who are working there should leave and
go elsewhere.

The principle he has laid down has invariably been that the friends must
establish a Spiritual Assembly on a firm and enduring basis with a nucleus
of about fifteen Baha'is in the Community, so that the Assembly would be
maintained, and then the other believers are free above the number fifteen
to disperse and teach elsewhere; in fact they should consider it their
duty to do so. This instruction of our beloved Guardian applies to Surat
as well as to other Centres.

February 2, 1957

Letter of September 19, 1929

Your frank expression of the situation in India and your energetic desire
to see things moving after years of practical stagnation, is gladly
welcomed by the Guardian, and he is refreshed to see a feeling of
dissatisfaction with present conditions and a desire for fresh endeavours
along enlightened lines, evident among a good many of our friends in India
and Burma.

It is especially gratifying to see you realize the fact that when the
world has developed and been enlightened enough through the unseen powers
of the Almighty, to be led to the teachings and spirit of the Cause, it
will be our shameful task to go round proclaiming such principles as we
were taught so many years before and none of which we had lived up to.

Concerning Huquq, the Guardian wishes me to inform you that at present it
is not obligatory for the friends to pay, but that they should be urged to
contribute to the local and national funds.

September 19, 1929

Letter of December 1, 1944

Concerning the Esslemont book in languages read by Hindus: The text of the
book can in no way be changed, but two things can be done to make it more
suitable for teaching Hindus: a footnote can be added informing the reader
that the book was written by a Scotsman who was anxious to present to the
Christians the Baha'i Faith in relation to their own religion, and hence
he used many Biblical quotations with Baha'i interpretations given;
secondly an appendix may be added which will include quotations from the
Baha'i writings suitable to the Hindu mind and interests.

Regarding Baha'i women using facial make-up: individuals are entirely free
to do as they please in such purely personal matters. As Baha'is are
enjoined to use moderation in all things, and to seek the Golden mean, the
N.S.A. can, if it deems it necessary or advisable, counsel the believers
to use moderation in this res