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The Foundation of the House of Justice |
The various Assemblies, local and national, constitute today the
bedrock upon the strength of which the Universal House is in future
to be firmly established and raised. Not until these function vigorously
and harmoniously can the hope for the termination of this
period of transition be realized. It devolves upon us whose dearest
wish is to see the Cause enter upon that promised era of universal
recognition and world achievements, to do all in our power to consolidate
the foundations of these Assemblies, promoting at the same
time a fuller understanding of their purpose and more harmonious
cooperation for their maintenance and success.
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Let us also remember that at the very root of the Cause lies the
principle of the undoubted right of the individual to self-expression,
his freedom to declare his conscience and set forth his views. If
certain instructions of the Master are today particularly emphasized
and scrupulously adhered to, let us be sure that they are but provisional
measures designed to guard and protect the Cause in its
present state of infancy and growth until the day when this tender
and precious plant shall have sufficiently grown to be able to withstand
the unwisdom of its friends and the attacks of its enemies.
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Let us also bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God
is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary
power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing
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short of the spirit of a true Bahá’í can hope to reconcile the principles
of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of
the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion
and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor, and
courage on the other.
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