refinement, of heartening and encouraging the child, is of the utmost
importance, for such are basic principles of God.

Thus, if God will, out of these spiritual schools illumined children will
arise, adorned with all the fairest virtues of humankind, and will shed
their light not only across Persia, but around the world.

It is extremely difficult to teach the individual and refine his character
once puberty is passed. By then, as experience has shown, even if every
effort be exerted to modify some tendency of his, it all availeth nothing.
He may, perhaps, improve somewhat today; but let a few days pass and he
forgetteth, and turneth backward to his habitual condition and accustomed
ways. Therefore it is in early childhood that a firm foundation must be
laid. While the branch is green and tender it can easily be made straight.

Our meaning is that qualities of the spirit are the basic and divine
foundation, and adorn the true essence of man; and knowledge is the cause
of human progress. The beloved of God must attach great importance to this
matter, and carry it forward with enthusiasm and zeal.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 111) pp. 136-37)
[40]

"41: Were there no educator, all souls would remain savage, and were it
not for..."

Were there no educator, all souls would remain savage, and were it not for
the teacher, the children would be ignorant creatures.

It is for this reason that, in this new cycle, education and training are
recorded in the Book of God as obligatory and not voluntary. That is, it
is enjoined upon the father and mother, as a duty, to strive with all
effort to train the daughter and the son, to nurse them from the breast of
knowledge and to rear them in the bosom of sciences and arts. Should they
neglect this matter, they shall be held responsible and worthy of reproach
in the presence of the stern Lord.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 98, pp. 126-27) [41]

"42: And among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is the promotion of
education...."

And among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is the promotion of education.
Every child must be instructed in sciences as much as is necessary. If the
parents are able to provide the expenses of this education, it is well,
otherwise the community must provide the means for the teaching of that
child.

(From a letter written by 'Abdu'l-Baha to the Central Organization for a
Durable Peace, The Ha