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THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA Office of the Secretary 48 WEST 10th STREET, NEW YORK CITY Special Number THE SPIRIT AND FORM OF BAHA’I ADMINISTRATION "O phoenix bf that inzrnortai flame kindled in the Sarrrd Tree!‘ {may my life, my soul. my spirit be up as a sacrifice unto His lowly hath. during His last days on earth. given the most emphatic promise that, through the ounpourings uf the grace of God, anrl the aid and assistance vouclusaied from His Iiingclom on souls will and holy beings will appear, who. as stars, would adorn the of Divine Guidance. illumine the dayspring of loving kindness and bounty, manifest the signs of the unity of God. shine with light of sanctity and purity, reueivc their full measure of divine znspiration. raise high the sacred torch of faitll, stauci firm as the rock and immovable as the mountain. and grow to become luminaries in the heavens of His Revelation, channels of His grace. means for the he.~atowai of God's bountiful care. heralds calling forth the Name of the one true God, and eslzablishers of the world's supreme foundation. "These shall labor incessantly by day and by night, shall heed neither trial nor woe, shall no respite in their efforts. shall seek no repose. shall disregard case and comfort. and. detached and unsullied. shall consecrateevery fleeting moment of their life to the diffusion of the divine fragrance and the exaltation of God's Holy Word. Their faces will radiate heavenly giadness and their hearts be filled with joy. Their souls will be inspirecf. and their foundation stand secure. They shall scatter in the world and travel throughout ali regions. They shall raise their voice in every assembly and adorn and revive every gathering. ‘They shall speak in ever]-' tongue and interprez every hidden meaning. Thev shall reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom and manifest unto every one the signs of God. The)‘ shalI. burn brightly. even as a candle, in thc' hart of 'ever3; assembly and beam forth as a star upon every horizon. The gentle breeze wafted from the garulen of their hearts shall per1' ume anrl revive the souls of men. and the of their minds. even as silowers. rcim'ig-nrate the peoples nations ui the world. "I am wzliting. eagerly for these holy ones IO appear; and yet. how Iong will delay their coming? and ardent suppiicatioll. all eventicle and at dawn. is that these shining stars rnay soon shed their radiance upou the world, that their sacred countenance may be unveiled :0 mortal eyes, that the hosts of divine assistance rnay achieve their victory and the billows of grace. rising from His oceans above. may flow upon all mankind. Pray ye. also, and supplicate unto Him that through the bountiful aid of [1112 .-Kncien: Beauty these souls majr he to the eyes of the W01-id. “The Glory of God res: upon thee: zmrl upon him whose face is illumined with that everlasting light that shincth from His iiingclom of Glory." THE SPIRIT IN THE BODY Editorial The outgoing National Spiritual completed a task which. while pertaining to the outer and more material aspects of the Cause. nevertheless has a special significance for its spirit and inward. sacred purpose. This task consisted in creating. with the invaluable assistance of the Legal Committee’. a legal form which gives proper substance and substantial character to the administrative processes eznhodierl in the Bah:1'i Teachings. As explained in the report of the Legal Committee published in the last NEWS LETTER, the form- adopted was that known as Voluntary Trust, a species of corporation recognized under the common law and possessing a long and interesting history. The famous Cove nant adopted by the Pilgrim Fathers ment in American history. is of the same nature as -the Declaration oi Trust voted by the .\'z1tionai Spiritual This Declaration of Trust. with its attendant By-Laws. is published in this issue of the News LETTER for the information of the Bahifis of the United Etazcs and Canada. It is hoped that the f ricnds one and all will thoroughly acquaint then1selves with general character and specific provisions, since all the believers are equally concerned in its operation and our acrivitic.-"> are henceforth largely controlled by its existence. Careful examination of the Declaration and its B_v-Laws will reveal the fact that this document contains no arllitrary elements nor features new tu the Bahifi Cause. On the it represents :1 mos: conscientious effort to reflect those very administrative principles and elements already set forth in the letters of the Guardian and already determining the methods and relationships of our collecrvc association. The provision both in the Declaration and in the By-Laws for amendments in the future will permit any Xacional Spiritual .-k.:-sembly to adapt this document to such new administrative elements or principles as the Guardian may at any time give forth. The Declaration. in fact, is nothing more or less than a legal parallel of those moral and spiritual laws of unity inherent in the fulness of the Bahéfi Revelation and making it the fulfilment of the ideal of Religion in the social as well as sp.-iritL1al realm. Because in the Bahifi Faith this perfect correspondence exists between spiritual and sociai laws. let 1:5 ever hear in mind that administrative success, for Bah:'1'is. is identical with moral success; and that nothing less than the true spirit of devotion and Sat

BAHA’I NEWS LETTER of Bahffis of the United States and Canada I and Canada Chairman Secretary T reasu rcr . Vi-ta-Chairman . . Secretary I activities. administrative, dew-o— tional. humarutarian. finanual, educational and That - it may attain its object it must combine the essential qualities nf accuracy, reliability. tl10mughness. dignity and wi-sd0r|1. I: should become a great in promoting understanding, providing information on Bahéfi activity. both local and fnrei_qn. in szinxulazimlg interest, in ing evil influences. and in upholding and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause. It should he made as represeniative as possible, should be replete with news. up-to-date in its information. and should arouse the keenest interest among believers and admirers I cherish greathopes for its immediate future. and I trust you will devote your special attention to its development. and bf: devising well-conceived world-wide measures transform thls Nzws LETTER into what I hope will become the toremosr Therefore it has seemed fitting and proper to accompany the Deciarationx of Trust with eiccerpts from the letters of Shoghi Effcndi which furnished the source whence the provisions of the Declaration were drawn, and which f urtherrnore give due emphasis to that essentin. spirit Without which any and every > >1al or religious form is but :1 dead zuzsi souliess body. The sooner we unde1'stand. and realize in action. the unique and universal administrative principles of the Cause. the sooner will the body of the believers, like a healthy organism, forget itself in con secration to the spiritual reality am aim. The friends are requested to pr: serve their copies of this \'Ews L-.ET TER, and appreciate the fact that th» adoption of a legal form adds to on; collcttive respcmsibilities in the eye.» of the world. Proper conditions ham now been established which enablfriends of the Cause to leave bequest, for carrying on the work ii general. or for any one activity which they are particularly interested DECLARATION OF TRUST By the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahé‘is of the United States and Canada ADA Article II

under the provisions of the Will and Testament of ’Abclu'1-Bahé. These purposes are to be realized by means of devotional meetings; by public meetings and conferences of an educazionai, humanitarian and spiritual character; by the publication of books. magazines and newspapers; by the construction temples of universal worship and of other institutions and edifices for humanitarian sen-ice; supervising, unifying, promoting and generally administering activities of the of the United States and Canada in the fulfilment of their religious offices, duties and ideals; and by any other means appropriate to these ends, or any of them. Other purposes and objects of this Trust are: a. The right to enter into, make, perform and carry out of every sort and kind for the furtherance of the objecrs of this Trust with any person, firm, association, corporation, private, public or municipal or body politic, or any state, territory or colony thereof, or any foreign government; and in this connection, and in all transactions under the terms of this Trust, to do any and all things which a co-partnership or natural person could do or exercise, and which now or hereafter may be authorized by law. IJ. To hold and be named as beneficiary under any trust establishcd by law or otherwise or under any will or other testamcnlzary instrument in connection with any gift, devise, or bequest in which a. trust or trusts is or are established in any part of the world as well as in the United States and Canada: to receive gifts, devises or bequests of money or other property. All and whatsoever the several purposes and objects set forth in the written utterances of Bah5.’u'Ilah. and Shoghi Effendi, under which certain jurisdiction, powers and rights are granted to National Spiritual Assemblies. d. Generally to do all things and acts which in the judgment of said Trustees, i. e.. the National Spiritual Assembly of the of the United States and Canada, are necessary. proper and advantageous to prothe complete and success1‘ ul administration of this Trust. Article III Section 1. All persons. firms, corporations and assnciatiuns extending credit :0, contracting with or having any claim against the Trustees, i.B., the National Spiritual Assembly, and the members thereof, of any character whatsoever, whether legal or equitable and whether arising out 01' contract ur tort, shall look solely to the funds of the Trust and to the property of the Trust estate for payment or indemnity. or for the payment of any debt, damage, judgment or decree or any man; that may otherwise become due or pa; able from the Trustees, s0'-that neitlu the Trustees nor any of them, no' any of their officers or agents appointed by them hereunder, nor any heneficiary or lueneficiaries herein 1_1amed shall he personally liable theretor. Section 3. Ever}' note. bond, proposal. obligation or contrac: in writing or other agreement or made or given under this Trust shall be explicitly executed by the National Spiritual Assembly, as Trustees by their duly‘ authorized officers or agents. Article IV ,The Trustees, i. e., the National Spiritual Assembly, shall adopt for the conduct of the aifairs entrusted to them under this Declaration of Trust, such lay-laws, rules of procedure or regulations as are required to define and carry on its own aclministraxive functions and of the several local and other elements composing the body of Bahffis of the Unified States and Canada. not inconsistent with the terms of this instrument and all in accqrdance with the explicit instructions given us to date by Shoghi Guardian of the Cause of which instructions are known to the of the United States and Canada and accepted by them in the government and practice of their religious affairs. Article V The central of this Trust shall be located in the City of New York_. State of New York, United States 0! America. Article VI The-_seal of this Trust shall be circular 111 form, bearing the following description: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHPUIS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. DECI-ARATTON OF Article VII This Declaration of Trust ma)’ be amcndcd by majority vote of the National Spiritual .-Rssembly of the BaI"zz1'is of the United States and Canada. at any special meeting duly called for that purpose. provided that at least thirty I130) days prior to the date for said meeting a copy of the proposed amenclmem or amendments are mailed to each member of the by the Secretary. New York, April 4. 192.7, BY-LAWS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Article I The National Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfilment of its sacred duties under this T rust- siiail have jurisdiction and authority over all the activities and affairs of the Bahifi Cause throughout the United States and Canada, including paramount authority in the adn1inistra.ti0n of T rust. It shall endeavor to stimulate, unify and c001|.iu1aLe the manifold activities of the local Spiritual Assemblies (hereinafter defined) and of ual Bahéfis in the United States and Canada and by all possible means assist them to promote the oneness of mankind. It shall be charged with the recognition of such local Assemblies, the scrutiny of iocai membership rolls. the caliing of the Annual Meeting or special meetings and the seating of delegates to the Annual Meeting and their apportionment among the various locai Bahéfi communities. It shall appoint all national Bahéii committees and shall supervise the publication and C1iStt'ib1.1tiOI1 of Bahifi literature. the reviewing of all writings pertaining to the Cause, the construction and admini§trati0n of the Mashriqu'l-Aclhkar and its accessory activities. and the coliecrion and disbursement of all funds for the carrying on of this TrustIt -shall decide whether any matter lies within its own jurisdiction or within the jurisdiction of any local Spiritual :'\ssembly- It shall, in such cases as it considers suitable and necessary, entertain appeals from the decisions of local Spiritual Assemblies and shall have the right of final decision in all cases where the qualification of an individual or group for continued voting rights and membership in the Bahé.'i body is in question. It shall furthermore represent the Bahéfis of the United States and Canada in all their cooperative and spiritual activities with the of other lands. and shall constitute the sole electoral had}: of the Unitet1"States and Canada

BAHA'I NEWS LETTER in zhe iormazion of the Universal House of justice provided for in the Sacred Writings of the Bahénfi Cause. Above all. the National Spiritual Assembl_v shall ever seek to attain that station of unity in devotion to the Revelation of which will attract the confirmations of the Holy Spirit and enable the Assembly to serve the founding of the Most Great Peace. In all its deliberation and action the ational Assembly shall have constant13; before it as Divine guide and standard the utterance of "It behooveth them (i. 12., Spiritual Assemblies‘) to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among -men and to consider themselves as the guardians appointed of God for ail that dwell on earth. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interests of the servants of God, f or His sake. even as they regard their own interests. and to choose that which is meet and seemi_v." Article II The Bahé'is of the United States and Canada, for whose benefit this Trust has been established. shall consist of all persons resident in the United States and Canada who are recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly as having fulfilled the requirements of voting membership in a local Bahé'i community. To become a voting member of a Baha'i community a person shall 2.. Be a resident of the locality (city, town or village} in which the exists. b. Have attained the age of 21 years. c. Have established to the satisfaction 01' the local Spiritual Assembly, subject to the approval of the National Aésembly, that he possesses the qualifications of faith and practise. required under the following standard: Full recognition of the station of th_e Forerunner (the Bab), the Author ff Bahiiu . and the True Exemplar of the Bahéfi Cause: unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, wlutsoever has been revealed by their Pen: loyal and s'|:eadia.st adherence to every clause of ’Abdu'I-Bahia sacred W'ill; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of present day Bahéfi administration the world The National Assembly shal-1 consist or -8018 members chosen from among the Bahéfis of the United States and Lanada, who shall be elected by the said Bahifis in manner herelnalter provided. and who shall continmz in ofhce for the nf one year. or unt1l their successors shall be elected. Article IV The of the National Spiritual shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other as may be found necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs. The ccrs shall be elected by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Assembly taken by secret ballot. Article V The first meeting of a newly-elected .\'ational Assembly shall be called by the member elected to membership by the highest number of votes or, in case two or more members have received the same said highest number of votes. then by the member selected by iol from among th05E members; and this member shall preside until the permanent Chairman shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be called by the Secretary of the Assernbly at the request of the Chairman or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chain man, or of any three members of the Assembly; provided, however, that the Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be held at time and place to be fixed by a majority vote of -the .-ksser'nbiy, as hereinafter provided. Article VI Five members of the Natiotlai Assembly present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and constituting a quorum -shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, and with due regard to the principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution of a Spiritual .-Xssembly. The and decisions of the National Assembly shall he recorded at each meeting by [118 Secretary, who shall supply copies of the minutes :0 the Assembly members after each meeting, and preserve the minutes in the official records of the .-Jissembly. Article VII ‘Whenever in any of _the United States and Canada, be it town or village, the number of Bahifis recognized by the National Assembly exceeds nine, these shall be authorized by "the National Assembly to convene on the 21st day of April next following and elect by majority vote a local administrative body of nine members. to be known as the Spiritual Assem big.-' of Bahéfis of that city, town or village. Every such Spiritual Assembly shall he elected annually thercaiter upon each successive 315: day of April. Seczion 1. The genera} powers and duties of a lucal Spiritual Assembly shall be as set forth in the writings of "Abdul-Bahi and Shoghi Section 2. Among its more specific duties, a local Spiritual shall have full jurisdiction of all Bahifi activities and within the iocal community, subject, however, to the exclusive and paramount authority of the National Spiritual Assembly as defined herein. Section 3. Each newly-elected local Spiritual Assembly shall at once pruceecl in the manner indicated in Articies IV and V of these -By-Laws [O the of its officers. who shall consist of a Chairman. Vice-Chairman. Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as the finds necessary for the CO1'1duCI of its business and the fulfilment of its spiritual duties. Immeciiatel]: thereafter the Secretary chosen shall transmit to the Secrctary of the National Assembly {ht names of the members of the newly-elected Assembly and a list of its ofiiacers. Section 4. Vacancies 5.". the membership df a local Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by election at a special meeting of the local Bahéfi community duly called for that purpose by the Asscmbly. In the even: that the number of vacancies exceeds four. making a quorum of the local Assembly impossible. the election shall be held under the supervision of the National itual Assembly. Section 5. The business of the 10cal Assembly shall be conducted in like manner as provided for the deliberaof the National in Article VI above. Section 6. The local Assembly shall pass upon and approve the qualifications of each member of the Bahii comtnunity before such members shall be admitted to voting membership : but where an individual is dissatisfied with the ruling of the local Spiritual Assembly upon his Bahéfi qualifications, such individual may appeal from the ruling to the National Assembly. which shall thereupon take jurisdiction of and finally decide the case. Section 7. On or before the 1st day of February of each year the Secretary of each local Assembly shall send to the Secretary of the National a duly certified list of the voting members of local community for the information and

appruval of the National Assembly. Section 8. All matters arising with of purely local interest and do affect the national interests of the Cause shall be under the primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly of that locality; but decision whether a particular matter involves the interest and welfare of the national Bahffi body shall rest with the National Spiritual Assembly. Section 9. Any member of a local Bahéfi community may appeal from a decision of his Spirituai Assembly to the National Assembly, which shall determine whether it shall take jurisdiction of the matter or leave it to the local Spiritual Assembly for reconsideraticm. In the event that the National Assembly assumes juriscliction of the matter, its finding shall be final. Section 10. Where any dissension exists within 2. local community of such a character that it cannot be remedied by the of the local Spiritual Assembly, l'.11iS condition shall be referred by the Spiritual Assembly for consideration to the National Spiritual Assembly, whose action inthe matter shall be Section 11. All questions arising between two or more local Spiritual Assemblies, or between members of different communities, shall be submitted in the first instance to the National Assembly, which shall have original and jurisdiction in all such matters. Article VIII The Annual Meeting of the National Spirirual .-kssembly at which its members shall be elected shall be known as the National Convention of the Bahé’is of the United States and Canada. and shall be held at a time and piacc to be by the National Assembly, which shall give sixty days‘ notice of the meeting to each Iota] community through its Spiritual Assembly. The Assembly shall at the same time inform each Spiritual Assembly of the number of delegates to the Convention it has assigned to the local Bahéfi community in accordance with the principle of proportionate representation in such manner that the entire number of delegates composing the National Convention shall be Upon receipt of this notice each local Spiritual Assembly shall. within a convenient period and after giving due and sufficient notice thereof, call a meeting of the voting members on its rolls for the purpose of electing their delegate or delegates to the National Convention: and, not later than tl'n'rty days before zhe date of the Convention, the Secretary 01' each local Spiritual Assembly shall certify to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly the names and addresses of the delegates an elected. Section 1. All delegates to the Convention shall be elected by majority vote of those present at their election. Section 2. All delegates to be seated at the Convention must be enrolled as voting members of the Bahffi community represented by them. Section 3. ,The rights and privileges of a. delegate may not be assigned nor may they be exercised by proxy. Section 4. The recogniuon and {caring of delegates t0 the National Convention shali be vested in the National Spiritual Assembly Section 5. Dclcgatcs unable IO present in person at the Convention shall have the right to vote for members of the National Spiritual Assembly by mail or telegram under such conditions as may be indicated by the National Assernbly. Section 6. If in any year the Naticmal Spiritual Assembly shall consider that it is impracticable or unwise to assemble together -the delegates to the National Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly shall provide ways and means by which the business of the Convention may be conducted by correspondence or telegram. Any action taken under such circumstances shall be by a. majority vote of all the delegates. Section .7. The presiding of the N ationai Spiritual Assembly presat the National Convention shall call to order the delegates, who shall then proceed to the permanent organization of the meeting, electing a presiding ofiicer, a Secretary and such other ofiicers as are necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Convention. Section 8. The principal business of the National Convention shall be the election of the nine members of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, the consideration of the reports of the financial and other activities of the outgoing National Assembly and its various committees, and deliberation upon the affairs of the Cause in genera], it being understood. however. in accordance with the principles of administration defined by the Guardian that all deliberation and action of the delegates at the National Convention. other than the election of the members of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, shall constitute merely advice and recommendation for consideration by the said Assembly. final decision on all matters concerning the affairs of the Cause in the.Lfniued States and Canada being vested in that body. Section 9. Tue general order of business to be taken up at the National Convention shall be prepared by the ational Spiritual Assembly, but any and all matters pertaining to the Cause introduced by any of the delegates may upon motion and vote be taken up as part of the deliberatioma nf the Convention. Section 10. The election of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be by lnajority vote of the delegates recognized by the ourgoing National Spiritual Assembly. Section 11. All official business transacted at the National Convention shall be recorded and preserved in the retords of the National Assembly. Section 12. the termination of the National -Convention and until the near: such Annual Meeting has been called in session, the cleiegates shall continue as a. consultative body capable of rendering a distinctive service to the work of the Cause, and they shall make every effort to contribute to the unified spirit, information and useful action of the National Spiritual Assembly throughout the year. Section 13. Vacancies in the membership of the Natinnai Spiritual sernbly shall be filled by a majority yore of the delegates composing the Convention which eiected the Assembly, the ballot to be taken by correspondence or in any other manner decided upon by the National Spiritual Article IX Where the National Spiritual Assembly has been given in these ByLaws exclusive and final jurisdiction, and paramount executive authority, in all matters pertaining to the activities and affairs of the Baha'.'i Cause in the United States and Canada. it is underswod that any decision made or action taken upon such matters shall be subject in every instance- to ultimate view and approval by the Guardian of the Cause or the Universal House of justice. Article X These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of the Natiorial Spiritual Assembly at any of its regular or special meetings, provided that at least fourteen days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting a of the proposed amendment or amendments mailed to each member of the Assembly by the Secretary. Montreal, Quebec, Aprii 28, 1927.

BAI-IA’I NEWS LETTER THE SPIRIT AND FORM OF BAHA’I ADMINISTRATION From Letters of Shoghi Effendi At this grave and momentous period through which the Cause of God, in conformity with the divine wisdom is passing, it is the sacred duty oi every one 01 us to endeavor t0 realize the full significance of this hour of tion, and then to make a supreme resolve to arise steaclfastiy for the fulfilment of our sacred obligations. A perusal of some of the words of and 'Abdu'l-Bahi on the duties and functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in every land (later to be designated as the local Houses of tice), exnphatically reveals the sacredness of their nature. the wide scope of their activity, and the grave responsibility which rests upon them. Addressing the members of the Spiritual Assembly in Chicago, Master reveals the following “Whenever ye enter the council chamber, recite this prayer with a heart throbbing with the love of God and a tongue purified from all but His remembrance, that the A11-Powerful graciously aid you :0 achieve supreme victory. ‘O God, my God! We are servants of Thine that have turned with devotion to Thy Holy Face, that have detached ourselves from all beside Thee in this glorious Day. ‘We have gathered in this spiritual assembiy, united in our views and thoughts, with our purposes harmonized to exalt Thy amidst mankind. O Lord. our: God! Make us the signs of Thy Divine Guidance. aha Standards of Thy exalted Faith amongst men, servants to Thy mighty Covenant, Thou, our Lord Most High! Mziniiesrarions Kingdom, and resplendgnt stars shining upon all regions. Lord! Aid us t0 become seas surging with the biilows of Thy wondrous Grace, streams ing from Thy all-glorious Heights, goodly fruits upon the Tree of Thy heavenly Cause. trees waving through the breezes of Bounty in Thy Celestial Vineyard. -O God! Make our souls dependent upon the Verses of Thy Divine Unity. our hearts cheered with the outpourings of Thy Grace, that we may unite even as the waves of one sea and become merged together as the rays of Thine efiulgent Light; that our thoughts, our views. our feelings may become as one tea!ity, manifesting the spirit of union throughout the world. Thou art the Gracious, the Bountiful, the Bcstower, the Almighty, the Merciful, the Compassionate.’ Furthermore. 'Abclu'l-Bahé reveals the following is incumbent uptm everyone not to take any step without consulting the Spiritual and they must assuredly obey with heart and soul its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may he properly ordered and well arranged. Utllcrwisc every person will act independently and after his own judgment. will follow his own desire, ancl.do harm to the Cause. “The prime requisites for them that take counsel together are purity of motive, radiance of spirit. detachment from all else save God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, hurnilit}; and lowliness amongst His loved ones, patience and 10ng~sufEering;' in difficultiei and servitude to His exaited Threshold. Should they be graciously aided to acquire these attributes. victor}from the unseen Kingdom of Babel shall be to them. In this clay, assemblies of consultation are of the greatest importance and :1 vital necessity. Obedience to them is essential and obligatory. The members thereof must take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ilI-feeling or discord may arise. This can attained when every member expressoth with absolute freedom his own opinion and sezteth forth his argument. Should anyone oppose, he must on no account feel hurt for not until matters are fuily discussed can the right way be revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh forzh only after the clash of differing opinions. Ii aiter discussion a decision be carried unanimously, well and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should arise. a majority of voices must prevail." Enumerating the obiigations incumbent upon the members of consulting counsels, the Beloved reveals the foll0wing:—"The first condition is absolute love and harmony amongst the mcmbers of the Assembly. They must be wholly free from estrangement and must manifest in themselves the of God, for they are the waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the stars of one heaven. the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard. the flowers of one garden. Should harmony of thought and absolute unity be non-exis-tent, that gathering shall be dispersed and that Assembly be brought to naught. The second condition : They’ must when coming together turn their faces to she Kingdom on High and .aid from the Realm of Glory. . They must then proceed with zhe utmost devotion, courtesy. dignity. care and moderation to express their views. They must in every matter search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one's views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. The honored members must with all freedom express their own am] it is in no wise permissible for one In belittle the thoughts of another; nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth, and should differences of opinion arise a majority of voices mus: prevail, and all must obey and submit to the majority. It is again not permitted that any one of the honored members object to or censure, whether in or out of the meeting, any decision arrived at though that decision be not right, for such criticism would preV8111! any decision from being enforced. In short. whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of eszrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness. . . . If this be so regarded, that Assembly shall be of God, but otherwise it shall lead to coolness and alienation that proceed from the Evil One. Discussions must all be confined to spiritual matters that pertain to the training of souls, the instruction of children, the relief of the poor, the help 01 the feeble throughout all classes in world, kindness to all peoples, the diffusion of the fragrances of God and the czcaltation of His Holy ‘Word. Should they endeavor to these conditions the Grace of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsaiecl unto them, and that Assembly shall become the center of the divine blessings. the hosts of divine confirmation shall come to their aid, and they shall day by day receive a new efiusion of spirit." This is indeed a clear indication of the .\[aster’s express desire that nothing whatever should be given to the public by any individual among the friends, unless fully considered and approved by the Spiritual Assembly in his and if this {as is undoubtedly the case) is a matter that pertains to the general interests of the Cause in that land, then it is incumbent upon the Spiritual Assembly to. submit it to the consideration and approval of the National body representing all the various local Assemblies. Not only with regard to publication, but all matters without exception whatsoever, regarding the interests of the Cause in that locality, individually or collec

BAHA'I NEWS LETTER 17 tively, should be referred Exelusiveiy to the Spiritual Assembly in that 10cality, which shall decide upon it, unless it be a matter of national interest. in which case it shall be referred to the National body. Vifith this National body also will rest the decision whether a. given question is of local or national (Bahéfi) in:-erest.— March 5, 1922. The matter of teaching, its direction. its ways and means, its extension, its consolidation, essential as they are to the interests of the Cause, constitute by no means the only issue which should receive the full attention of these A$semb1ies. A careful study of and Tablets will reveal that other duties, no less vital to the interests of the Cause. devolve upon the elected representatives of the friends in ever]-' locality. It is incumbent upon them to he vigilant and cautious, discreet and watchful, and protect at all times the Tempie of the Cause from the dart of the mischief-maker and the onslaught of the enemy. They must endeavor to promote amity and concord amongst the friends. efface every lingering trace of distrust, coolness and estrangement from every heart, and secure in its stead an active and whole-hearted cooperation for the service of the Cause. They must do their utmost to extend at all times the helping hand to the poor, the sick, the disabled. the orphan. the widow, irrespective of color. caste and creed. They must promote by every 11163115 in their power the material as well as the spiritual enlightenment of youth, the means for the education of children, institute whenever possible Bahéfi educational institutions. organize and supervise their work. and pro~ vide the best means for their progress and development. They must make an effort to maintain ofiiciai. regular and frequent correspondence with the various centers throughout the world, report to them their activities, and share the glad-tidings they receive with all their fellowwvorkers in the Cause. They must bend every effort to promote the interests of the Mashriqu'lAdhkar, and hasten the clay when the work of this giorious Edifice will have been consummated. They must encourage and stimulate by every means at their Command, through subscriptions. reports and articles, the development of the. various magazines. They must undertake the arrangement of the regular meetings of the friends, the feasts and the anniversaries, as well as the speciai gatherings designed to serve and promote the social. intellectual and spiritual interests of their feiiowrncn. They must supervise in these days when the Cause is still in its infancy all Bahéfi publications and translations. aud provide in general for a. dignified and accurate presentation of all literature and its distribution to the general pubiic. These rank among the 111051: Outstanding obligations of the members of every Spiritual Assembly. In whatever locality the Cause has sufficiently expanded, and in order to insure ciency and avoid confusion, each of these manifold functions will have to be referred to a special Committee. responsible to that Assembly, elected by it from among the friends in that 10caliry, and upon whose work the Assembly will have to exercise constant and general‘ supervision. These local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected directly by the friends. and every declared believer of 21 years and above, far from standing aloof‘ and assuming an indifferent or Endependen: attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part, conscientiously and diligently, in the election. the consolidation and the working of his own local Assembly. Regarding the establishment of “National Assemblies,” it is of vital importance that in every country, where the Conditions are favorable and the number‘ of the friends has grown and reached a considerable size. that a "}~Iational Spiritual Assembly" be immediately established, representative of the friends throughout that countrv. Its immediate -purpose is to stimulate, unify and coordinate. by frequent personal consultations, the manifold activities of the friends as well as the local Assemblies; and by keeping in close and constant touch with the H01}; Land, initiate measures. and direct in general the affairs of the Cause in that country. It serves also another purpose. no less essential than the first. as in the course of time it shall evolve into the National House of justice ( referred to in W'ilI as the “secondary House of Justice") which ac— cording to the explicit text of the Testament wiil have, in conjunction with the other National Assemblies throughout the world, to elect directly the members of the International House of Iustice, that Supreme Council that will guide, organize and unify the of the Movement throughout the world. It is expressly recorded in Bahéfs Writings that these Xational Assemblies must be inclirecrly elected by the friends; that is. the friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from among all the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assernbly. In such countries, therefore . . - a fixed number of secondary electors must first bc decided upon II 95 for America, including the Pacific Islands . . .). The friends then in every locality where the number of adult declared believers exceeds nine must directly elect its quota of secondary electors assigned t0 it in direct proportion to its numerical strength. These secondary electors will then, either through correspondence. or preferably by gathering together. and first deliberating upon the affairs of the Cause throughout their country (as the delegates to the Convention), then eiect from among all the friends in that country nine who will he the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. This National Spiritual which, pending the establishment oi the Universal House of justice, will have to be re-elected once a year, obviousiy assumes grave responsibilities for it has to exercise full authority over aii the local Assemblies in its province. and will have to direct the activities of the friends,‘ guard vigilantly the Cause of God, and control and supervise the affairs of the Movement in general. Vital issues, affectialg the intere.-‘1.~= 111' the Cause in that such as the matter of translation and publication. . the Mashriqtfl-Adhkar. the teaching work. and other similar matters that stand distinct from strictly local affairs, must be under the full jurisdiction of the National Assembly. It will have to refer each of these questions, even as the local Assemblies. to a special Ctrmmittefi. to be elected by the members of the National Spiritual Assembiy from among all the friends in that country. which will bear co it the same relations as the local committees bear to their rcspettive local Assemblies. With it, too, rests the decision whether a certain point at issue is strictly local in its nature.‘ and should be reserved for the consideration and decision of the local Assembly, or whether it should fall under its own province and be regarded as a matter which ought tn receive its special attention. The National Spiritual Assembly will also decide upon such matters which in HS opinion should be re

BAHA’I NEWS LETTER ferred to the Holy Land for consultation ancl decision. With these Assemblies, local as well as national, harmoniously, vigorousiy. and efiicientiy functioning throughout the worid, the only means for the establishment of the Supreme House of justice will have been assured. And when this Supreme Body will have been properly established, it will have to consider afresh the whole situation, and lay down the principie which shall direct, so long as it deems advisable, the of the Cause. And as the progress and extension of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon materiai means. it is of absolute nepessiry that immediately after the establishment of local as well as National Spiritual Assemblies. a Fund be established, to be placed under the exciusive control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should be to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the eacpress purpose of gxomoting the interests of the Cause, throughout that locality or country. It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahz'1'u'llah. who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for rhe increaseof that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembiy will at their own discretion expend it to promote the teaching campaign. to help the needy, to establish educational Bahéfi institutions. to extend in every way possible their sphere of service. I cherish the hope that all the friends, realizing the necessity of this measure, will bestir themselves and contribute. however modestly at first. towards the speedy establishment and the increase of that Fund. The need for the centralization of the authority in the National Spirituai Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various local Assemblies, is made manifest when we reflect that the Cause of is stili in its age of tender growth and in a stage of transition; when we remember that the full implications and the exact significance of the Master's worldwide instructions, as laid down in His Vsfili, are as yet not fully grasped, and the crystallized in the eyes of the world.March 12, 1923. As the administrative work of the Cause steadily expands. as its various branches grow in importance and number, in is absoiutcly necessary that we bcar in mind this fundamental fact that all these administrative activities. however harmoniously and conducted, are but means to an end, and should be regardcd as direct instruments for the propagation of the Bahifi Faith. Let us'takc heed lest in our great concern for the perfection of the administrative machinery of the Cause, we lose sight of the Divine Purpose for which it has been created. Let us be on our guard lest the growEng demand for specialization in the administrative functions of the Cause detain us from joining the ranks of those who in me iorefront oi uauzle are gloriously engaged in summoning the muititude to this Day of God. This indeed should be our primary concern; this is our sacred obligation, our vital and urgent need. Let this Candinal principie be ever borne in mind, for it is the mainspring of all future activities. the remove!’ of every embarrassing obstacle, the fulfilment of our Master's dearest wish.—_[ar1uary I0, 1926. The administrative machinery of the Cause having now sufiiciently evolved. its aim and object fairly-well grasped and understood, and its method and working made more familiar to every heliever. I feel the time is ripe when it should be fully and consciously utilized to further the purpose for which it has been created. It should. I strongly feel, he made to serve a twofold purpose. On one hand, it should aim at a steady and gradual expansion of the Movement along fines that are at once broad, sound and universal: and on the other it should insure the internal consolidation of the Mark already achieved. It should both provide the impulse whereby the dynamic forces latent in -the Faith can unfold, crystallize, and shape the lives and conduct of men. and serve as a medium for the interchange of thought and the coordination of activities among the divers eéements that constitute the Bahéfi ccmmunity.—-May 11, 1926. ‘We have but to turn our eyes to the world without to realize the fiercencss and the magnitude of the forces of darkness that are struggling with the -dawning light of the Abha Revelation. Nations, though exhausted and disillu sioned, have seenuingly begun to cherish anew the spirit of revenge. of domination, and str1' fe. Peoples. convuised by economic upheavals, are slowly drifting into two great opposing camps wirh all their menace of social chaos. class hatreds. and worldwide ruin. Races. alicnated more than ever before, are filled with mistrust. humiHati|:m and fear, and seem to prepare themselves for a fresh and fateful encounter. Creeds and religions, caught in this whirlpool of conflict and pzlssion. appear to gaze w1th impotence and despa1r at this spectacle of unceasing turmoil. Such is the plight of mankind threc: years after the passing of Him from lips fell unceasinglv the sure message of a fast-approaching Divine salvation. by our our words. our deeds. whether incii— or collectively. pre-paling the way? Are we hastening the advent raf the Day He so often foretold.’ None can deny" that the flame of faith and love which His mighty hand kindled in many hearts has. despite our bereavement, continued to burn as brightly and steadily as ever before. Who can question that His loved ones, both in the East and the ‘Nest, notwithstanding the insidious strivings of the enemies of the Cause, have‘ displayed a spirit of unshakable loyalty worthy of the highest praise? ‘What greater perseverance and fortitude than that which His tried and trusterl friends have shown in the face of untold ca’lamities_ intolerable and incredible restrictions? But such staunchness of faith. such an unsullicrl love, such magnificent loyalty. such heroic constancy. such nobie courage. however unprecedented and laudable in themselves, cannot alone lead us to the and complete triumph of such :1 great Cause. Not until the dynamic love we cherish for Him is sufficiently reflected in its power and purity in ali our dealings with our fellow-men, however remotely connected and humble in origin, can we hope to exalt in the eyes of a se1f—seel-ting world the genuineness of the all-conquering love of God. Not until we live ourseives the life of a true can we hope to demonstrate the creative and transforming potency of the Faith we profess. Nothing but the abundance of our actions, nothing but the -purity of our fives and the integrit_\' of our characters. can in the last resort establish our claim that the Bahiii spirit is in this day the sole agency than can translate a long-cherished idea] into an enduring achievement.

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