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.

112: IN THIS HOLY CAUSE THE QUESTION OF ORPHANS HATH ...

In this holy Cause the question of orphans hath the utmost importance. The
greatest consideration must be shown towards orphans; they must be taught,
trained and educated. The Teachings of Baha'u'llah, especially, must by
all means be given to them as far as is possible.

I supplicate God that thou mayest become a kind parent to orphaned
children, quickening them with the fragrances of the Holy Spirit, so that
they will attain the age of maturity as true servants of the world of
humanity and as bright candles in the assemblage of mankind.

113: O HANDMAID OF GOD!... TO THE MOTHERS MUST BE ...

O handmaid of God!... To the mothers must be given the divine Teachings
and effective counsel, and they must be encouraged and made eager to train
their children, for the mother is the first educator of the child. It is
she who must, at the very beginning, suckle the newborn at the breast of
God's Faith and God's Law, that divine love may enter into him even with
his mother's milk, and be with him till his final breath.

So long as the mother faileth to train her children, and start them on a
proper way of life, the training which they receive later on will not take
its full effect. It is incumbent upon the Spiritual Assemblies to provide
the mothers with a well-planned programme for the education of children,
showing how, from infancy, the child must be watched over and taught.
These instructions must be given to every mother to serve her as a guide,
so that each will train and nurture her children in accordance with the
Teachings.

Thus will these young plants in the garden of God's love grow and flourish
under the warmth of the Sun of Truth, the gentle spring winds of Heaven,
and their mother's guiding hand. Thus, in the Abha Paradise, will each
become a tree, bearing his clustered fruit, and each one, in this new and
wondrous season, out of the bounties of the spring, will become possessed
of all beauty and grace.

114: O YE LOVING MOTHERS, KNOW YE THAT IN GOD'S SIGHT, ...

O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the best of all ways to
worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the
per