, however, in view of the unavoidable
limitations imposed upon the convening of frequent and long-standing
sessions of the Convention, will have to retain in its hands the final
decision on all matters that affect the interests of the Cause in America,
such as the right to decide whether any local Assembly is functioning in
accordance with the principles laid down for the conduct and the
advancement of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that they will utilize
their highly responsible position, not only for the wise and efficient
conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also for the extension and
deepening of the spirit of cordiality and wholehearted and mutual support
in their cooperation with the body of their co-workers throughout the
land. The seating of delegates to the Convention, i.e., the right to
decide upon the validity of the credentials of the delegates at a given
Convention, is vested in the outgoing National Assembly, and the right to
decide who has the voting privilege is also ultimately placed in the hands
of the National Spiritual Assembly, either when a local Spiritual Assembly
is for the first time being formed in a given locality, or when
differences arise between a new applicant and an already established local
Assembly. While the Convention is in session and the accredited delegates
have already elected from among the believers throughout the country the
members of the National Spiritual Assembly for the current year, it is of
infinite value and a supreme necessity that as far as possible all matters
requiring immediate decision should be fully and publicly considered, and
an endeavor be made to obtain after mature deliberation, unanimity in
vital decisions. Indeed, it has ever been the cherished desire of our
Master, 'Abdu'l-Baha, that the friends in their councils, local as well as
national, should by their candor, their honesty of purpose, their
singleness of mind, and the thoroughness of their discussions, achieve
unanimity in all things. Should this in certain cases prove impracticable
the verdict of the majority should prevail, to which decision the minority
must under all circumstances, gladly, spontaneously and continually,
submit.

Nothing short of the all-encompassing, all-pervading power of His Guidance
and Love can enable this newly-enfolded order to gather strength and
flourish amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in the fulness
of time vindicate its high claim to be univers