In this day, the gathering of a board for consultation is of great
importance and a great necessity. For all, obedience to it is a necessity,
especially because the members (of it) are the hands of the Cause.
So they (members) must confer and consult in such a way that neither
disagreement nor abhorrence may occur. When meeting for consultation, each
must use perfect liberty in stating his views and unveiling the proof of
his demonstration. If another contradicts him, he must not become excited
because if there be no investigation or verification of questions and
matters, the agreeable view will not be discovered neither understood. The
brilliant light which comes from the collision of thoughts is the
"lightener" of facts.
If all views are in harmony at the end of a conference, it will be
excellent; but if, God forbid! disagreement occurs, then the decision must
be according to the greater number in harmony. If, after reaching the
result, one or other of the members does not agree with it, neither of the
other members nor any one must argue with or reproach him, but keep
silence; then they will write to this Servant.
None (of the members of the board) must spread the matters or methods
pertaining to the conference. At the opening of the conference they are to
ask God for special assistance and help and for their Ruler and his
assistants and for the Governors of the country.
During the conference no hint must be entertained regarding political
affairs. All conferences must be regarding the matters of benefit, both as
a whole and individually, such as the guarding of all in all cases, their
protection and preservation, the improvement of character, the training of
children, etc.
If any person wishes to speak of government affairs, or to interfere with
the order of Governors, the others must not combine with him because the
Cause of God is withdrawn entirely from political affairs; the political
realm pertains only to the Rulers of those matters: it has nothing to do
with the souls who are exerting their utmost energy to harmonizing
affairs, helping character and inciting (the people) to strive for
perfections. Therefore no soul is allowed to interfere with (political)
matters, but only in that which is commanded.
'ABDU'L-BAHA IS PRESENT
Thou hast written concerning the meetings and the gathering places of the
believers of God. Such assemblies and congregations will greatly aid the
promotion of the Word--and all the audience, whether friends or not
friends, become affected. But when the friends have the intention of
entering in these meetings and assemblies, they must first make the
purpose pure, disengage the heart from all other reflections, ask the
inexhaustible divine confirmation and with the utmost devotion and
humility set their feet in the gathering-place. Let them not introduce any
topic in the meeting except the mentioning of the True One, neither must
they confuse that merciful assembly with perplexed outside questions. They
must either teach or open their tongues in propounding argument, either
commune or supplicate and pray to God, either read Tablets or give out
advices or exhortations.
Make ye an effort in every meeting that the Lord's Supper may become
realized and the heavenly food descend. This heavenly food is knowledge,
understanding, faith, assurance, love, affinity, kindness, purity of
purpose, attraction of hearts and the union of souls. It was this manner
of the Lord's Supper which descended from the heavenly kingdom in the day
of Christ. When the meeting is conducted after this manner, then
'Abdu'l-Baha also is present in heart and soul, though His body may not be
with you.