Letters from Mr. Salgues, of Angers.

On sending us his pamphlet The confusion of the Empire of Satan, n announced in our last issue, Mr. Salgues had the kindness to attach the following letter, which we have the pleasure of publishing with his authorization. Like us, everyone will appreciate the sentiments expressed in it.

Angers, 9 March 1865.

Sir and dear brother in God, It is under the impression caused by the reading of the communications of the Spirits of Mrs. Foulon and of Dr. Demeure (Spiritist Review – March 1865) that I have the honor of writing to you to express all the pleasure I found in them and, I may say, much interest, which is as a rule the product of your pen.

I have just sent you a small brochure, begging that you accept it. For you and for all my readers it will be a very modest work; but a man of eighty years, with his sight ruined by excess of work and of studies and, for this reason, unable to retouch what he writes, as he would like, must count on the indulgence of the public.

The Catholic adversaries of pneumatology nourish in the apostolic fanatics the opinion that Spirits are demons, that Satan is a reality, thus impeding the development of good doctrines, as the result of the precious lessons, so moral and so consoling, of these supposed goblins. It is in vain that sensible persons deny the latter, by a simple persistent rejection. It is fitting to prove to the demonophobes, with circumstantial details, that they labor in error; that the hell of the Christians is a myth. This is what led me to write this pamphlet, without the pretension of taking the place of a writer. In my capacity as a subscriber to the Spiritist publications of Bordeaux, I have just sent a copy of my book to each of their authors. Should it be otherwise with you, sir, whose productions I always read with interest since their appearance? Yet, you will think that I do it with timidity, since I was an adversary, not of the Spiritists, far too honored for me, but of Spiritism; not in an absolute manner, but through being carried along, having, however, to repel on occasion a language attributed to me through abuse of my subscription. Thus, I ended by forbidding myself all criticism, wishing to be a friend of all. I desire only to observe, to bring together, to compare, to wait, to learn and to judge in the silence of the study. Today I still believe that we are far from knowing everything, that in Spiritism, as in spiritualism, there would be room to discuss with the Spirits certain questions of doctrine, but today I give myself for satisfied. With patience we shall all arrive at the same end, at absolute happiness and at eternal life. Moreover, I believe that everywhere Spiritism makes people happy; it is your glorious work and I apply myself to having read as much as possible the writings that today are so widely spread, in order to reestablish morality and religious sentiments, led along the most rational path. Sensible men must, therefore, make vows with me that God may grant you long days, in perfect health. I believe that he has also manifested himself in my regard through three Spirits who, without my thinking of them, and in different places, told me that I would live a long time, which already dates from seven or eight years. Perhaps it is because I have always carried on propaganda with zeal, without rest, since 1853 that, in spite of my sight, much sacrificed, I have strength, energy, physical lightness and youthful vivacity, for my age is not to be inferred from my appearance. Will you, then, accept, sir and dear brother, the pledge of my high consideration and my cordial salutations.

Salgues.

A second letter from Mr. Salgues, of 11 April 1865, contains the following passage:

“An announcement of my pamphlet was made by a newspaper to which I sent a copy. I had to reproach the author for having called me an implacable adversary of Spiritism. Under the impression of the data shortly before furnished to Victor Hennequin by an evil Spirit, I combated in good faith the doctrine of incarnations; but, after having recognized a great number of spiritualist incoherences, just as I noted in Spiritism certain details that did not capture my confidence, I ended by limiting myself to minute observation, patiently awaiting the day when, with a more perfect nature, I might recognize the truth concerning our destiny after life in matter. With regard to the Spiritist facts and communications, it suffices me, for the time being, to have assured a second life in a spiritual state.” ANSWER.

My dear sir, I received the letter you deigned to write to me, as well as the brochure that accompanied it, for which I beg you to accept my sincere thanks. I have not yet had time to acquaint myself with the work, but I do not doubt that you gave trouble to our antagonists. The question of the demon is the last battle horse to which they cling; but that horse is unable to move, and the rope of that plank of salvation is so worn that it will not be long in breaking and leaving the boat adrift.

I am pleased, sir, by the excellent sentiments you testify to me, and to find in you a moderation and an impartiality that attest the elevation of your Spirit. I confess that it is the contrary that would surprise me, and it is for me a great happiness to see that I had been led into error by false appearances. [See:

Spiritist genealogy: The Spirits and the coat of arms.] If we diverge on some points of doctrine, I see with true satisfaction that a great principle unites us, this one: Outside of charity there is no salvation.

Receive, dear sir, the fraternal salutations of your most devoted, Allan Kardec.

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[Desarroi de l’Empire de Satan: Preuves donnees au fanatisme … — Google Books.]