The first duty of the
members is to effect their own unity and harmony, in order to obtain good
results. If there be no unity, or the Committee becomes the cause of inharmony,
undoubtedly, it is better that it does not exist.... Therefore, when the unity
of the members of the Committee is established, their second duty is to read
the verses and communes, to be in a state of commemoration and mindfulness,
that they may see each other as if in the presence of God. (`Abdu'l-Bahá, published in "Star of
the West", vol. 8, no. 9 (20 August 1917); The Compilation of
Compilations, vol. I, Consultation)
