hat the work of America's newly elected
representatives, so splendidly and auspiciously begun, will further
consolidate the labors of the past, will resolve to a great extent the
problems and perplexities of the present, and open up fresh fields of
future achievements and service.

I rejoice to learn that ways and means have been found to enable the
National Secretary, who discharges in such an exemplary manner the
manifold and exacting duties of a highly responsible position, to devote
all his time to the pursuit of so meritorious a task. I am fully conscious
of the privations and sacrifice which the choice of this arduous work must
involve for him, as well as for his devoted and selfless companion; I
cannot but admire and extol their heroic efforts; and wish to assure them
both of my continued prayers for the speedy fruition of their earnest
endeavors.

Qualifications of a Believer

Regarding the very delicate and complex question of ascertaining the
qualifications of a true believer, I cannot in this connection emphasize
too strongly the supreme necessity for the exercise of the utmost
discretion, caution and tact, whether it be in deciding for ourselves as
to who may be regarded a true believer or in disclosing to the outside
world such considerations as may serve as a basis for such a decision. I
would only venture to state very briefly and as adequately as present
circumstances permit the principal factors that must be taken into
consideration before deciding whether a person may be regarded a true
believer or not. Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the
Author, and the True Exemplar of the Baha'i Cause, as set forth in
'Abdu'l-Baha's Testament; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to,
whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence
to every clause of our Beloved's sacred Will; and close association with
the spirit as well as the form of the present day Baha'i administration
throughout the world--these I conceive to be the fundamental and primary
considerations that must be fairly, discreetly and thoughtfully
ascertained before reaching such a vital decision. Any attempt at further
analysis and elucidation will, I fear, land us in barren discussions and
even grave controversies that would prove not only futile but even
detrimental to the best interests of a growing Cause. I would therefore
strongly urge those who are called upon to make such a decision to
appr