ng the questions you asked him: there is no objection to children
who are as yet unable to memorize a whole prayer learning certain
sentences only.

He does not feel that the friends should make a practice of saying grace
or of teaching it to children. This is not part of the Baha'i Faith, but a
Christian practice, and as the Cause embraces members of all races and
religions we should be careful not to introduce into it the customs of our
previous beliefs. Baha'u'llah has given us the obligatory prayers, also
prayers before sleeping, for travellers, etc. We should not introduce a
new set of prayers He has not specified, when He has given us already so
many, for so many occasions.

Your work for child education is certainly important, and he urges you to
keep it up.

(From a letter dated 27 September 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
to an individual believer) [135]

"136: In regard to your question: he feels this is a matter for you and
your..."

In regard to your question: he feels this is a matter for you and your
husband to decide, especially in view of his attitude towards the Cause;
the children, being minors, are under your jurisdiction, and you both have
sacred rights and responsibility as regards their future.

(From a letter dated 24 November 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
to an individual believer) [136]

"137: Any Baha'i can give to the Cause's Funds, adult or child. No
statement..."

Any Baha'i can give to the Cause's Funds, adult or child. No statement is
required on this subject; Baha'i children have always given to the Cause,
everywhere. Whatever situation may arise in a class which non-Baha'i
children attend is for the teacher of the class to solve. No ruling should
be made to cover such things.

(From a letter dated 18 August 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States) [137]

"138: Just because you are children does not mean you cannot serve the
Faith,..."

Just because you are children does not mean you cannot serve the Faith,
and teach it, by your example and by the way you let people see that you
are better and more intelligent than most other children.

(From a letter dated 16 March 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to
the Santa Monica Children's Class) [138]

"139: The general principle ... is that a request for excuse from School
sessions on..."

The general principle ...