“Enq: These men, I have heard, are great Adepts, Alchemists, and what not. If, then, they can change lead into gold and make as much money as they like, besides doing all kinds of miracles at will, as related in Mr. Sinnett’s “Occult World”, why do not they find you money, and support the Founders of the Society in comfort?
Theo: Because they did not found a “miracle club”. Because the Society is intended to help men to develop the powers latent in them through their own exertions and merit. Because whatever they may or may not produce in the way of phenomena, they are not false coiners; nor would they throw an additional and very strong temptation on the path of members and candidates: Theosophy is not to be bought.
Hitherto, for the past 14 years, not a single working member has ever received pay or salary from either the Masters or the Society.
Enq: Then are none of your workers paid at all?
Theo: Till now, not one. But as every one has to eat, drink, and clothe himself, all of those who are without any means of their own, and devote their whole time to the work of the society, are provided with the necessaries of life at the Headquarters at Madras, India, though these “necessaries” are humble enough, in truth!
But now that the Society’s work has increased so greatly and still goes on increasing (N.B., owing to slanders) in Europe, we need more working hands. We hope to have a few members who will henceforth be remunerated – if the word can be used in the cases in question.
For every one of these Fellows, who are preparing to give all their time to the Society, are quitting good official situations with excellent prospects, to work for us at less than half their former salary.
Enq: And who will provide the funds for this?
Theo: Some of our Fellows who are just a little richer than the rest. The man who would speculate or make money on Theosophy would be unworthy to remain in our ranks.”
H. P. Blavatsky
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 