ENQ. Again, and I say this on the authority of your own Journal, the _Theosophist_, there’s a Rajah of India who donated to the Society 25,000 rupees. Have you not thanked him for his great bounty in the January _Theosophist_ for 1888?
THEO. We have, in these words, “That the thanks of the Convention be conveyed to H. H. the Maharajah ... for his _promised munificent gift_ of Rupees 25,000 to the Society’s Fund.” The thanks were duly conveyed, but the money is still a “promise,” and has never reached the Headquarters.
ENQ. But surely, if the Maharajah promised and received thanks for his gift publicly and in print, he will be as good as his promise?
THEO. He may, though the promise is 18 months old. I speak of the present and not of the future.
THEO. So long as the T.S. has a few devoted members willing to work for it without reward and thanks, so long as a few good Theosophists support it with occasional donations, so long will it exist, and nothing can crush it.
ENQ. I have heard many Theosophists speak of a “power behind the Society” and of certain “Mahatmas,” mentioned also in Mr. Sinnett’s works, that are said to have founded the Society, to watch over and protect it.
ENQ. These men, I have heard, are great Adepts, Alchemists, and what not. If, then, they can change lead into gold and make as much money as they like, besides doing all kinds of miracles at will, as related in Mr. Sinnett’s “Occult World,” why do not they find you money, and support the Founders and the Society in comfort?
THEO. Because they did not found a “miracle club.” Because the Society is intended to help men to develop the powers latent in them through their own exertions and merit. Because whatever they may or may not produce in the way of phenomena, they are not _false coiners_; nor would they throw an additional and very strong temptation on the path of members and candidates: _Theosophy is not to be bought_. Hitherto, for the past 14 years, not a single working member has ever received pay or salary from either the Masters or the Society.
ENQ. Then are none of your workers paid at all?
THEO. Till now, not one. But as every one has to eat, drink, and clothe himself, all those who are without any means of their own, and devote their whole time to the work of the society, are provided with the necessaries of life at the Headquarters at Madras, India, though these “necessaries” are humble enough, in truth! (See Rules at the end.) But now that the Society’s work has increased so greatly and still goes on in increasing (N.B., _owing to slanders_) in Europe, we need more working hands. We hope to have a few members who will henceforth be remunerated—if the word _can_ be used in the cases in question. For every one of these Fellows, who are preparing to give _all_ their time to the Society, are quitting good official situations with excellent prospects, to work for us at _less than half their former salary_.
