MARTIN LUTHER
The condition of degeneracy into which Tson-Kha-Pa, or Buddha, found that his teachings and practice had fallen is, again, paralleled by the twenty centuries of ecclesiastical usurpation and decadence which have followed upon the Mission of Jesus. The parallel in the West to the work of Tson-Kha-Pa is to be seen in Martin Luther's Reformation which, notably, occurred at the same period. Perhaps it was with this in mind that Mr. Judge took occasion specifically to refer to Luther's Reformation in "The Theosophical Movement." At all events the action of the Boston Convention in April, 1895, and Mr. Judge's two documents cited make clear, both in general and specific terms, that Masters never cease working, that the Theosophical Movement is, therefore, spiritual in origin and basis as well as in purpose, and that it is continuous and universal. Moreover, he takes occasion to point out that it is not limited to teaching efforts only, but to practical everyday affairs. The Adepts are declared to have had a hand in the formation of the American Republic, which also was made possible only after a great internecine war, as was the liberation of the black slaves. A clear and highly important application is deducible by the most ordinary mind from Mr. Judge's article; it is vain to identify the channels of The Theosophical Movement with any particular body or instrument once the Messenger has fulfilled his Mission and departed. The inspiration ceases to flow through any body or person the moment that instrumentality or agent seeks to turn it to personal or party profit, or goes outside the lines laid down alike for their protection and that of the Movement itself. Many, in the past and in the present, were once fit and useful channels, great or small, for the inspiration and flow of the Theosophical Movement. They, in the words of H.P.B., "lost their moral balance unconsciously to themselves," and the great Movement passed them by, whether the fact were known or unknown to themselves and others. -- http://www.wisdomworld.org/additional/theosophicalmovement/TheRisingCycle2.html