Every step that you make in this illuminated way recalls
to your mind a sweet and precious souvenir, the pure reflections of
which will be the only light that will dispel the gloom of the trials
and anguish of life. It shall be very different with regard to what
you must learn in time to come. Experience is a severe teacher, whose
lessons are dearly bought; this is clearly and forcibly expressed by
the Holy Ghost saying: "He that adds something to the knowledge
already acquired, adds at the same time new pains to those he already
suffers."
So far you have learned the one thing necessary to man, and which
meets all his wants: you have learned how to please God, to love and
serve Him by the observance of His commandments, and fidelity to his
inspirations, acknowledging and honoring His authority and power over
you in your parents, who are, in your regard, His representatives. So
that at present duty possessing pleasing attractions offers none of
those difficulties which, at a later period of life, will render it
oftentimes painful. Your virtues, protected by that reserve which the
world itself has imposed upon youth, guarded by the vigilance of a
tender and careful mother, aided by her examples, encouraged by her
exhortations and love, tranquilly grow up in the modest sanctuary of
the family, without the remotest idea of the trials they must one day
meet with.
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