Besides, we see that those who live in God's grace are always cheerful and, even when they are in the midst of affliction, they show a contented heart. On the contrar, those who abandon themselves to pleasures, live in a state of anger and try as much as they can to find peace in their amusements are always more and more unhapp: Non est Pax impiis (There is no peace for the wicked).873

So the exhortation given to youngsters: “to occupy the time of their youth well: Quae seminaverit homo, haec et metet (a man will reap what he has sown.) was an obvious and habitual one. Just as it is for farmers who sow and cultivate a field. “The same thing will happen to you, my dear boys, if you sow now; in due time you will have the satisfaction of reaping a good harvest...And whoever does not sow during his youth, will harvest nothing in his old age.874

Beatus homo cum portaverit jugum ab adolescentiasua (Blessed the man who from his youth has borne a yoke...). “Be on guard while you are young and keep the commandments, and you will be happy in this life and in the life to come.875 The Saints, while seriously thinking about eternal punishments, lived

wi th the greatest gladness in their hearts since they firmly trust in God that they would avoid them and

one day go to possess the infinite good the Lord keeps for those who serve him.

876

A legitimate fear, which avoids presumption but has the filial trepidati on of being possibly separated from God and not

persevering to the end, finds relief in the sure hope that God is faithful and never reneges on his

promises. This is the source of the joy felt by one who, rather than trusting his own merits, puts his

trust in the benevolence of the Father whom he honours and serves with real love.

873G. Bosco, Il giovane provveduto..., p. 28, OE II 208

874G. Barberis, Cronichetta, quad. 2, evening talk 7 July 1875, pp. 39-40 875MB XI 253, evening talk to boys on 28 July 1875.

876G. Bosco, Il giovane provveduto..., p. 29, OE II 209.