Traditional sites in the Holy Land are generally of doubtful authenticity. Indeed, unless they have the testimony of history and inherent probability behind them, they are to be altogether rejected. The method according to which they have been manufactured is well illustrated by the answer given me by a Roman Catholic priest on my expression of certain doubts, and indicating disagreement of the sites with the New Testament. "You do not quite appreciate the situation. In theMiddle Ages the pilgrims wanted to visit every place. There were often difficulties and impossibilities in the way, but the monks were very accommodating, and simply transported the sites." Such a statement clears the ground, and leaves us free, allows us to examine the incidents in the light of the Land, and decide on the probabilities and even the necessities in each individual case; indeed, in many instances to determine "what must have been."
- from page 34, Palestine Calling