'Abdu'l-Bahá: The House of Justice Cannot Fulfil Two Functions at the Same Time–Legislative and Executive
THE HOUSE OF JUSTICE Two things are most urgently necessary to the political realm: the Legislative Power, the Executive Power. The center of the executive power is the government, and the legislative power lies in the hands of thoughtful and wise men. On the other hand, if these strong pillars and firm foundations are not complete and comprehensive, how can it be supposed that there will be safety and salvation for the nation? But as in these latter days, such excellency is rare, the government and the whole body of the nation are in sore need of just and discerning directions. Thus it is of the utmost importance to establish an assembly of learned men who, being proficient in the different sciences and capable of dealing with all the present and future requirements, will settle the questions in accordance with forbearance and firmness. Firstly: the elected members must be religious persons, God-fearing, high-minded and followers of the law. Secondly: they should have an acc...