The father must always endeavour to educate his son and to
acquaint him with the heavenly teachings. He must give him advice and exhort
him at all times, teach him praiseworthy conduct and character, enable him to
receive training at school and to be instructed in such arts and sciences as
are deemed useful and necessary. In brief, let him instil into his mind the virtues
and perfections of the world of humanity. Above all he should continually call
to his mind the remembrance of God so that his throbbing veins and arteries may
pulsate with the love of God.
The son, on the other hand, must show forth the utmost obedience towards his
father, and should conduct himself as a humble and a lowly servant. Day and
night he should seek diligently to ensure the comfort and welfare of his loving
father and to secure his good pleasure. He must forgo his own rest and
enjoyment and constantly strive to bring gladness to the hearts of his father
and mother, that thereby he may attain the good pleasure of the Almighty and be
graciously aided by the hosts of the unseen.
(‘Abdu'l-Bahá, from a Tablet-translated from the Persian; The
Compilation of Compilations, Vol. I, Family Life)
