Selections from the writings of ‘Abdu'l-BaháʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Religion
Selections from the writings of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá
ʻAbdu'l-Bahá
Bahai Faith
O thou who gazest upon the Kingdom of God! Thy letter was received and we
note that thou art engaged in teaching the children of the believers, that
these tender little ones have been learning The Hidden Words and the
prayers and what it meaneth to be a Bahá’í.
The instruction of these children is even as the work of a loving gardener
who tendeth his young plants in the flowering fields of the All-Glorious.
There is no doubt that it will yield the desired results; especially is
this true of instruction as to Bahá’í obligations and Bahá’í conduct, for
the little children must needs be made aware in their very heart and soul
that “Bahá’í” is not just a name but a truth. Every child must be trained
in the things of the spirit, so that he may embody all the virtues and
become a source of glory to the Cause of God. Otherwise, the mere word
“Bahá’í”, if it yield no fruit, will come to nothing.
Strive then to the best of thine ability to let these children know that a
Bahá’í is one who embodieth all the perfections, that he must shine out
like a lighted taper—not be darkness upon darkness and yet bear the name
“Bahá’í”.
Name thou this school the Bahá’í Sunday School.(41)
124: THE SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR THE CHILDREN IN WHICH THE ...
The Sunday school for the children in which the Tablets and Teachings of
Bahá’u’lláh are read, and the Word of God is recited for the children is
indeed a blessed thing. Thou must certainly continue this organized
activity without cessation, and attach importance to it, so that day by
day it may grow and be quickened with the breaths of the Holy Spirit. If
this activity is well organized, rest thou assured that it will yield
great results. Firmness and steadfastness, however, are necessary,
otherwise it will continue for some time, but later be gradually
forgotten. Perseverance is an essential condition. In every project
firmness and steadfastness will undoubtedly lead to good results;
otherwise it will exist for some days, and then be discontinued.
125: THE CHANGING OF TEACHERS SHOULD BE NEITHER TOO ...
The changing of teachers should be neither too frequent nor too much
delayed; moderation is preferable. Holding your meetings when it is the
time of prayer in other churches is not advisable; it would lead to
alienation, since the Bahá’í children who have their own Sunday school
would be deprived of it if they tried to attend other Sunday schools.
Moreover, the admission of children of non-Bahá’í parents to the school
for Bahá’í children is permissible. And if, in this school, an outline of
the fundamental principles underlying all religions be set forth for the
information of the children, it can do no harm.
As the children are few in number, it is not possible to have different
classes and naturally only one is necessary. Concerning the last question
regarding differences among children, act as ye deem advisable.
126: THY LETTER WAS RECEIVED. PRAISE BE TO GOD IT ...
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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