asize the importance of avoiding (reference to
civil courts) of cases of dispute between believers, even in non-Baha'i
issues. It is the Assembly's function to endeavor to settle amicably such
disputes, both in order to safeguard the fair name and prestige of the
Cause, and to acquire the necessary experience for the extension of its
functions in the future."

37: CIVIL ELECTIONS (VOTING IN)

"...No Baha'i vote for an officer, no Baha'i participation in the affairs
of the Republic, shall involve acceptance of a program or policy that
contravenes any vital principle, spiritual or social, of the Faith.

"...No vote cast, or office undertaken, by a Baha'i should necessarily
constitute acceptance, by the voter or office holder, of the entire
program of any political party. No Baha'i can be regarded as either a
Republican or Democrat, as such. He is above all else, the supporter of
the principles enunciated by Baha'u'llah, with which, I am firmly
convinced, the program of no political party is completely harmonious."

38: COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (ASSEMBLY MEMBERS)

"Regarding the non-appointment of Assembly members to membership on
National Committees, the Guardian firmly believes that no such principle
should be recognised. Those who are best fitted for the specific work
assigned to the Committees should be elected irrespective of their
membership on either National or local Assemblies. The greater the
pressure on those who shoulder both Committee and Assembly
responsibilities, the greater the reward and the richer the blessings
vouchsafed to those who willingly and gratefully sustain this double
burden."

39: COMMITTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

"He feels that Committees must assume more responsibility and exercise
freedom of choice and judgment in electing their officers, and function as
a corporate body with a corporate spirit. More especially so as now that
the Cause is growing in numbers, and its responsibilities are being
multiplied, National committees are acquiring added importance and must
seek, ever increasingly, to follow the pattern of Baha'u'llah and assume
responsibility for the election of their officers. These committees must
develop, become mature, and forge ahead courageously relying more on
united effort and less on personal leadership, as is now the case with
Local and National Assemblies."

40: CONTRIBUTION

"As to the idea of 'giving what one can afford', this