The root cause of wrongdoing is ignorance, and we must therefore hold fast
to the tools of perception and knowledge. Good character must be taught.
Light must be spread afar, so that, in the school of humanity, all may
acquire the heavenly characteristics of the spirit, and see for themselves
beyond any doubt that there is no fiercer hell, no more fiery abyss, than
to possess a character that is evil and unsound; no more darksome pit nor
loathsome torment than to show forth qualities which deserve to be
condemned.
The individual must be educated to such a high degree that he would rather
have his throat cut than tell a lie, and would think it easier to be
slashed with a sword or pierced with a spear than to utter calumny or be
carried away by wrath.
Thus will be kindled the sense of human dignity and pride, to burn away
the reapings of lustful appetites. Then will each one of God's beloved
shine out as a bright moon with qualities of the spirit, and the
relationship of each to the Sacred Threshold of his Lord will be not
illusory but sound and real, will be as the very foundation of the
building, not some embellishment on its facade.
It followeth that the children's school must be a place of utmost
discipline and order, that instruction must be thorough, and provision
must be made for the rectification and refinement of character; so that,
in his earliest years, within the very essence of the child, the divine
foundation will be laid and the structure of holiness raised up.
Know that this matter of instruction, of character rectification and
refinement, of heartening and encouraging the child, is of the utmost
importance, for such are basic principles of God.
Thus, if God will, out of these spiritual schools illumined children will
arise, adorned with all the fairest virtues of humankind, and will shed
their light not only across Persia, but around the world.
It is extremely difficult to teach the individual and refine his character
once puberty is passed. By then, as experience hath shown, even if every
effort be exerted to modify some tendency of his, it all availeth nothing.
He may, perhaps, improve somewhat today; but let a few days pass and he
forgetteth, and turneth backward to his habitual condition and accustomed
ways. Therefore it is in early childhood that a firm foundation must be
laid. While the branch is green and tender it can easily be made straight.
Our meaning is that qualities of the spirit are the basic and divine
foundation, and adorn the true essence of man; and knowledge is the cause
of human progress. The beloved of God must attach great importance to this
matter, and carry it forward with enthusiasm and zeal.