ation of the Divine
Principle; and the clear comprehension of it is typified in such names
as the Indian Buddh, the Babylonian Nebo, the Thoth of Memphis, the
Hermes of Greece; in the appellations, also, of some goddesses--Metis,
Neitha, Athena, the Gnostic Sophia; and, finally, the Vedas, from the
word "to know." Under this designation, all the ancient philosophers of
the East and West, the Hierophants of old Egypt, the Rishis of Aryavart,
the Theodidaktoi of Greece, included all knowledge of things occult and
essentially divine. The Mercavah of the Hebrew Rabbis, the secular and
popular series, were thus designated as only the vehicle, the outward
shell, which contained the higher esoteric knowledges. The Magi of
Zoroaster received instruction and were initiated in the caves and
secret lodges of Bactria; the Egyptian and Grecian hierophants had their
apporiheta, or secret discourses, during which the Mysta became an
Epopta--a Seer.

The central idea of the Eclectic Theosophy was that of a single Supreme
Essence, Unknown and Unknowable; for "how could one know the knower?"
as inquires Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Their system was characterized by
three distinct features, the theory of the above-named Essence: the
doctrine of the human soul; an emanation from the latter, hence of the
same nature; and its theurgy. It is this last science which has led
the Neo-Platonists to be so misrepresented in our era of materialistic
science. Theurgy being essentially the art of applying the divine
powers of man to the subordination of the blind forces of Nature, its
votaries were first decisively termed magicians--a corruption of the
word "Magh," signifying a wise or learned man. Sceptics of a century ago
would have been as wide of the mark if they had laughed at the idea of a
phonograph or telegraph. The ridiculed and the "infidels" of one
generation generally become the wise men and saints of the next.

As regards the Divine Essence and the nature of the soul and spirit,
modern Theosophy believes now as ancient Theosophy did. The popular Dev
of the Aryan nations was identical with the Iao of the Chaldeans, and
even with the Jupiter of the less learned and philosophical among the
Romans; and it was just as identical with the Jahve of the Samaritans,
the Tiu or "Tiusco" of the Northmen, the Duw of the Britons, and the
Zeus of the Thracians. As to the Absolute Essence, the One and All,
whether we accept the Greek Pythago