ay of Ridvan, and the result of polling, if
possible, be declared on that day.

In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause may not fall a
prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby its purity and
pristine vigor, that its affairs may be conducted with efficiency and
promptness, it is necessary that every one should conscientiously take an
active part in the election of these Assemblies, abide by their decisions,
enforce their decree, and cooperate with them wholeheartedly in their task
of stimulating the growth of the Movement throughout all regions. The
members of these Assemblies, on their part, must disregard utterly their
own likes and dislikes, their personal interests and inclinations, and
concentrate their minds upon those measures that will conduce to the
welfare and happiness of the Baha'i Community and promote the common weal.

The Baha'i Fund

And as the progress and execution of spiritual activities is dependent and
conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that
immediately after the establishment of local as well as national Spiritual
Assemblies, a Baha'i Fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive
control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should
be offered to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of
promoting the interests of the Cause, throughout that locality or country.
It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of
Baha'u'llah who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and
generously for the increase of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual
Assembly will at their own discretion expend it to promote the Teaching
Campaign, to help the needy, to establish educational Baha'i institutions,
to extend in every way possible their sphere of service. I cherish the
hope that all the friends, realizing the necessity of this measure, will
bestir themselves and contribute, however modestly at first, towards the
speedy establishment and the increase of that Fund.

The need for the centralization of authority in the National Spiritual
Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various local Assemblies,
is made manifest when we reflect that the Cause of Baha'u'llah is still in
its age of tender growth and in a stage of transition; when we remember
that the full implications and the exact significance of the Master's
world-wide instructions, as laid down in His Will