January 13

The question of economics must commence with the farmer and then be extended to the other classes inasmuch as the number of farmers is far greater than all other classes. Therefore, it is fitting to begin with the farmer in matters related to economics for the farmer is the first active agent in human society. In brief, from among the wise men in every village a board should be set up and the affairs of that village should be under the control of that board. Likewise a general storehouse should be founded with the appointment of a secretary. At the time of the harvest, under the direction of that board, a certain percentage of the entire harvest should be appropriated for the storehouse.

The storehouse has seven revenues: Tithes, taxes on animals, property without an heir, all lost objects found whose owners cannot be traced, one third of all treasure-trove, one third of the produce of all mines, and voluntary contributions.

This storehouse also has seven expenditures:

1. General running expenses of the storehouse, such as the salary of the secretary and the administration of public health.

2. Tithes to the government.

3. Taxes on animals to the government.

4. Costs of running an orphanage.

5. Costs of running a home for the incapacitated.

6. Costs of running a school.

7. Payment of subsidies to provide needed support of the poor. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a Tablet dated 4 October 1912 to an individual believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, Economics, Agriculture, and Related Subjects)