he consolidation of
Baha'i administrative institutions, they should endeavor to participate,
within recognized limits, in the work of institutions which though unaware
of the claim of the Baha'i Cause are prompted by a sincere desire to
promote the spirit that animates the Faith. In the pursuit of their major
task their function is to preserve the identity of the Cause and the
purity of the mission of Baha'u'llah. In their minor undertaking their
purpose should be to imbue with the spirit of power and strength such
movements as in their restricted scope are endeavoring to achieve what is
near and dear to the heart of every true Baha'i. It would even appear at
times to be advisable and helpful as a supplement to their work for the
Baha'is to initiate any undertaking, not specifically designated as
Baha'i, provided they have ascertained that such an undertaking would
constitute the best way of approach to those whose minds and hearts are as
yet unprepared for a full acceptance of the claim of Baha'u'llah. These
twofold obligations devolving upon organized Baha'i communities, far from
neutralizing the effects of one another or of appearing antagonistic in
their aims, should be regarded as complementary and fulfilling, each in
its way, a vital and necessary function.

It is for the National representatives of the Baha'i Cause to observe the
conditions under which they labor, to estimate the forces that are at work
in their own surroundings, to weigh carefully and prayerfully the merits
of either procedure, and to form a correct judgment as to the degree of
emphasis that should be placed upon these twofold methods. Then and only
then will they be enabled to protect and stimulate on one hand the
independent growth of the Baha'i Faith, and on the other vindicate the
claim of its universal principles to the doubtful and unbelieving.

I have already considered these delicate and complex issues with the
Baha'i representatives whom I have requested to gather in the Holy Land in
the hope of arriving at the best possible solution of the pressing and
intricate problems that confront the development of the Baha'i Cause. I
have asked our dearly-beloved brother, Mr. Mountfort Mills, whose services
to the Cause only future generations can estimate, to acquaint you with
these and other considerations, the delicacy and scope of which only a
verbal explanation can adequately reveal. He will fully and
authoritatively inform you regarding the