When we compare this statement with that recorded in Genesis, it does not take long to decide which of the two is nearest the truth. Everything putrid, or that had a tendency to putridity, was carefully avoided by the ancient Egyptians, and so strict were the Egyptian priests on this point, that they wore no garments made of any animal substance, circumcised themselves, and shaved their whole bodies, even to their eyebrows, lest they should unknowingly harbor any filth, excrement or vermin, supposed to be bred from putrefaction.[53:2] We know from the laws set down in _Leviticus_, that the Hebrews were not a remarkably clean race. Jewish priests, _in making a history for their race_, have given us but a shadow of truth here and there; it is almost wholly mythical. The author of "The Religion of Israel," speaking on this subject, says: "The history of the religion of Israel _must start from the sojourn_ of _the Israelites in Egypt_. Formerly it was usual to take a much earlier starting-point, and to begin with a religious discussion of the religious ideas of the _Patriarchs_. And this was perfectly right, so long as the accounts of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were considered _historical_. _But now that a strict investigation has shown us that all these stories are entirely unhistorical_, of course we have to begin the history later on."[54:1] The author of "The Spirit History of Man," says: "The Hebrews came out of Egypt and settled among the Canaanites. _They need not be traced beyond the Exodus. That is their historical beginning._ It was very easy to cover up this remote event by the recital of mythical traditions, and to prefix to it an account of their origin in which the gods (Patriarchs), should figure as their ancestors."[54:2] Professor Goldzhier says: "The residence of the Hebrews in Egypt, and their exodus thence under the guidance and training of an enthusiast for the freedom of his tribe, form a series of strictly historical facts, which find confirmation even in the documents of ancient Egypt (which we have just shown). But the traditional narratives of these events (were) _elaborated by the Hebrew people_."[54:3] Count de Volney also observes that: "What Exodus says of their (the Israelites) servitude under the king of Heliopolis, and of the oppression of their hosts, the Egyptians, is extremely probable. _It is here their history begins. All that precedes . . . is nothing but mythology and cosmogony._"[54:4] In speaking of the sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt, Dr. Knappert says: