Earnest Theosophists, of small means and opportunity, often inquire what
one thing they can do to further the spread of Truth and contribute to the
upbuilding of the Society. There is certainly one which is simple, inexpensive,
and often most efficient, and which can be systematically carried on in
precise proportion to spareable funds. It is the mailing of a Theosophic
tract to any name in any place in any State. One cent stamped envelopes
are sold by the P.O. at the rate of $5.90 per 500, and each of the two tracts
thus far issued from the PATH office is furnished at
the rate of 50 cts. per 100, smaller quantities in either case being in
proportion.
The two tracts referred to were printed and electrotyped by private funds,
and were then presented to the office, so that receipts from sales make
possible new editions. Moreover, the PATH has been
informed that provision will be made for the reprinting in this country
of certain others which are successively to appear in the pamphlets of the
T. P. S., so that in time a series of these brief circulars, treating condensedly
of some Theosophical topic and bearing the address, etc. of the General
Secretary, will be available to any one wishing to purchase them for distribution.
Due notice of each new issue will appear in the PATH.
In the press, in private correspondence, and in social life, a Theosophist
on the alert for an opportunity to sow seed finds many a name whereto may
be sent a circular. It simply requires to be folded, placed in a stamped
envelope, addressed, and mailed. The donor is unknown. Possibly the circular
may be wasted; yet who can foretell that? The ground may be altogether ready
for the sowing.
Of the two tracts referred to, there have been sold within the last two
months, of the "Epitome of Theosophy" 1024 copies, of "Theosophy
as a Guide in Life" 2254 copies. From the PATH
office there have now been issued, of the former about 10,000, of the later
about 6,000. The latter is perhaps more fitted for general public use, but
almost every Theosophist could keep on hand a small supply of each, and
be prepared to use either when opportunity arose.
Path, August, 1889
TO THEOSOPHISTS WILLING TO WORK
For some 18 months past, private zeal has carried out a system by which
a single copy of one of the tracts expounding popularly some Theosophic
topic has been mailed to names gathered from newspapers published in the
smaller towns through the United States. In this simple way the seed of
much Theosophic truth has been scattered broadcast, and many minds have
thus for the first time received word of that Wisdom which is in time to
reform humanity. To take part in such sowing is a privilege to all who love
their fellow-men, and, while it is impossible to learn the results achieved,
we may be sure that no such effort can be wholly without fruit. The
present time is peculiarly ripe therefor. Ample evidence demonstrates the
"Theosophy is in the air," and every judicious publication of
its doctrines hastens the day when its motives too shall become operative
and its reforms be realized.
The system referred to above appears the only way by which a knowledge
of Theosophy can be carried direct to every town, village, and hamlet in
the land. In a smaller form it was recommended to Theosophists in a brief
article on Page 154 of the PATH for August, 1889. Through
responses to this, and otherwise, the General Secretary has been enabled
to thoroughly organize a scheme by which a proffer of help from any Theosophist
willing to devote from $1.00 up and some time may be utilized, while all
danger of duplicating addresses is avoided. To each one thus proffering,
the General Secretary will supply a printed circular of instructions and
assign a definite field. It is only needful to inform the General Secretary
of the amount of money the offerer feels prepared to expend, and thereupon
he will be furnished with the circular and the field, as well as with printed
blanks for convenience in ordering the copies of the newspapers indicated.
Every theosophist desirous to aid the Society, to promulgate its teachings,
and to serve the highest interests of man is invited to communicate with
the General Secretary briefly and to the point. No name is divulged. A few
score of earnest, active, generous brethren can thus in time sow seed over
this whole continent, and prepare the harvest which is sure to come, but
which will come the sooner if we fail not in our labor.
WILLIAM Q. JUDGE, Gen'l.
Sec'y.
P.O. Box 2629, New York City
Path, November, 1889
THE TRACT-MAILING SCHEME
The General Secretary heartily thanks those Brethren who have responded
to the call "To Theosophists Willing to Work," and congratulates
them that the number now reaches 47. Thousands of tracts are now on their
beneficent way through the land. It may very well be that there are many
Theosophists thoroughly sympathetic with this work, but unable, some to
spare the time, others to pay the cost, of taking part. Several of the former
have contributed the funds wherewith several of the latter have been set
to work, and if those Brethren who have money but no time will donate money,
and if those who have time but no money will donate time, the operations
of the Tract-mailing Scheme can be enormously increased. The General Secretary,
upon receiving a gift of money, supplies the necessary tracts and envelopes
to the profferer of time, and the work goes on.
It is also suggested that any friend able to contribute both time and
money, and thus personally participate in this missionary effort, should
decide upon the sum he can at present spare and remit about one-third
thereof to the General Secretary. Tracts to that amount will be sent him,
and he will find that the stamped envelopes and newspapers just complete
the sum to be expended.
One other thing. This is a scheme which should be permanent. It
can go on year after year with the same benefit, for the country is vast
and new towns are ever growing up. Each F. T. S. can feel that his efforts
are helping to ensure the future of the Cause and of the Society, and can
apply for a new field as soon as his resources enable him to do so. To missionize
one town is no small gift: what would it not be to missionize several towns
a year throughout life!
Path, December, 1889
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