“Enq: Admitting yourself that there is at least as much, if not more, backbiting, slandering, and quarreling in the T.S. as in the Christian Churches, let alone Scientific Societies – What kind of Brotherhood is this? I may ask.
Theo: A very poor specimen, indeed, as at present, and, until carefully sifted and reorganized, no better than all others.
Remember, however, that human nature is the same in the Theosophical Society as out of it. Its members are no saints: they are at best sinners trying to do better, and liable to fall back owing to personal weakness.
Add to this that our “Brotherhood” is no “recognized” or established body, and stands, so to speak, outside of the pale jurisdiction. Besides which, it is in a chaotic condition, and as unjustly unpopular as is no other body.
What wonder, then, that those members who fail to carry out its ideal should turn, after leaving the Society, for sympathetic protection to our enemies, and pour all their gall and bitterness into their too willing ears!
Knowing that they will find support, sympathy, and ready credence for every accusation, however absurd, that it may please them to launch against the Theosophical Society, they hasten to do so, and vent their wrath on the innocent looking glass, which reflected too faithfully their faces.
People never forgive those whom they have wronged. The sense of kindness received, and repaid by them with ingratitude, drives them into a madness of self-justification before the world and their own consciences.
The former is but too ready to believe in anything said against a society it hates. The latter – but I will say no more, fearing I have already said too much.”
H. P. Blavatsky
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 