Wherefore, O loved ones of God! Make ye a mighty effort till
you yourselves betoken this advancement in 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.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá’; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Excellence in All Things)
