t also follow the same
example. This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of
servitude to the Threshold of Baha."

We need but glance at the Words of Baha'u'llah and the Epistles of
'Abdu'l-Baha to realize the great privilege of teaching the Cause, its
vital necessity, its supreme urgency, and its wide-reaching effects. These
are the very words of 'Abdu'l-Baha:--

"In these days, the Holy Ones of the Realm of Glory, dwelling in the
all-highest Paradise, yearn to return unto this world, and be of some
service to the Cause of Baha'u'llah and prove their servitude to the
Threshold of Abha beauty."

What a wondrous vision these words unfold to our eyes! How great our
privilege to labor in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! Is it not incumbent
upon us to arise and teach His Cause with such an ardor which no worldly
adversity can quell, nor any measure of success can satiate?

Election of Local Assemblies

And, now that this all-important Work may suffer no neglect, but rather
function vigorously and continuously in every part of the Baha'i world;
that the unity of the Cause of Baha'u'llah may remain secure and
inviolate, it is of the utmost importance that in accordance with the
explicit text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every locality,
be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above)
declared believers exceeds nine, a local "Spiritual Assembly" be forthwith
established. To it all local matters pertaining to the Cause must be
directly and immediately referred for full consultation and decision. The
importance, nay the absolute necessity of these local Assemblies is
manifest when we realize that in the days to come they will evolve into
the local Houses of Justice, and at present provide the firm foundation on
which the structure of the Master's Will is to be reared in future.

Duties of Spiritual Assemblies

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 Assemblies. A careful study of Baha'u'llah's and
'Abdu'l-Baha's Tablets will reveal that other duties, no less vital to the
interests of the Cause, devolve upon the elected representatives of the
friends in every locality.

It is incumbent upon them to be vigilant and cautious, discreet and
watchful, and protect at a