The second condition: They [members of the assembly] must
when coming together turn their faces to the Kingdom on High and ask aid from
the Realm of Glory. They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy,
dignity, care and moderation to express their views. They must in every matter
search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness
and persistence in one's views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling
and the truth will remain hidden. The honoured members must with all freedom
express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to
belittle the thought of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the
truth, and should differences of opinion arise a majority of voices must
prevail, and all must obey and submit to the majority.
('Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in Shoghi Effendi, ‘Bahá'í Administration:
Selected Messages 1922-1932’; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The
National Convention)
