To All Fellow-Workers in the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society

To All Fellow-Workers
in the London Lodge of the Theosophical Society

[Reprinted from a rare 4-page leaflet issued sometime in early 1887.]

[Note by BA editor:

The Theosophist Dr. Archibald Keightley wrote about some of the events leading up to the publication of this leaflet:

"In the early months of 1887 there were some few members of the TS in London who felt that if Theosophy did not receive some vital impulse, the center there would be confined to a few individuals only who were pursuing and would continue to pursue their studies. There were many anxious discussions as to how a vital interest could be awakened in the truths of Theosophy, and how attention should be restored to the ethical philosophy. We all felt that we were working in the dark and that we were ignorant of the real basis upon which the philosophy rested.

Obviously we required a leader who might intelligently direct our efforts. We then determined each separately to write to H. P. Blavatsky, who was then in Ostend [Belgium], laying before the Founder of the TS and the messenger of the Masters the position as each of us saw it. We asked her to reply in a collective letter giving us advice as to what to do. She replied, however, to each individual, writing letters of eight to twelve pages. . . . "

(For more background information, see Narrative 17b in The Esoteric World of Madame Blavatsky; also consult Dr. A. Keightley's remarks on the events of late 1886---early 1887 in his article "Reminiscences of H.P. Blavatsky." as well as the article titled "Extract of a Letter from H.P.B. to a London Group, 1887," The Theosophist (Adyar, Madras, India), July 1988, pp. 386-389.)

The following leaflet is based on some of the information from Madame Blavatsky's communications to this "small group":]

It having come to the knowledge of a small group of this Lodge that the Masters are on the point of ceasing to concern themselves any further with the Lodge, should it not awake to a sense of its responsibility, the said group enquired in what way could action be taken in order to prevent such a catastrophe.

The answer was as follows: ---

“It is advisable to form small groups where perfect mental unity and singleness of purpose can be obtained, and where the object and desire of the group is not merely a selfish one --- viz., that of self-progression, but an earnest wish to advance the cause of Theosophy and teach those desirous of learning Spiritual truths.”

It was also suggested that the Members of each such group should not exceed seven in number, and that they should in each case meet regularly once a week, if possible, and endeavour to find out for themselves the path in whatever way they preferred, not forgetting that the comparison of the daily events in the life of each Member is of vital importance, as showing the hand that is guiding from above the destiny of individuals and groups.

The first rule of the Society can only be carried out by such groups endeavouring to realize the true spirit of universal Brotherhood and to work for the good not only of themselves but of the whole society and also the world. When the current sets strongly in the direction of this first rule then the Society is encouraged to hope that the Masters will actively undertake its assistance; but till these groups shall themselves earnestly engage in work and determine to force a passage for themselves into the light beyond, that so they may illuminate others, it is certain that no help will be forthcoming.

The group above-mentioned having made this communication to the Hon. Sec., Mr. Bertram Keightley, 30, Linden Gardens, W., and requested him to forward it to every Member of the Lodge, he will be glad to receive any correspondence from Members desirous of forming or joining small groups and to assist Members in making arrangements with this object in view.