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The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett - 1923

By A. T. Barker

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Letter No LI

Received 22—8—82. 

Private. 

My good friend, 

Remember that in the phenomenon intended for Colonel Chesney there was, is, and will be but one real phenomenal thing, or rather —an act of occultism—^the likeness of your humble servant the best of the two productions of D. Khool, I am sorry to say—for you. The rest of the performance is, notwithstanding its mysterious character, something but too natural, and, of which I do not at all approve. But I have no right to go against the traditional policy however much I would like to avoid its practical application.

Keep this strictly within your ow^n friendly heart until the day comes to let several persons know that you were warned of it. I dare not say more. The probations are hard all round and aresure not to meet your European notions of truthfulness andsincerity. But reluctant as I do feel to use such means or evento permit them to be used in connection with my chelas, yet Imust say that the deception, the lack of gfood faith, and thetraps ( ! !) intended to inveigle the Brothers, have multiplied somuch of late; and there is so little time left to that day that willdecide the selection of the chelas, that I cannot help thinking- thatour chiefs and especially M. may be after all right. Withanenemy one has to use either equal or better weapons. But donot be deceived by appearances. Were that I could be as frankwith Mr. Hume whom I as sincerely respect for some of hisgenuine, sterling, qualities as I cannot help blaming for someothers. When will any of you know and understand what wereally are instead of indulging in a world of fiction ! In case Col. Chesney speaks to you of certain things tell himnot to trust to appearances. He is a gentleman, and ought notto be allowed to labour under a deception, never meant for himbut only as a test for those who would impose themselves uponus with an unclean heart. The crisis is near at hand. Whowillwin the day ! 

K. H.