The
possibility of "raising spirits," according to the key of Solomon, is
the height of superstition and ignorance. Purity of deed and thought
can alone raise us to an intercourse "with the gods" and attain for us
the goal we desire. Alchemy, believed by so many to have been a
spiritual philosophy as well as a physical science, belonged to the
teachings of the Theosophical School.
It is a noticeable fact that neither Zoroaster, Buddha, Orpheus,
Pythagoras, Confucius, Socrates, nor Ammonius Saccas, committed anything
to writing. The reason for it is obvious. Theosophy is a double-edged
weapon and unfit for the ignorant or the selfish. Like every ancient
philosophy it has its votaries among the moderns; but, until late in
our own days, its disciples were few in numbers, and of the most various
sects and opinions. "Entirely speculative, and founding no schools, they
have still exercised a silent influence upon philosophy; and no doubt,
when the time arrives, many ideas thus silently propounded may yet give
new directions to human thought," remarks Mr.
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