rance, and, above all, lack of perspective. For are we not like the man in the story, who, holding his hand in front of his eyes, thought that the sun had disappeared? If he could see the entire plan of the universe as God must see it, he should be able to understand. But how tiny a portion have we even cognizance of, and of that portion how slight our knowledge! Little by little, slowly and painfully, we are learning, however. Let us have faith and patience, then, that what is obscure will in time be made plain, and trust in the Love, and Order, and Wisdom that, unseen (but not unfelt), directs us all. How could I trust an immortal soul through all Eternity to a Wisdom I, as I am, could comprehend! Therefore, I, being what I am, am thankful that I do not comprehend, but I look forward and strive forward to the day when I shall. CAVÉ.

ANSWER. In the long run, yes; though in the wider sense there is no "best" or "worst"-all things simply are, and the attempt to class some as good and others as bad implies that we are limiting our range of vision to standards adapted to the plane of the lower nature only, and to the affairs of our mundane existence.

Upon the assumption that the Universe exists for the benefit of the Soul, it is hard to see how any of the happenings in the universe can be other than finally beneficial to the permanent entity, however inconvenient some of these might appear to the lower self. Then, too, we are apt to approach this question merely from the viewpoint of mankind, forgetting that it is yet to be shown that man is the ultimate factor to be considered. Mankind may be and probably is but a feeder to some higher kind of being.

ALEXIS.

ANSWER. I sincerely hope the editor of the QUARTERLY has put his question to someone whose views on the subject are more firmly established than mine. When I look at the dark side of earth-life and see one portion of humanity struggling to keep want from the door, failing, for the most part, and falling into misery and degradation; when I know that little innocent children are dying hourly for lack of a few pennies worth of nourishment, while another portion of humanity is spending its time devising ways and means of squandering its ill-gotten wealth, I feel that there is something rotten in the State of Denmark and that all things are not absolutely for the best. Then here are hints of more profound things: that we are, through somebody's fault, thousands of years behind in our evolution; that the great Kumaras refused to create when bidden, thereby precipitating a curse. And are we not called the "Sorrowful Star?" Looking at this side of the picture, I am disturbed, grieved, full of regret, even fear, so I turn me, for relief, to where another nature revels in bounteous harvest fields; to the woods full of the song of birds; to peaceful homes, where happy children play and good men and women are. Here the heaviness falls from the heart and the mist clears from the eyes, and I am able to discern somewhat of the meaning of the "pairs of opposites." I see that there could not be high noon without its midnight counterpart; no cheering blossom of summer that has not lain earth-entombed through the winter; no spiritual outpouring from the gods without awakening the corresponding force of darkness; and I begin to wonder if, after all, a "Sorrowful Star" is not more desirable than a colorless, insipid earth. Also the winding in and out of the spiral through the dark and light spaces takes on a meaning; nothing less than the gaining of knowledge and strength-the building of the individual, whether or not it is true that all things are absolutely for the best, he possesses greatest measure of calmness and strength who sees Ishvara everywhere equally dwelling. J. C. M.

Τ

HE thirteenth annual Convention of the Theosophical Society in America
was held on April 27, 1907, at the Brevoort Hotel, New York City, in
pursuance of the following call.
February 13, 1907.

FELLOW MEMBER:

The Convention of the Theosophical Society in America will be held this year at the Brevoort Hotel, Fifth Avenue and Eighth Street, New York, on Saturday, April 27th, at 10.30 A. M.

Since the last Convention, we have added to our ranks a large number of members in England; the "Theosophical Society in Germany" has appointed a committee to take steps toward amalgamation with our Society, and the work of this committee is already far advanced; and we have also members in Canada and South America.

It is evident that we have entered on a new and very promising epoch in the life of our Society, which once more possesses an international character.

It is, therefore, anomalous to call the Society "The Theosophical Society in America."

In view of these facts, the following Resolution, which has been approved by a majority of the Executive Committee, will be offered at the forthcoming Convention:

Be it resolved that, in Article I, Sec. 1, of the Constitution, the words "in America," after "The Theosophical Society," be dropped from the name of the Society. Fraternally yours,

(Signed)

ADA GREGG, Secretary T. S. in A.

MORNING SESSION.

The Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Charles Johnston, acted as Temporary Chairman, called the Convention to order at II A. M., and welcomed the delegates, saying:

ADDRESS OF WELCOME.

"Fellow-members, it is always a pleasure to come together for our annual Conventions, and this year I feel that we have quite exceptional cause for happiness and thankfulness. Many things are happening to make this so.

"To begin with, we have a new wave of energy within the Society, with the enlistment of new members, the formation of new Branches, and, most important, the much more complete extension of our organization to other lands. Since we met in Convention a year ago, a large number of members have been added to our ranks in England, and a considerable number have more recently joined us in Germany. In these two countries we have now vigorous and harmonious Branches, and we can see that a complete international status, the natural one for a society designed to bring together those of differing nations, has once more been resumed. In this we have great cause for thankfulness and for hope.

"The Society has grown here in America also. And this is in a considerable measure due to the condition of things restored by the last Convention, a condition under which the Society is once more, what it was for many years, "a federation of autonomous Branches." Within the Branch each individual member is wholly independent, and has the fullest liberty to hold and profess any belief or unbelief. The

Branch is made up of individuals, enjoying the fullest religious liberty. In the same way, the Society is made up of Branches, each one enjoying the fullest local autonomy in organization and work alike; provided only that the individual Branch member shall show to all others the toleration he expects for himself; and that the Branch shall adhere to the principles expressed in the Constitution: the principles of brotherly love and tolerance for all differences of opinion and belief.

"Certain members were apprehensive, a year ago, that the representation of Branches at the Convention might disfranchise members who did not then belong to Branches. It was pointed out, in reply to this, that all members were in a position to become Branch members, whether local or corresponding, so that every member who wished could thus secure voting power. And during the year since the last Convention every member not in a Branch has been invited to join a Branch, and a great many have complied. This invitation involved an immense amount of writing, of a very laborious kind. The burden of this work was willingly undertaken and cheerfully and effectively performed by two of our Louisville members, Mr. F. H. Sharp and Mr. J. G. Sewell, to whom the Society is indebted for most effectual aid. As a result, two new Branches have already been chartered, and two or three more will, in all likelihood, be chartered in the next few weeks. Our new Branches in America are in Boston and Detroit, and we hope that both will bring valuable contributions to our common life.

"The stress thus laid on Branch life was the result of a conviction that, as universal brotherhood is our basic principle, so Branch life is the field where that principle can best be brought into operation; the mutual tolerance, the cordial cooperation, the adherence to the open platform, the mutual help and brotherly love which are the heart of Branch life being, in fact, the first-fruits of universal brotherhood. But this stress on Branch life, and the representation of Branches at our Conventions, has had another result, which was not foreseen, and is, therefore, all the more reassuring. In the days of individual voting it was always extremely difficult to get a wide expression of opinion from our members. Only a small percentage ever voted or sent proxies to be cast for them. At the present Convention, however, we are much more largely represented: about twice as many members will cast votes this year as a result of Branch representation and voting. This, as I said, was not anticipated, and it is a strong additional argument in favor of representation by Branches.

"There is another matter, which has caused me personally, as it has caused others, great happiness. This is the coming of young members and young students to our movement. During the last dozen years we attracted almost no young people. The stress of weather kept them away. But now, it would seem, the springtime is returning, and with it we have the joy of seeing young people once more drawn toward our work, and impelled to join with us in carrying it on. For us, who are growing old in harness, who have been working for twenty years and more for Theosophy and Theosophical principles, this accession of new recruits brings joy and reassurance. In the nature of things, we shall not go on forever; and it is fine and encouraging to see young people joining us, who will, in due time, take our places in the ranks.

"Cheered and encouraged, therefore, by these happy auguries concerning past, present and future alike, it is with special thankfulness and happiness that I declare this Convention open."

TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION.

Upon motion, Mr. A. B. Russ, of Washington, was elected Temporary Secretary of the Convention.

Upon motion, the Chair appointed a Committee on Credentials, consisting of Mrs. Ada Gregg, of Brooklyn (the retiring Secretary); Mr. H. B. Mitchell, of New York (the retiring Treasurer); Mr. H. Garst, of Dayton.

Upon motion, an adjournment was taken to enable this Committee to examine the proxies and credentials submitted.

PERMANENT ORGANIZATION.

On reconvening, Mrs. Ada Gregg, as Chairman, submitted the

Number of Branches in the Society, 19; number of Branches represented by delegates or proxies, 18; number of votes represented, 73; number of members represented, 232.

Upon motion, the Report was accepted, the Committee discharged with thanks. Upon motion, the President of the local Branch, Mr. H. B. Mitchell, was unanimously elected Permanent Chairman of the Convention, Mr. Johnston resigning the chair to him.

Upon motion, Mr. A. B. Russ was unanimously elected Permanent Secretary to the Convention.

Upon motion, the Chair appointed as a Committee on Resolutions: Mr. Charles Johnston, Miss M. D. Hohnstedt and Miss K. Hillard; and, as a Committee on Nominations: Mr. H. E. Davis, Mr. Griscom and Mr. H. Hohnstedt.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS.

The Chairman pointed out that Mr. Johnston's address of welcome had been, in effect, a report from the Chairman of the Executive Committee. He therefore called upon Mrs. Gregg to present the Report of the Secretary.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY T. S. A.

The work of the Secretary's office comprises:

(1) The recording of new members and Branches.

(2) The keeping of the membership and mailing lists of the Society.

(3) Correspondence with members, inquirers, and those of allied interest.

(4) The distribution and placing of the THEOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY.

(5) The purchase, distribution and sale of books, pamphlets, etc., and the management of the library.

NEW MEMBERS AND BRANCHES.

During the current year four new Branches have been chartered, viz.:

The Detroit Branch,

The Boston Branch,

The British National Branch,
The German National Branch.

Ninety-five new members have been admitted, 35 being from America, 45 from England and 15 from Germany. This gain in membership is very satisfactory, and the admission of the two National Branches from Great Britain and Germany tend to emphasize the international character of the Society, and, it is believed, inaugurates a large and very desirable growth.

MEMBERSHIP AND MAILING LIST.

The attention of members is again called to the need of notifying the Secretary of any change of address. Owing to carelessness in these matters letters are frequently returned by the Post Office marked "uncalled for" or "unknown," and when this happens the Secretary can only set the member's card aside until the cor

rect address is received. As it is, the majority of changes of address are reported by the Post Office rather than by the member. This, of necessity, prevents sending the THEOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY and other of the Society's papers. The prolonged silence of any member, together with the continued non-payment of dues, and disregard of letters sent, may be taken as equivalent to resignation, in removing the name from membership.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The number of letters sent by the Secretary has been steadily increasing for some years and now compels such systematizing as is possible, through standard forms and circular letters.

There is a need for more and better elementary literature descriptive of the Theosophical Society. The Secretary also respectfully recommends the reprinting of such pamphlets as "What is Theosophy.'

THE THEOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY,

The appreciative letters that have been received, regarding this magazine, have reflected an opinion which has also been shown both in the steadily increasing circulation and sale, and in the use made of it in individual and Branch work. The Secretary is in the habit of sending a sample copy and letter regarding it to each new inquirer or purchaser of Theosophical literature. Both new members and new subscribers have been received in this way.

THE SALE OF Books.

The sale of books dealing with Theosophical topics is steady and reliable, and the use of the circulating library, particularly for books now out of print, justifies the Secretary in again calling the members attention to the value of this work and requesting that any duplicates or unwanted Theosophical books and magazines be forwarded to this office. In this connection I desire to acknowledge a donation of eight volumes of The Path from Mrs. Mary L. Sutton.

A WORD PERSONAL.

I wish to thank the Branches, and all my fellow-members, that I have been in correspondence with, for their patience, confidence and responsiveness.

I also wish gratefully to acknowledge the help I have received from my brother officers, who have always so promptly responded to my call for advice when I did not care to trust to my own knowledge or judgment; for this help and their confidence and support thus so freely given, I most heartily thank them.

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) ADA GREGG, Secretary T. S. A.

Upon motion, unanimously carried, Mrs. Gregg was thanked for her devoted work in the Secretary's office and the Secretary's report was accepted. The report of the Treasurer, being next in order, Mr. Mitchell resigned the chair to Mr. Russ, and presented the Treasurer's Report.