Viewing page 85 of 137

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

by their own customary habits and knowledge. Thus the medieval painters portrayed Abraham and Isaac in the garb of the 13th century and put a matchlock in the hands of Pilate soldiers. So it is with the narrations of uncultivated people. They do not allow for changes in time and admit unconsciously the anachronisms of which they are guilty. Their narrations, therefore, throw light on the minds of the narrators, not on the alleged facts narrated.

I believe we both agree in this and the drift of my comments was merely that the reader might not grasp this point so clearly as do we. No doubt the modifications of a few words would do away with any possibility of a misunderstanding.

Be assured that if at any time I can be of service to you, I shall most gladly respond to your wishes.

Cordially yours,
[[signature]] D. G. Brinton [[/signature]]