f Truth hath risen
at the highest point of the spring equinox, and cast its rays on every
clime, it shall kindle such tremulous excitement, it shall release such
vibrations in the world of being, it shall stimulate such growth and
development, it shall stream out with such a glory of light, and clouds of
grace shall pour down such plentiful waters, and fields and plains shall
teem with such a galaxy of sweet-smelling plants and blooms, that this
lowly earth will become the Abha Kingdom, and this nether world the world
above. Then will this fleck of dust be as the vast circle of the skies,
this human place the palace-court of God, this spot of clay the Dayspring
of the endless favours of the Lord of Lords.

Wherefore, O loved ones of God! Make ye a mighty effort till you
yourselves betoken this advancement and all these confirmations, and
become focal centres of God's blessings, daysprings of the light of His
unity, promoters of the gifts and graces of civilized life. Be ye in that
land vanguards of the perfections of humankind; carry forward the various
branches of knowledge, be active and progressive in the field of
inventions and the arts. Endeavour to rectify the conduct of men, and seek
to excel the whole world in moral character. While the children are yet in
their infancy feed them from the breast of heavenly grace, foster them in
the cradle of all excellence, rear them in the embrace of bounty. Give
them the advantage of every useful kind of knowledge. Let them share in
every new and rare and wondrous craft and art. Bring them up to work and
strive, and accustom them to hardship. Teach them to dedicate their lives
to matters of great import, and inspire them to undertake studies that
will benefit mankind.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 102, pp. 128-29)
[54]

"55: The education and training of children is among the most meritorious
acts..."

The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts
of humankind and draweth down the grace and favour of the All-Merciful,
for education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence and
alloweth man to work his way to the heights of abiding glory. If a child
be trained from his infancy, he will, through the loving care of the Holy
Gardener, drink in the crystal waters of the spirit and of knowledge, like
a young tree amid the rilling brooks. And certainly he will gather to
himself the bright rays of the Sun