completely spiritual. That is, the discussions must
be confined to marshalling clear and conclusive proofs that the Sun of
Truth hath indeed arisen. And further, those present should concern
themselves with every means of training the girl children; with teaching
the various branches of knowledge, good behaviour, a proper way of life,
the cultivation of a good character, chastity and constancy, perseverance,
strength, determination, firmness of purpose; with household management,
the education of children, and whatever especially applieth to the needs
of girls--to the end that these girls, reared in the stronghold of all
perfections, and with the protection of a goodly character, will, when
they themselves become mothers, bring up their children from earliest
infancy to have a good character and conduct themselves well.

Let them also study whatever will nurture the health of the body and its
physical soundness, and how to guard their children from disease.

When matters are thus well arranged, every child will become a peerless
plant in the gardens of the Abha Paradise.

("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha", Sec. 94, pp.123-24) [87]

"88: Today it is obligatory for the loved ones of God, and their
imperative..."

Today it is obligatory for the loved ones of God, and their imperative
duty, to educate the children in reading, writing, the various branches of
knowledge, and the expansion of consciousness, that on all levels they may
go forward day by day.

The mother is the first teacher of the child. For children, at the
beginning of life, are fresh and tender as a young twig, and can be
trained in any fashion you desire. If you rear the child to be straight,
he will grow straight, in perfect symmetry. It is clear that the mother is
the first teacher and that it is she who establisheth the character and
conduct of the child.

Wherefore, 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 perfections of humankind; and no nobler deed than this can be
imagined.(16)

(From a Tablet--translated from the Persian) [88]

"89: O Handmaids of the Lord!..."

O Handmaids of the Lord!

The spiritual assemblage that ye established in that illumined city is
most propitious. Ye have made great strides; ye have surpassed the others,
have arisen to serve the Holy Threshold, and have won heavenly bestowals.
Now wi