Then one of the friends comes in and asks how the Baha’is
must conduct their meetings in London.
The Master’s answer: “When the believers gather together their
sole object must be the commemoration of God. When all the friends are present,
one in the most clear and effective voice, may read a prayer or commune. Then
for 5 or ten minutes do most quiet communing with the source of life, and
thinking how they should be better and act nobly; then one who knows how to
speak may rise and deliver an address either on the proofs and evidences of the
Cause, the hardships and tribulations of Baha’u’llah, the exposition of the
Baha’i principles, quoting from the Tablets of the Blessed Perfection to the
Kings and rulers etc, etc. When this is over, one or the same person may read
another among the supplications, thus bringing the meeting to a close. Then
they may either talk with each other in groups or may return to their homes or
they may serve refreshments.
The questioner asked about music. ‘Abdu’l-Baha said: "As
regards to music, they may act as they are pleased. If they like to have it,
all right; if not, again it is all right."
(Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, 1913,
recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, in ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Edinburgh – Sohrab’s
Diary Letters’)
