Theos-Talk Archives (December 2006 Message tt00011)

Hi Carlos 
  Thank you for the Robert Crosbie connection via Dallas.
  Was it Goethe who once said something to the effect that if I have achieved great things or can see great distances it is because I have stood on the shoulders of Giants?. I am humbled by these testimonies and the older I become the more  gratitude I have for the hard work, vision and tenacity a number of key Theosophist have exhibited down through the years. And beyond my understanding no doubt down through the ages. Although I am a Theosophist that has traveled exstensively and worked in many lodges over the years the Boston chapter has a special place in my life. My first task when working there as President was to clean house of all the lower psyhic clap trap and psuedo-spirituality that are attracted to the Theosophical energy but are unable or unwilling to make the commitment to its larger vision. I understand only to well the need of many Thesophist to get back to the original teachings  and re-establish the core values. Some Theoshical lodges can often play a
 curious role of  becoming an umbrella organization for every new Age organization that could not make it on there own. This nurturing of the TS to other organizations can become a double edged sword for these organizations can often repay the local chapters or lodges for there generosity with an attempt to take over the lodges and teach there brand or version of Theosophy. I have often found that true theosopical understanding is often in direct confrontation with organizations or organizational work. No doubt a paradox since people need certain material forms to ground out and perpetuate what they see as important teachings. I am reminded of the naturalist and early trancendentalist H.D. Thoreau who lived just outside Boston who once said: "Where there is no love organizations spring up".  My tenure with the Boston Theosophical society ended when I realized 95% of my time was devoted to politics and running the lodge and the remaining 5% to teaching. In my memoirs that i
 am presently working on I will elaborate on the  impasses and seemingly endless  cul-de-sacs I encounterd in my two short years there. A story of fate, blows of destiny and financial trickery that will rival any of the dramas conyeyed by others who have been in the fray of things and fought with therir last once of courage to preseve true Theosophical values.The Boston lodge known for its free-thinking and independance style finally had its charter removed and a new one issued to those who could tote the party line. Those who were central to these issues called our crises "The Theosophical Boston tea party" where a local lodge no longer wanted to be under the control of national headquarters and like patriots of old - rebeled. A lodge that wanted to have its own finances separated from National Headquarters. Down through history excommunication is often the prefered method  of certain group who need conformity, uniformity and control over what it sees as its possesions or
 subjects. True Theosophy is equally about Freedom as it is Truth. The Freedom to belief as one wishes and the Freedom to change ones own inner enviorenment at will . True Theosophy is also  about Impersonality and hence the great opportunity the webb has to offer. Does it matter that I have three heads and my skin color is blue?. I think not. I like to feel that I will be evaluated or judged by the quality of my thoughts be they of sufficient interrest or value. People rarely tell their stories or share insights about controversial  events until long after they have passed. Why is this so? Perhaps for many reasons. One obvious reason is litigation. You cannot sue the departed if they no longer reside on the physical plane. True Theosophist are often plagued by smeer campaigns, lies, and law suits as history testifies. 
  Thank you Carlos and other members of the group who contribute. It does make a difference and the Theosophical spirits of the departed, whatever you conceive them to be, are never far from our lofty thoughts and intense idealism.
   Blessings to the group  D-
   
  rdosoaveline <carlosaveline@terra.com.br> wrote:
          

Dear Friends, 

I reproduce below the Notes written by our common friend Dallas 
TenBroeck (who died a few months ago) , on the life of the great 
Theosophist Robert Crosbie. It is the best biographical text on Mr. 
Crosbie that I have known so far. It also describes many an aspect 
of the History of the United Lodge of Theosophists. 

Regards, Carlos. 

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

by dalval14

Friday, August 24, 2001

=============== COPY ==================

Brief Notes on Mr. Robert Crosbie' Life and Work:

R O B E R T C R O S B I E

The Friendly Philosopher

1849 -- 1919
__________________

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

Mr. Crosbie is to be known through his writings:--

THE FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHER -- 415 pp. (Letters & Lectures)

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS on the OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY

NOTES ON THE BHAGAVAD GITA, (Chapters: 8 to 18)

Editor of THEOSOPHY MAGAZINE:- 1912 - 1919

Editor: THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT: 1875-1925 (History)

Editor: BECAUSE -- FOR CHILDREN WHO ASK WHY. (Stories)

Editor. THE ETERNAL VERITIES ( Text for Theosophy School )

===================================================

Bio Notes

January 10th 1849

Born:- Montreal, Canada

Both parents were Scottish, they met and married in Canada.

His father was connected for many years with the Hudson Bay Co.
as a supervisor, traveling from Post to Post for a good part of
the year.

His mother was a companion to Lady Simpson, wife of the Governor
of the Hudson Bay Company. A "highlander," she had, but rarely
used, her capacity for "second-sight." She lived a life of
self-sacrifice, compassion, and service to others.

1865

R C was raised a Presbyterian, and was invited to join the
communion at 16; R C said he considered himself still "unfit."
The subsequent discussions caused him to doubt the honesty of
that church's practices.

He determined to find "the Truth, which must be knowledge," and
which was to be found in due course by seeking it.

Then he adopted an attitude of constant questioning as to life's
object, pain, sickness, death, mercy, justice, fate. He found
that the religions around him offered no satisfactory answers
when he questioned them deeply..

1869

R C, and an older partner started a leather and shoe
manufacturing business in Montreal. Soon after that he married
the daughter of his partner.

His partner's wife died, and this brought on an interest in
spiritualism. Crosbie, investigating that, found nothing
attractive in its facts or philosophy. R C observed some fraud.
In some cases, hypnotism seems to have been involved. He then
studied hypnotism, mesmerism, clairvoyance and telepathy with
some personal success, but always had a sense of restraint, an
instinctive sense of its inherent dangers.

The "psychic powers latent in man" were found to exist and seen
by him, but their rationale was still to be understood. He
sensed there was danger in those, and also sensed that he was
receiving "some guidance" which he later said, helped him avoid
"unconscious black magic practices." Crosbie always had a strong
regard for the rights of others, and, aware of this, always
exercised a strong moral control over himself.

"...from his earliest years deeply interested in religious,
philosophical and occult subjects..." THY. Vol. 7 p. 320

A favorable opportunity to sell their business in Montreal
arose. The partners, after the sale, went to Boston, and there
started another shoe and leather manufacturing business. It
became well known and was highly respected.

1886-8

One day, R C's partner brought him news of the proposed
establishment of a branch of the Theosophical Society in Boston.

As the word: Theo-Sophia suggested much to him, Crosbie went to
the first meeting. He recognized at once that this was what he
was searching for, and he joined the T S immediately.
(Admitted: June 5th, 1888)

Soon after, Mr. W. Q. Judge came to Boston to speak at the
Branch of the T S, and Crosbie was introduced to him together
with other new members. After the meeting, leaving for his
hotel, Judge called back to Crosbie: "Good night Crosbie, I've
got you on my list !" Mr. Crosbie recorded: "a veil was
lifted...a tie was formed which has never since been broken."

Mr. Judge came frequently to Boston and stayed at the Crosbie
house. When Crosbie visited New York he would stay with him.
See: THY. Vol. 24, 337; THY 64, 229 ]

1888

Of this first meeting with Mr. Judge, Crosbie wrote :

"A FRIEND OF OLD TIME AND OF THE FUTURE"

"The first Theosophical treatise I read was his Epitome of
Theosophy; my first meeting with him changed the whole current
of my life. I trusted him then as I trust him now and all those
whom he trusted...trust is the bond that binds, that makes the
strength of the Movement, for it is of the heart. And this trust
he called forth was not allowed to remain a blind trust, for as
time went on, as the energy, steadfastness and devotion of the
student became more marked, the "real W.Q.J." was more and more
revealed, until that power radiated through him became in each an
ever present help in the work. As such, it remains to-day, a
living power in each heart that trusted him, a focus for the Rays
of the coming "great messenger."

"Having been engaged in active T.S. work in Boston for over
seven years, it has been my Karma to be brought in touch with him
under many different circumstances, the various crises, local and
general, through which the Society has safely passed... The
future will reveal much in regard to him that is now hidden, will
show the real scope of his life- work... The lines have been laid
down for us by H.P.B., W.Q.J., and Masters, and we can take
again our watchword, that which he gave us at the passing of
H.P.B., 'Work, watch and wait.' We will not have long to
wait." -- R. Crosbie THY 7-292

Crosbie, in retrospect observed that in those early years,
students had few materials for the actual study of Theosophy.

There were only HPB's ISIS UNVEILED, articles in the issues of
THE THEOSOPHIST and THE PATH, ESOTERIC BUDDHISM, and the OCCULT
WORLD written by Mr. Sinnett.

Later, apart from articles in Theosophist, Lucifer, and Path,
HPB wrote THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY, THE SECRET DOCTRINE and THE VOICE
OF THE SILENCE.

Judge in publishing the magazine The Path (1886-1896), provided
students with a great many practical hints on Theosophy. These
not only covered his observations, but illustrated aspects of
doctrine and metaphysics which students were interested in.

October 1888

When the E.S. was formed, Mr. Crosbie became one of its
earliest members. He was first Secretary and later President of
the E S Group in Boston under a charter issued to him by HPB
through Mr. Judge, her agent in America. THY 24 337,
THY 23 100

"(He)...identified himself with the Dzyan section of the
Theosophical Movement and the T S., and was for many years the
devoted and close Companion of William Q. Judge, and an occult
pupil of H.P. Blavatsky...He...loved these two great Beings,
trusted Them and those whom They trusted..." THY 7 320; THY 7
290

Mr. Judge, in his lifetime, used to refer students in the New
England States to Mr. Crosbie, saying:- "Ask Crosbie, he thinks
and acts as I do." THY 24-337

1889

Crosbie was elected Secretary of the Boston Branch T S,
nominated by C.F.Willard. Mr. Griggs was its President.

June 1891

After HPB's death Mr. Judge put Crosbie in charge of the EST
Groups in the 7 New England States. This was done under a
charter issued by HPB to Robert Crosbie through him as her agent
in America.

December 1891

Crosbie was present in New York at a meeting with Mrs. A.
Besant, Mr. Judge, and other Theosophists at Astor House. During
that meeting, Mrs. Besant narrated the events that took place
following the death of HPB at the General Council Meeting of the
I. G. of the E. S. in London on May 27th 1891. This meeting
followed H P B's death. Mr. Judge was present as "HPB's
representative, with full power." Mrs. A. Besant was present as
"secretary and recorder of the teachings."

In the meeting at New York, Annie Besant stated that at that
time, a "note" on which the Master had written:-- "Judge's plan
is right," fell out of the packet of letters she had tied, and
which had been in her sole possession, until she had brought it,
herself, to that meeting. This related to Mr. Judge's suggestion
of having two Co-"Outer-Heads" for the E S to carry on its
guidance, A. Besant to be responsible primarily for the "Eastern
section" [Britain, Europe and Asia], and Judge for the "Western
section" [Americas, Australia], and both to stay in all cases in
mutual consultative positions as "Co-Outer Heads."

She was to supervise E S Groups in England and Europe in the
East, Mr. Judge to supervise America and groups in the West, and
both were to work in close consultation, cooperation and harmony
with each-other.

Mr. Crosbie made a written record of this meeting, along with
others who were also present. Later, during the furor of the
"Judge Case," Mrs. Besant repudiated this statement.
THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT-- 1875-1925, pp. 646, 296-7, 649-50.

It may also be noted that Mrs. Besant had separately written on
this object to Jasper Neimand (Mrs. Julia Keightley) and therein
she had then made the statement that the note from the Master had
"fallen out of the bundle she had earlier tied together, and
locked in her desk. [ See W. Q. Judge bio-notes ]

1892

Crosbie's first marriage did not go at all well. One of their
daughters was sickly from birth and needed constant nursing, for
this special help several servants to assist Mrs. Crosbie were
hired successively.

When R C became interested in Theosophy around 1888, the
situation at the home with Mrs. Crosbie worsened and a legal
separation was agreed on around 1892. A suit for permanent
divorce followed, and this became final some years later. At
this time, Mr. Crosbie sold his business and turned the proceeds
as well as their house over to his wife.

Later, a fire in that home occurred and this may have killed
his first wife and their children after the divorce.

He then started a new leather business on his own in Boston.

1892

Mr. Crosbie was appointed President of the Boston E.S. In
addition he was also the President of the Boston T S Branch.

April 1892

He helped organize the 5th Convention of the American Section
of the T.S. held in Boston April 24/25th 1892.

April 1895

In 1895 he helped organize the 8th Convention of the American
Section of the T. S. in Boston, (April 28/29th, 1895 ). It was
during this convention that the American Section passed
resolutions that transformed it into the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN
AMERICA, giving it full legal autonomy.

On p. 24 of the Report for the Convention, we find Mr.
Judge stating in an article the basis for fraternal affiliation
which unites all Theosophical working bodies and Theosophists
together: --

"The Unity of the Theosophical Movement does not depend
upon the singleness of organizations, but upon the similarity of
work and aspiration; and in this we will 'KEEP THE LINK UNBROKEN
!'" (Those were HPB's last words.)

Along with Mr. L. Wade, and Mr. Ayers, Mr. Crosbie
submitted to the Convention an "Historical Sketch of the T.S."
(Published in PATH). This traced the major events of its
existence and work in America since 1875. And, this was included
in the Proceedings and Report issued by the Convention. One of
the points made was that legally the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY had
never removed from New York where it was originally started in
1875. H P B and Col. Olcott had been delegated as a Committee to
visit India and make an official connection with the Arya Samaj
[Society of the Nobles] which had Pundit Dayanand Saraswati as
its leader and chief. Later, Col. Olcott, as President for Life,
in India declared that the Headquarters of the THEOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY were wherever he was residing. This was never passed as
a formal Resolution by the Original THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY in New
York. The original Minute Book is on deposit in the archives of
the THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY in Pasadena. Thus Adyar became the H Q.
Later a pamphlet embodying this information was issued under the
title:

WHAT IS THE THEOSOPHICAL ORGANIZATION ?

1894 -- 1896

During this period Mr. Judge was attacked, exonerated, and,
later persecuted again by the chief officers of the T. S. outside
of America. Those were Col. H. S. Olcott the President Founder,
and Mrs. Annie Besant as President of the British and European
Sections of the T S. Contemporary Theosophical magazines printed
articles and contributions on this, and from them, considered
altogether one may reconstruct the motives and events.

Neither of these two officers appeared to have understood that
Mr. Judge (and Mr. Crosbie in Boston) stood primarily for
Theosophy (as HPB did) and not just for the T S as an
organization.

To them, the T S was a useful tool, to be sustained as a
promulgating body for the doctrines of Theosophy. And for
sustaining the CAUSE of THEOSOPHY: Universal Brotherhood.

To Judge and Crosbie, and others in America and England, the T S
was to be directed on the basis of the principles which Theosophy
laid down and no others. No individuals' "authority" was
recognized by them. Each member's free-will and
free-determination was his own responsibility and no one else
could wield authority over him or her. Theosophy alone was held
to be the sole reason for the T S; and the Officers, in its
management ought to present that basis at all times.

1894 - 96

Mr. Crosbie supported Mr. Judge's principles fully. He acted as
one of the "witnesses on the scene." He, kept the "link" of
pure Theosophy "unbroken," after Mr. Judge's death.

The hints given by W.Q.J. during his life in regard to Crosbie
were not grasped by those around him, who had what they fancied
to be their own positions. And, in addition, seemed to be
glamoured and deluded by the psychic powers Mrs. Tingley
exhibited (she had only been a member for only a year prior to
Mr. Judge's death).

In New York, Mr. Neresheimer, who was Mr. Judge's executor and
Mr. Hargrove went through Judge's papers. They found what was
later described as an incomplete and very fragmentary, cryptic
diary of Mr. Judges', but which Hargrove claimed (in 1896) to be
an "occult" diary; and in this, he said he detected that Mr.
Judge had indicated that Mrs. Tingley was to "succeed" him.

Mr. Neresheimer had introduced Mrs. Tingley to W. Q. J. about a
year before his death. She became a member of the T S and later,
a member of the E S. She was a psychic and apparently did not
have a very profound knowledge of Theosophical philosophy.

She had however been of help to Mr. Judge during the last year
of his life which was spent in great discomfort and illness.
However this gave her no special "position" in regard to the
management of the T.S. or the conduct of the E.S.

Many years later (1923), Mr. Neresheimer made a legal
deposition outlining these events, and in that he reversed some
of his earlier pronouncements, on which the "succession" of Mrs.
Tingley had been based. This deposition is available.

>>From time to time this "occult diary" has been mentioned as
giving "authority" for the "Tingley succession," however, when
requests were made to see it, or have it published, for all to
verify, this was not done at that time. Copies were made of it
and are available from several sources, but a reader will find it
is difficult to establish any coherence in those phrases and
notes. (see also: THY 3, p. 280)

March 1896

Mr. Judge died March 21st l896. Mr. Crosbie was in Boston.

Of the events in New York, he wrote:--

"Two or three of the New York members--notably E.T.Hargrove and
E.A.Neresheimer--obtained possession of Mr. Judge's keys and went
through his private papers; in these [ they said ] they found
reference to a certain "chela," whom Neresheimer determined to be
Mrs. Tingley whom he had known for about a year, and whom he had
brought to Judge's notice. The idea being in their minds that
there must of necessity be an occult successor, and concurring in
the opinion that Mrs. T. was indicated, they sent out a circular
to the E. S. that Judge had appointed her as such. The minds of
all, being in the receptive condition I have mentioned, accepted
everything as stated by the few in New York. The attitude
assumed by Mrs. T. soon began to estrange those members who were
brought in close touch with her in New York, but those at a
distance had no inkling of the true state of affairs and kept on
in full confidence. Those who found that they had made a mistake
in the first place in foisting Mrs. T. upon the organization were
in too doubtful a position to attempt explanations; one of them
only -- Mr. Neresheimer--(who had introduced her to
Judge)--remaining her supporter...his support was sufficient to
offset any withdrawal of the others in New York."

"Mrs. T. took advantage of the situation, and most plausibly and
shrewdly strengthened her position for two years after her
advent, then formed the "UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD" with herself as
absolute dictator; carrying with her by far the greater number
of the members throughout the country. A year later she went to
Point Loma and established the institution there."

1896

Crosbie wrote in an autobiographical note: -- "As to my part in
it--I was in Boston, and
saw no reason to doubt the statements of those in N.Y. whom I
believed to be sincere and of good
training and judgment..." (Autobiographical Note by R.C.)

In the May 1896 issue of THEOSOPHY (formerly--The PATH) will be
found an article signed by Mr. Crosbie: --

" A FRIEND OF OLD TIME AND OF THE FUTURE "
reprinted: THY 7 292 (Already
quoted above)

19 close friends of Mr. Judge wrote articles about him that were
published in the May, June and July issues of THEOSOPHY.

The death of Mr. Judge brought choices to Mr. Crosbie. Some of
those are hinted at in articles to be found printed in:
THEOSOPHY, Vol. 24, pp. 339-40, THEOSOPHY, Vol. 64, pp.
229

1896

One of these related to impersonality, on which he offered his
thoughts.
[see Friendly. Philosopher, pp. 127-8]

April 1896 and later

Mr. Crosbie, in Boston was in cordial relations with Mrs.
Tingley who had been placed, shortly after Mr. Judge's death, in
the position of "Outer Head" of the E S Section of the T S in
America. He retained his supervision of its affairs over the
area comprising the New England states.

1897-1900

In reviewing this period, Mr. Crosbie wrote:--

"I was in Boston and had no reason to doubt the statements of
those in N.Y. whom I believed to be sincere and of good training
and judgment. I should have known by other means the true state
of affairs...when Judge passed out of life, I lost touch with
him; doubtless I relied on him too much, and had not exercised
my own intuition; from later events my comprehension is, that
this loss of touch was purposely done in order that I might
strengthen my weakness in that direction. I went to Point Loma
at Mrs. T's urgent request to assist in the proposed work, and
was there two years, helping to prepare the way for the expected
developments, before I began to get back the touch I had lost. I
am prone to excuse inconsistencies and deviations in others, so
that although I had begun to doubt, and to see, it was more than
a year afterwards I saw so clearly and unmistakably that I took
occasion to tell Mrs. T. the facts as I saw them, and to state my
intention to withdraw from all connection with her. She tried of
course in every way to change my determination, but finding me
unchangeable, she let me go, and as I afterwards heard, gave out
that she had sent me away for 'bad conduct'--just what I do not
know." (AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL NOTE by R.C.)

1900

Mr. Crosbie married his second wife: Josephine Parsons, on April
10th 1900, in Manchester, N.H. They had two children: a daughter
named Kathleen, (Kay, Kittie) and a son: Cameron. These two went
to High School in Long Beach, Ca. They had neighbors who also
came to U.L.T. and were students of Theosophy and who remember
them well.
(R. McOwen, R. Law)

1900 - MOVE TO POINT LOMA

Mr. Crosbie was summoned by Mrs. Tingley to take up residence in
Point Loma outside of San Diego, California, where a Headquarters
had been located for the T S IN A, now renamed UNIVERSAL
BROTHERHOOD and THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

Mr. Crosbie noted that he had been active in Theosophical
matters in Boston for some 14 years. THY 7 293

He went there with Mrs. Crosbie, and as was required then, on
taking up residence, all their assets were turned over to the
organization. He gave his support to Mrs. Tingley, as will be
noted from several articles and letters of his written during
those years.
THEOS. MOVEMENT ('75-'50),p. 317-19 THY 65 159-60

Considering the close relationship that existed between Mr.
Crosbie and Mr. Judge, and the special position that Mr. Crosbie
occupies in the Theosophical Movement of modern times, one
wonders whether Mr. Crosbie might not be considered a "shepherd"
who was following his straying "flock." And when that "flock"
dispersed, the "shepherd" went in search of a new one.

1904 - LEFT POINT LOMA

Conflicting reports were circulated from the Point Loma
organization as to why Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie left the Point Loma
establishment. "A smudged entry: "Bad conduct" was entered
against his name in the register of Members.

None of the family assets which he turned over at the time of
entry were returned to him.

He and Mrs. Crosbie, when they left were left penniless.

[ There have been hints ( Lischner Pamphlet ) of financial
irregularities at Point Loma. Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie were not the
only ones to leave at that time. Later, the T S at Point Loma
went through a crisis around the time of Mrs. Tingley's death.
They were heavily taxed without warning by the government on
their extensive lands. As one who witnessed that event said:
they were "land rich and cash poor" at the time.]
THEOS. MOVEMENT ('75-50); THY 317-19; THY 23 492; THY 7 291

Mr. Crosbie is reported to have said: -- "We quietly left Point
Loma." And that closed the subject. (The Register of Members
kept in Point Loma shows a smudged remark in red ink against his
name: "EXPELLED 1904.")

1906

Mr. & Mrs. Crosbie found a house to rent in South Pasadena on
Bank St. He secured a job as a bookkeeper with the Los Angeles
Times. This work was arduous and required long hours standing,
and was not well paid. Like many others he rode the "Red Cars"
(street-cars) to work.

1906

Mr. Crosbie became acquainted with his neighbors in South
Pasadena. He found that they were interested in theosophical
ideas, and with their joint interest a study class in Theosophy
was started, using Mr. Judge's THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY, and Mme.
Blavatsky's THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY as the first texts to be
studied, and to this they added the BHAGAVAD GITA, the Theosophy
of 5,000 years ago.

"Robert Crosbie preserved unbroken the link of the Second Section
of the Theosophical Movement from the passing of Mr. Judge in
1896, and in 1907--just eleven years later--made that link once
more Four Square amongst men. In the year 1909 the Third Section
was restored by the formation of the United Lodge of
Theosophists. In 1912 he founded the magazine THEOSOPHY
"THY. 7 - 289; THY 3 - 187/8; THE ULT, ITS MISSION & FUTURE,
p.8.

1906

Organized Theosophical meetings were first held by Mr. Crosbie
under a charter obtained from the T S in A that Hargrove had
reformed, after splitting away from the Point Loma TS, in New
York in 1898/99. This had attracted a number of Mr. Judge's
earlier companions including Dr. A. Keightley and his wife,
Julia, better known as "Jasper Neimand." THY 23-544-5

1907

A year later this Society in New York decided to change their
appellation back to : "The THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY." Since this
was considered injudicious, some in the L.A. Branch rejected the
change.

1907

Mr. Crosbie and 7 others decided to organize on their own,
adopting the original principles and the original program of the
Masters which HPB and Mr. Judge had embodied practically during
their life- time. These PRINCIPLES are to be found in the

DECLARATION OF THE UNITED LODGE OF THEOSOPHISTS
THY 23-544-47

Nov. 17th 1908

Mr. Crosbie issued an announcement:--

"TO ALL OPEN-MINDED THEOSOPHISTS"

[Reprinted in: THY 24 341; FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHER, 409

February 18th 1909

U.L.T. was launched. The DECLARATION is its only basis. An
initial explanatory statement will be found in : THY 23-337 and
FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHER, p. 412-14

"No formal bond existed among the Associates of the ULT, the
sole object being the study and dissemination of Theosophy pure
and simple." THY 23-102 & THY 23-548-9

There were 7 original associates. THY 23 102 , F.P. 412-4

1909

The "Third Section" was said to be restored by the formation
of the U.L.T.
THY 7 289; ULT ITS MISSION & FUTURE, p. 8

"All sincere Theosophists deplore the evils in the Movement and
long for their eradication. They "dimly perceive" that these
evils have an originating and sustaining cause which must be
counteracted, but so long as their attention is fixed on effects,
how can they , except with "divided mind," study the producing
cause or causes ?...They cannot learn the truth about nature and
themselves in any other school than that provided in Theosophy
and in the lessons to be learned from self-study and the study of
theosophical history. The Theosophists of today are ... faced
with the same inherent difficulties, the same problems, the same
weaknesses...but the real lack then is the real lack now--the
disposition to face the facts, to make the necessary effort to
gain first-hand knowledge of Theosophy as a basis and standard of
discrimination and judgment--and then the will to act upon those
finely established principles thus self-perceived...From the
beginning, but a handful recognized the gravity of the issues
involved, and that is still the case. ... work--the will to
study, apply, and so come to understand the play of forces in
human nature--is the practical application of the 3rd. Object."
THEOSOPHY Vol. 23, pp. 102-3

The "semi-esoteric character of the U.L.T." was a phrase that
Mr. Crosbie used. He also said that the ULT had to do work,
which the various T Ses, then in existence, had all failed in.

It had to work to restore the integrity of the Original
Impulse, as laid down by Masters through HPB." THEOSOPHY Nov.
1951 THEOSOPHY Vol. 50, pp. 338

Crosbie stressed impersonality and anonymity to protect the work
and to help protect the workers from "pride," and "ambition. "It
was recorded that in his work Mr. Crosbie was "undeviating."
THEOSOPHY Vol. 52, p. 252

As regards himself and family, Mr. Crosbie was always well
dressed in public, at work, and at the Lodge rooms, so that
Theosophy might not be rated on a poor personal appearance. He
made a point of this to all those who worked at ULT.

1909

The children of Mr. & Mrs. Crosbie :

1. their daughter, Kathleen (Kay), married a Mr. Deeds (they
had two children: Scott and Keith).

2. Their son's name was Cameron.

After Mr. Crosbie's death, Mrs. Josephine Crosbie and their two
children moved to Long Beach. Mrs. Crosbie eventually went to
live in Corona, where she was "house mother" at a girl's boarding
school. She was not heard of after 1935.

Cameron Crosbie became a professional organist. During the
depression he moved to New York and kept up some desultory
contact with Mr. John Garrigues, while he was at the New York
ULT. He eventually stopped coming and was no longer heard from.

Mrs. Josephine Crosbie was always well regarded by those who
knew her. She and Mr. Crosbie were neighborly, and as said
earlier, they made friends with Mr. and Mrs. Garrigues, Mr. and
Mrs. Clough, Mr. and Mrs. Law, and Mr. and Mrs. Church, and Mrs.
Eloise Ives. Later still, this circle of friends was widened to
include: Mr. and Mrs. Bentley ( Mrs. Bentley was for almost 35
years the superintendent of Theosophy School ); Mr. and Mrs.
Wyman; Mr. and Mrs. Brinton Jones; Dr. and Mrs. Frederick F.
Strong; Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Manske; Miss W. Egan, and many
others.

1910

Letters "In The Beginning" (The FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHER) were
written by Mr. Crosbie to early students at various ULTs. Some
of these lived and worked in the San Francisco area. These few
letters concerned themselves with the principles on which the ULT
was established.

Impersonality, conferencing together on decisions affecting the
operations of a Lodge, and a direct approach to the actual
teachings of HPB and WQJ was stressed again and again.
FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHER, pp. 376-7, 382-3

November 1912

THEOSOPHY magazine was founded, Mr. Crosbie serving as chief
editor until his death in 1919. THY 7-291

1912

"In 1912, the mid-point of the 2nd quarter of the Movement, the
magazine THEOSOPHY was founded to provide a medium for dealing
with theosophical philosophy and history, free from sectarian
affiliations or influences. Slowly the effort spread despite all
obstacles and opposition, the impregnable basis of impersonal
devotion keeping the work unsullied, an impersonality strictly
continued after the death of Mr. Crosbie in 1919." THY 23-102 &
THY 23-548

1914

THEOSOPHY magazine, in its second volume started to publish a
series of articles on Theosophical History under the title:
MASTERS AND THEIR MESSAGE.

This historical review of the events and the documents of the
modern THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT forms the basis for the book later
issued under the title:

THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT: 1875-1925, edited by Mr. Crosbie.

1914

THEOSOPHY SCHOOL was started. This activity was adopted and
implemented by most ULTs as they became established.

1916

"BECAUSE -- FOR CHILDREN WHO ASK WHY" edited by Mr. Crosbie,
was issued.

Two new Theosophy Schools started around new ULTs in San
Francisco and Berkeley.

1917 - 1918

Mr. Crosbie set most of the Theosophy School songs to music
himself.

1917-18

"(Mr. Crosbie's) ... burdens during many years have been
enormous. In addition to his other work, he was a frequent
speaker at the meetings of the United Lodge; he was constantly
at the service of the hundreds of students who sought his wise
and benign counsels in their many problems; he attended
personally, under no matter what pressures upon his time and
energies, to an incessant stream of correspondence from unknown
inquirers who came in some unknown ways to learn of him and to
seek his kindly advice and suggestion. He never denied his help,
but gave freely, without stint or limit."

"Worn out in these unselfish labors for the benefit and advantage
of his fellow men, burdened with the toll of advancing years, the
frail body could no more sustain the increasing demands upon it.
He died as he had lived, calm and serene, with no word of
complaint during the days of intense suffering that preceded his
release.

Something of his firm principles and the impersonality of his
life and work can be gained from his last published article,
printed in the (July 1919 THEOSOPHY :-- "IS THEOSOPHY A
PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM OF RELIGION ?"). THY 7-289-90

June 25th 1919

Death of Mr. Crosbie THEOSOPHY , Vol. 7, p. 320

It is valuable to note that H.P.B.'s last article was:

"MY BOOKS" published in Lucifer for April 1891. It is a resume
evidencing the nature of her writings as the recorded teachings
of the Masters of Wisdom.

In April 1896 Mr. Judge's last article appeared in the
PATH/THEOSOPHY: "H.P.B. WAS NOT DESERTED BY MASTERS"-- it is his
statement confirming his belief in the reliability of HPB, the
Messenger.

Mr. Crosbie's last article: "IS THEOSOPHY A PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM
OF RELIGION ?" (Theosophy, July 1919) reiterates the position
that Theosophy is not a constantly changing set of ideas, but a
consistent and complete body of knowledge to be studied, applied
and promulgated as originally presented.

[ Mr. Fussell, once one of Mr. Judge's secretaries, and
afterwards, secretary to Mrs. Tingley of Point Loma T S wrote
some letters containing slanderous statements on Mr. Crosbie's
character, after his death. Mr. Garrigues showed these letters
to Mrs. Josephine Crosbie. She indignantly repudiated the
statements that Mr. Fussell made. She stated that they were
false and untrue. She also publicly challenged Mr. Fussell to
prove them. He made no response to this. THY 23 390; THY 23
491-2 ]

___________________________

In the August 20th 1919 issue of the O. E. LIBRARY CRITIC,
published by Dr. Stokes from Washington, D.C. notes:--

"One cannot help comparing the exaltation of personalities and
the self-advertising which is so much in evidence in the official
journals of the T.S. with the policy of the magazine THEOSOPHY,
in which all the material, editorial or otherwise, which is
written by still living persons, is anonymous. For nearly seven
years this journal has published admirable original articles and
editorials and not once have the names of the writers appeared.

The excellent letters written by the United Lodge of
Theosophists to inquirers are never signed, except by the name of
the Lodge. It now appears for the first time that Robert
Crosbie, who recently died, was not only the chief editor of
THEOSOPHY, but the author of many of the best articles and
letters issued by the Lodge. From the first issue of the journal
up to the last issue, announcing his death, not once does the
name of Robert Crosbie, or even his initials, appear. Nowhere
are we recommended to get his photograph and meditate upon it;
nowhere are we regaled with accounts of his movements; nobody
tells us how miserable they are because Robert Crosbie has gone
to Boston and not telegraphed back from each station; not one
line is given to expatiating on his greatness.

And herein we see the true theosophical spirit exemplified, the
desire to serve without reward other than the privilege of
rendering the service...To the work of teaching real Theosophy,
Robert Crosbie not only devoted his life, but sacrificed it,
seeking neither reputation, honor nor glory, yes, more,
deliberately turning his back on them. "To be seen of men," that
is a form of personal ambition, "the first curse,--the great
tempter of the man who is rising above his fellows." "Kill out
ambition," that is the first precept laid down in LIGHT ON THE
PATH...." Dr. H. N. Stokes, O.E.L.C.
(Aug. 1919, OELC)

Again, In the March 1933 issue of the O.E.LIBRARY CRITIC,
Dr. Stokes writes:

"Aside from the Great Lights of Theosophy, few theosophical
writers appeal to me more than Robert Crosbie, founder of the
United Lodge of Theosophists, and I rejoice in the occasional
quotations from his talks which appear in the U.L.T. magazines.
Further, it is always a joy to note when any of his devoted
followers of the United Lodge, here, there or anywhere, live up
to the spirit of his dictum (Theosophy, Feb. 1920, page 107):

"Neither Jesus nor H.P.B. lived and died in order that a book or
books might be swallowed wholesale, nor even that men should
become disciples, but that all men should become brothers."

To this one might add that Robert Crosbie did not live in order
that books or pamphlets lauding--and misrepresenting--him should
be "swallowed wholesale," but that truth should prevail...

=====================

"The magazine Theosophy, which was edited by Robert Crosbie up
to the time of his death last July [1919], has just begun
publishing a series of his articles, letters and talks. Many are
extremely lucid and illuminating, and no theosophical student
should miss them, no matter to what society he belongs." Dr.
H.N.Stokes
(Nov. 1919, OELC)

++ = = = = = = = = = = =++

Following the principles of the ULT DECLARATION neither Mr.
Crosbie, nor has any student of the ULT made any public claim to
be a "successor," "leader," or "teacher."

Each student and inquirer has been carefully put into direct
touch with H P B, our teacher through her writings--original and
unchanged.

Each has been encouraged to study, work for Theosophy, and
practice that universal brotherhood which forms the unifying
basis of all Nature.

Mr. Judge's writings have been selected for study and
reproduction because they most faithfully and carefully follow
and supplement Mme. Blavatsky's writings and all students are
encouraged to prove this for themselves.

B I B L I O G R A P H Y

Robert Crosbie

THE FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHER -- Letters and talks by R. Crosbie

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY --
Unedited selections from questions asked and answers
given by Robert Crosbie in study classes in the
Ocean of Theosophy by Wm. Q. Judge

THE THEOSOPHICAL MOVEMENT : 1875 - 1925 -- edited by R.C.

BECAUSE -- FOR CHILDREN WHO ASK WHY -- short stories
illustrating practical Theosophy for children. -- edited by
R.C.

UNIVERSAL THEOSOPHY -- a reprint of selected talks and letters by
Mr. Crosbie culled from The Friendly Philosopher [ 1963 ]

Articles on Mr. Crosbie

THEIR COLLEAGUE PASSES -- an appreciation of his work
in and for ULT and THEOSOPHY magazine THY 7-289

THE GUIDANCE OF ROBERT CROSBIE -- THY 26-337

LOYALTY: [ OF ROBERT CROSBIE ] -- THY 19-337

THE RECORD OF ROBERT CROSBIE -- THY 25-337

THEOSOPHISTS AND ROBERT CROSBIE -- THY 24-337

ROBERT CROSBIE -- THY 21-337

HE KEPT THE LINES UNBROKEN -- THEOS. MVT. 16- 99

FOUNDER OF THE ULT -- THEOS. MVT. 4-113

THE U.L.T. AND ITS FOUNDER -- THEOS. MVT. 14-113

(...) 

I Hope This May Be Of Some Use To You And Your Friends In Boston.

Best wishes,

Dallas



         

 	
---------------------------------
Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]