Hitherto the National Convention has been primarily called together for
the consideration of the various circumstances attending the election of
the National Spiritual Assembly. I feel, however, that in view of the
expansion and the growing importance of the administrative sphere of the
Cause, the general sentiments and tendencies prevailing among the friends,
and the signs of increasing interdependence among the National Spiritual
Assemblies throughout the world, the assembled accredited representatives
of the American believers should exercise not only the vital and
responsible right of electing the National Assembly, but should also
fulfill the functions of an enlightened, consultative and cooperative body
that will enrich the experience, enhance the prestige, support the
authority, and assist the deliberations of the National Spiritual
Assembly. It is my firm conviction that it is the bounden duty, in the
interest of the Cause we all love and serve, of the members of the
incoming National Assembly, once elected by the delegates at Convention
time, to seek and have the utmost regard, individually as well as
collectively, for the advice, the considered opinion and the true
sentiments of the assembled delegates. Banishing every vestige of secrecy,
of undue reticence, of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, they
should radiantly and abundantly unfold to the eyes of the delegates, by
whom they are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their cares. They
should familiarize the delegates with the various matters that will have
to be considered in the current year, and calmly and conscientiously study
and weigh the opinions and judgments of the delegates. The newly elected
National Assembly, during the few days when the Convention is in session
and after the dispersal of the delegates, should seek ways and means to
cultivate understanding, facilitate and maintain the exchange of views,
deepen confidence, and vindicate by every tangible evidence their one
desire to serve and advance the common weal. Not infrequently, nay
oftentimes, the most lowly, untutored and inexperienced among the friends
will, by the sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent devotion,
contribute a distinct and memorable share to a highly involved discussion
in any given Assembly. Great must be the regard paid by those whom the
delegates call upon to serve in high position to this all-important though
inconspicuous manifestation of the revealing power of sincere and earnest
devotion.