance which is usual amongst people formulating a new religion. Everything opposed to their views must be wrong, they have found the golden key which is to open the gates of wisdom, and let in the dazzling light of Vedic philosophy on a benighted world. St Augustine and the early fathers of the church may be mumbling philosophers, and the early Vedic professors plain and outspoken fellows, but we confess the reverse of this has always seemed to us to be true. The tree is known by its fruits. The Theosophic creed may be beautiful enough, but a beautiful creed may be sadly wanting in practical energy and in its power of adapting itself to the wants and requirements of all sections of the people, under all possible circumstances. If the Theosophic creed has more of the first mentioned quality than has protestant Christianity, and as much of the last mentioned as Christianity in general, we shall be inclined to say that its claims to universal adoption can scarcely be lightly put aside.
Deccan Districts, March 4th.
<Untitled> (Russian "Spies" in Bombay...)
Russian “Spies” in Bombay.—Referring to the insinuation about Russian spies made presumably in the columns of a weekly contemporary, the Countess Blavatsky of the Theosophical Society says she quite agrees with the editor of the Mendug journal when he says that it is the business of Sir Richard Temple and Sir Frank Souter to take care of such spies. “And I will further add,” she goes on to say, “that it is these two gentlemen alone who have the right or the authority of denouncing such people. No other person, were he even the noblest of the lords instead of an anonymous writer, can or will be allowed to throw out such a malicious and mischievous hint about a woman and a citizen of the United States. He who does it, risks being brought to the bar of that most just of all tribunals.—a British court. And if either of my ambuscaders wishes to test the question, pray let him put his calumny in some tangible shape.”
Theosophists in India
...
<... continues on page 8-146 >
Editor's notes