e very beginning of life they may
become spiritual beings, dwellers in the Kingdom, enamoured of the sweet
breaths of holiness, and may receive an education religious, spiritual,
and of the Heavenly Realm. Verily will I call upon God to grant them a
happy outcome in this.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 122, p. 142) [49]

"50: Exert every effort to acquire the various branches of knowledge and
true..."

Exert every effort to acquire the various branches of knowledge and true
understanding. Strain every nerve to achieve both material and spiritual
accomplishments.

Encourage the children from their earliest years to master every kind of
learning, and make them eager to become skilled in every art--the aim being
that through the favouring grace of God, the heart of each one may become
even as a mirror disclosing the secrets of the universe, penetrating the
innermost reality of all things; and that each may earn world-wide fame in
all branches of knowledge, science and the arts.

Certainly, certainly, neglect not the education of the children. Rear them
to be possessed of spiritual qualities, and be assured of the gifts and
favours of the Lord.

(From a Tablet--translated from the Persian) [50]

"51: O ye two servants at the Holy Threshold!..."

O ye two servants at the Holy Threshold!

We have been greatly cheered and refreshed to know that ye have organized
meetings for the education of children. Whoso is active in those meetings
whether as a teacher of the children or a sponsor, will certainly become
the recipient of confirmations from the invisible Realm, and endless
bounties will compass him about.

With great joy, therefore, encouragement is offered for this highly
laudable endeavour that ye may witness an exceeding great reward.

Await ye the sure and certain confirmations of the All-Merciful.

(From a Tablet--translated from the Persian) [51]

"52: O ye two well-loved handmaids of God! Whatever a man's tongue
speaketh,..."

O ye two well-loved handmaids of God! Whatever a man's tongue speaketh,
that let him prove by his deeds. If he claimeth to be a believer, then let
him act in accordance with the precepts of the Abha Kingdom.

Praised be God, ye two have demonstrated the truth of your words by your
deeds, and have won the confirmations of the Lord God. Every day at first
light, ye gather the Baha'i children together and teach them the communes
and p