THE "NEW MESSIAH."
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—The anonymous author of the article headed "The New Messiah" in your issue of June 26th should have made more sure of his facts. It is generally understood that the young ishnamurti's future destiny was revealed to Mrs. Besant, by supernatural means, before she became his guardian. Thus there was no "strange coincidence" or "discovery," nor is it justifiable to say that Mrs. Besant speaks "with reverence and awe of what has been suggested and inspired by herself." Whether the vision, or revelation, of the child's mission was dependable or not is another question altogether.
Further, there are no such persons as "theosophical bishops." Theosophy, being the body of divine truths which form the basis of all religions, is related to no specific creed, and a "theosophical bishop" is a ludicrous contradiction in terms. The Liberal Catholic Church, to which these bishops belong, is a separate organization, quite independent of the Theosophical Society, though having come to birth within it, like many other movements, both religious and secular. The services and ritual of this Church appear to fulfil a need felt by many who had ceased to find spiritual satisfaction elsewhere. But it is a fallacy to assume that all Theosophists are also members of the Liberal Catholic Church. Mrs Besant herself is not a member of it ; nor is Mr. Krishnamurti.
As to secessions and resignation, no branch of the English Theosophical Society has seceded, but the "London Lodge" has reverted to its former status of holding its charter direct from the parent Society at Adyar, Madras. In Europe, the Czecho-Slovakian branch is the only one that has withdrawn. New members received into the Society during the past year far outnumber the few who have resigned.
As to the allegations made about Mr. Leadbeater, I am far away from any authoritative source of reference, but I think the impression left by your contributor's remarks is an unjust one.
Finally, is the entering of the Christ-Spirit into a human form really a "fantastic dogma " ? It may be remarked inciden- tally that Mrs. Besant herself has never used the term "a new Messiah." This is an invention of newspaper reporters. The whole subject is a difficult and involved one, but those who venture to publish their views upon it should at least avoid misstatements of fact such as are contained in the article in question.—I am, Sir, &c.,
FAIRPLAY.
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