The Burden of False Shame.

When the scandal that divided our ranks first fell upon us we were astonished, questioning, uncertain as to what
steps to take that would accord with justice toward all concerned. Every one of those who acted quickly— whether on
one side or the other— overstepped the bounds of discretion, evoking attack and retort that plunged us into a long series
of misunderstandings and enlightenments. It took a long while for the full evidence to circulate so that all might have an
opportunity to personally weigh the matters under discussion and form impartial judgments. Today, the case is vastly
different; time has brought ample explanation and the period of uncertainty is at a legitimate end.
To those who stand in the position of the writer, it is now clear that a long and trying controversy has been
waged between opponents who were upholding precisely the same ideal, i. e., The Purification of Youth, on Matters
Pertaining to the Sex Question. That which was labeled "the teaching of immoral practises," has been proved to be, the
CURBING O F IMMORAL PRACTISES; the evidence is indisputable. The one who was haled to an accounting
as a Perverter of Youth stands forth as a Redeemer from Vicious Habits. However much medical science—seing from
the physical plane—and occult science—seing from the mehtal plane—may dispute as to methods, it is evident that in this
particular instance an expert seer on both planes used his best judgment. The question of agreement or disagreement
with his views is still debatable but not that of his character.
We have all had the same evidence —and every particle of evidence has been welcomed by the unprejudiced
individual who was willing to hear all sides, weigh all opinions, and, in the light of cool reason, arrive at a decision
acceptable alike to heart and brain. And what is the result? This, that, in all sincerity, there still exists a division of
thought in final conclusions. The reason of this is manifestly because each individual considering this information common
to all has put a personal interpretation upon it; this test of insight has practically registered and labeled each one according
to his evolved ability to interpret correctly. In this respect, character and capability have passed through a rigid examin-
ation and classified themselves before the eyes of witnesses.
This has been a most useful procedure for the society, although the matter under debate had every semblance of
being a shameful one. I SAY SEMBLANCE of being a shameful one, for to the writer, from the beginning of this
particular discussion, it has been clearly evident that the Society was carrying a burden of false shame forced upon it by
the sincere but unperceptive wills of some of it most vigourous workers. The real shame and sin have been the obnoxious
branding of wholesome individuals, the ruining of honorable reputations, brought about by mis-applied eloquence; the real
shame and sin lie in the fact that one of the monumental figures of the Society, devoted to its welfare, self-sacrificing in
its interests, capable in expounding its subtle realms of research—so independent of the trammels of the esh as to make
life in the body rather a matter of endurance than of selection—has been pushed out of position, belied and dishonored;
the real shame and sin are evident in the result, that the noble work of the Society has been obscured by this burden of
false shame that has been pressed down upon it by the determined hands of a few short-sighted ones impelled by mis-
directed zeal and pseudo loyalty.
It does not matter whether or no those who were branded as "immoral,"—because, firm in direct perception of
truth, they stood their ground staunchly in defence of a brother, a co-worker, a leader—minded the appellation; it does
not matter whether the leader—so sure of himself that he worked on unaffected by the assaults and indifferent as to
personal position— is desirous or undesirous of recall; but it does matter whether or no the Theosophical Society shall
be allowed to stoop under a burden of shame that does not belong to it; it does matter whether or no this stalwart
movement, bringing knowledge happiness and well-being to the world, shall be hampered and impeded by a load that it is
in no wise forced to carry.
Let us cast from us this outrageous burden! Let us replace in his rightful position our honored and unsullied
leader! Let us tear off the untruthful labels from our courageous defenders! Not for their sakes nor for ours, but for
the sake of a noble and honorable Cause that has been defamed by unwisdom and that it is our duty to speedily exonerate.
The Theosophical Society, not merely a maligned personality or personalities, calls for vindication; let it throw off
this burden of FALSE S H A M E and stand upright in self-respecting integrity!
ANNIE c. MCQUEEN
15 Claremont Place, Mt. Vemon, N. Y.