is that a request for excuse from School
sessions on Baha'i Holy Days is desirable. This applies to all Baha'i
children regardless of their age. Children of Baha'i parents, under the
age of 15, are considered Baha'is.

What a Baha'i parent or your Assembly should do is apply to the School
Board to grant to their children permission to remain away from School on
Baha'i Holy Days, and then abide by whatever decision the School Board may
make, and not try in any way to force the matter.

(From a letter dated 19 August 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to
an individual believer) [139]

"140: The beloved Guardian was greatly delighted to learn of the success
of the..."

The beloved Guardian was greatly delighted to learn of the success of the
institute for teaching the Indian children. He feels this is a very fine
method of implanting the teachings of the Faith in the hearts and the
minds of the young children, so that they may grow and develop into strong
and virile men and women who will serve the Cause. Likewise through this
effort, he hopes you will be able to attract some of the parents.

(From a letter dated 18 February 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
to an individual believer) [140]

"141: The Guardian will pray for the spiritual development of your dear
son. On..."

The Guardian will pray for the spiritual development of your dear son. On
the shoulders of the youth today rests the future of the Faith. Therefore
they should be well educated and trained not only in the Teachings of the
Faith, but also in secular matters.

(From a letter dated 24 May 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an
individual believer) [141]

"142: The Guardian is happy to see you are teaching the children, as a
firm..."

The Guardian is happy to see you are teaching the children, as a firm
foundation of the Teachings in their minds will greatly assist in forming
their characters, and enable them to become well-balanced and useful
believers when they mature.

(From a letter dated 6 March 1955 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to
an individual believer) [142]

"143: In explaining the fear of God to children, there is no objection
to..."

In explaining the fear of God to children, there is no objection to
teaching it as 'Abdu'l-Baha so often taught everything, in the form of
parables. Also the child should be made to understand that we don't fear
God because He is cruel, bu