chieving everlasting honour and
acquiring all the excellences of humankind.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 110, pp. 135-36)
[78]

"79: As to the education of children, exert every effort to further this;
it is..."

As to the education of children, exert every effort to further this; it is
of the utmost importance. So too, the education of girls in all the rules
of righteous conduct, that they may grow up with a good character and high
standards of behaviour. For mothers are the first educators of the child,
and every child at the beginning of life is like a fresh and tender branch
in his parents' hands. His father and mother can train him in any way they
choose.

(From a Tablet--translated from the Persian) [79]

"80: The school for girls taketh precedence over the school for boys, for
it is..."

The school for girls taketh precedence over the school for boys, for it is
incumbent upon the girls of this glorious era to be fully versed in the
various branches of knowledge, in sciences and the arts and all the
wonders of this pre-eminent time, that they may then educate their
children and train them from their earliest days in the ways of
perfection.

If, as she ought, the mother possesseth the learning and accomplishments
of humankind, her children, like unto angels, will be fostered in all
excellence, in right conduct and beauty. Therefore the School for Girls
that hath been established in that place must be made the object of the
deep concern and high endeavours of the friends. The teachers of that
school are handmaids close to the Sacred Threshold, for they are of those
who, obedient to the commandments of the Blessed Beauty, have arisen to
educate the girl children.

The day will come when those children will be mothers, and each one of
them in her deep gratitude will offer up prayers and supplications to
Almighty God and ask that her teachers will be granted joy and well-being
forever, and a high station in the Kingdom of God.

Name ye this school the Mawhibat School (The School of Bounty).

(From a Tablet--translated from the Persian) [80]

"81: Our hearts rejoiced at thy letter concerning a school for girls...."

Our hearts rejoiced at thy letter concerning a school for girls.

Praised be God that there is now a school of this type in Tihran where
young maidens can, through His bounty, receive an education and with all
vigour acquire the accomplishment