Mgr. Louis de Ségur: Plain Talk about the Protestantism of Today [1868]

[Stone]

PLAIN TALK ABOUT THE PROTESTANTIMS OF TODAY
by Mgr. Louis de Ségur
Taken from here: https://archive.org/details/PlainTalkAbo...testantism

[The translation from the French into English as found on the archive.org site appears imperfect at times. Imperfections can be noted in the formatting as well. - The Catacombs]

The Cheapest Book Ever Published!!!

Mr. Donahoe has endeavored for years to furnish books at as cheap rates as the Protestant booksellers, and much lower than the publications of the Catholic publishers. This he has been enabled to do, from the fact that his publications are manufactured in his own buildings, and receive his personal superintendence. It is a mistake, therefore, to say that "Catholics have not cheap books." It may be that other publishers do not issue cheap books, but the charge against our establishment is not correct. And if the "gropers after truth" will give us a call, or send by letter, they will find our books are cheaper than any in the country. We challenge comparison. Remember, we allude to OUR OWN PUBLICATIONS.

In order still further to afford to our Most Reverend Archbishops and Bishops, the Reverend Clergy, and all who are desirous of circulating our books gratuitously, we have concluded to issue a cheap edition of PLAIN TALK ABOUT THE PROTESTANTISM OF TO-DAY — From the French of Mgr. Ségur.

The book has had an immense sale in France.

The Catholic Telegraph thus alludes to the book: "This is one of the most practically useful publications lately made. Its style of composition and its arrangement are admirably adapted to the use and comprehension of everyone, young and old, learned and unlearned. The Catholic who will carefully read it will have no difficulty in answering any of the many seemingly difficult or silly questions usually propounded by Protestants. And Protestants sincerely disposed to search for the truth, will find in this little volume a good pioneer."

Many similar notices might be added, but the above will suffice.

Reverend Mr. Faye, a Protestant minister at Lyons, publicly complained of the evils caused by this little book. In 1859, before the Assembly of Protestant Bible-carriers held in Geneva, he solemnly avowed that "Protestants can never do any good (?) with those who have read this book." A parson of Poitiers acknowledged the same almost in the same terms; and we know of Catholics who, having incautiously admitted doubts about their faith, became reassured by reading this Plain Talk. The wife of a minister in Paris returned the book to a lady friend with the remark that, "after reading it she could remain a Protestant no longer; she must consult her husband about it."

Not long ago an estimable English lady learned the truth of the Church from this work, became a Catholic, and, on her death-bed, directed that this little book should be laid on her breast in her coffin.

Already two thousand copies of the book have been disposed of — in neat binding, at 60 cents, retail; at wholesale, 45 cents.




NOTE TO THE PUBLISHER

You ask me, dear sir, "what makes me so anxious to publish this work in America?" — Well! I wish to have it published for the sake of Catholic children attending common schools, — of Catholic girls living out in families, — of Catholic boys serving their time, — of all dear and poor friends so often wounded in the affections dearest to their hearts, and whose religion is so often attacked in rude words.

I herewith hope to place in their hands such arms as they can easily use, and will have a telling effect on the enemies of their faith.

Nineteen editions have been published in France, up to 1866, and six hundred thousand copies sold.

The original title of the book is Causeries, — a word of difficult translation; Conversations does not render its precise meaning. Should any of your friends think of a more appropriate title-page, I shall be most thankful for the suggestion.

Reverend Mr. Faye, a Protestant minister at Lyons, has publicly complained of the evils caused by this little book. In 1859, before the Assembly of Protestant Bible-carriers held in Geneva, he solemnly avowed that "Protestants can never do any good (?) with those who have read this book." A parson of Poitiers acknowledged the same almost in the same terms; and we know of Catholics who, having incautiously admitted doubts about their faith, became reassured by reading this plain talk. The wife of a minister in Paris returned the book to a lady friend with the remark that, "after reading it she could remain a Protestant no longer; she must consult her husband about it."

Not long ago an estimable English lady learned the truth of the Church from this work, became a Catholic, and, on her death-bed, directed that this little book should be laid on her breast in her coffin.

God bless the Author!