rt,
will prove of little avail if we should fail to exercise discrimination
and restraint and neglect to direct their flow along the most profitable
channels. The unfettered freedom of the individual should be tempered with
mutual consultation and sacrifice, and the spirit of initiative and
enterprise should be reinforced by a deeper realization of the supreme
necessity for concerted action and a fuller devotion to the common weal.

National Spiritual Assembly

It would be impossible at this stage to ignore the indispensability or to
overestimate the unique significance of the institution of the National
Spiritual Assembly--the pivot round which revolve the activities of the
believers throughout the American continent. Supreme is their position,
grave their responsibilities, manifold and arduous their duties. How great
the privilege, how delicate the task of the assembled delegates whose
function it is to elect such national representatives as would by their
record of service ennoble and enrich the annals of the Cause! If we but
turn our gaze to the high qualifications of the members of Baha'i
Assemblies, as enumerated in 'Abdu'l-Baha's Tablets, we are filled with
feelings of unworthiness and dismay, and would feel truly disheartened but
for the comforting thought that if we rise to play nobly our part every
deficiency in our lives will be more than compensated by the
all-conquering spirit of His grace and power. Hence it is incumbent upon
the chosen delegates to consider without the least trace of passion and
prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of
only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned
loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized
ability and mature experience. May the incoming National Spiritual
Assembly--the privileged and chosen servants of the Cause--immortalize their
term of stewardship by deeds of loving service, deeds that will redound to
the honor, the glory and the power of the Most Great Name.

The Cornerstone of Service

I would also earnestly entreat all the delegates at this coming
Convention, and through them I appeal to the larger body of believers whom
they represent, to ever bear in mind the supreme injunction of
'Abdu'l-Baha, to teach unceasingly until the "head cornerstone of the
foundation" of the Cause of God is firmly established in every heart. Let
those whose time, resources and means allo