THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
my deepest gratitude for it all. This I wish to do before the number of my days is accomplished; and today I return you my thanks for all with the greatest affection of my heart.
But, in the name of that persevering generosity itself, wherewith you have come to my assistance, I beseech you to continue the same helpful support to my successor after my death.
The charitable works which, with your co-operation, I have commenced, need me no more, but have still need of you, and of all others besides, who, like yourselves, desire to promote upon earth that which is good. To you I now confide them and commend them to your care.
For your own encouragement, and for the comfort of your souls, I prescribe it as a duty for my successor, to include all our Benefactors, without exception, in the public and private prayers, which are, or shall be offered up at any time in the Houses of the Salesian Congregation. The intention which it will then be his duty always to make is this: that God may vouchsafe unto them, even in this life, for all their charitable gifts, a hundred fold, together with the blessing of health, peace and concord in their families, success in their agricultural and commercial affairs, their deliverance and protection from every kind of evil. I would also further say, that in order to obtain the forgiveness of sins and to secure eternal life, the work that is most efficacious thereto is the charity shown towards poor child-
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