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Contents
[Frontispiece]
“The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of...”
The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of this time, and the lowliest and most unlearned of that period shall surpass in understanding the most erudite and accomplished divines of this age....
(The Báb, quoted in “The Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl’s Narrative of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Revelation”, trans. and ed. Shoghi Effendi. (London: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1975), p. 65)
FROM THE WRITINGS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH:
“1: The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of...”
The Prophets and Messengers of God have been sent down for the sole purpose of guiding mankind to the straight Path of Truth. The purpose underlying their revelation hath been to educate all men, that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High....
(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1984), Sec. 81, pp. 156–7) [1]
“2: We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning...”
We have decreed, O people, that the highest and last end of all learning be the recognition of Him Who is the Object of all knowledge...
(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec. 98, p. 199) [2]
“3: Consider ... the revelation of the light of the Name of God, the Educator....”
Consider ... the revelation of the light of the Name of God, the Educator. Behold, how in all things the evidences of such a revelation are manifest, how the betterment of all beings dependeth upon it. This education is of two kinds. The one is universal. Its influence pervadeth all things and sustaineth them. It is for this reason that God hath assumed the title, “Lord of all worlds”. The other is confined to them that have come under the shadow of this Name, and sought the shelter of this most mighty Revelation. They, however, that have failed to seek this shelter, have deprived themselves of this privilege, and are powerless to benefit from the spiritual sustenance that hath been sent down through the heavenly grace of this Most Great Name. How great the gulf fixed between the one and the other!...
(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec. 93, pp. 189–90) [3]
“4: Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however,...”
Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom....
(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec.122, pp. 259–60) [4]
“5: Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the...”
Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City....
(“Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, Sec. 154, pp. 333–4) [5]
“6: We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the...”
We prescribe unto all men that which will lead to the exaltation of the Word of God amongst His servants, and likewise, to the advancement of the world of being and the uplift of souls. To this end, the greatest means is education of the child. To this must each and all hold fast. We have verily laid this charge upon you in manifold Tablets as well as in My Most Holy Book. Well is it with him who deferreth thereto.
