As an Orientalist, and as a student of religions, Professor Tiele,
Professor of the History of Religions in the University of Leyden, has a
position of eminence before the world. His publications of importance
are numerous, prominent among which stand “The Religion of Zarathustra
[Zoroaster];” “Comparative History of the Egyptian and Mesopotamian
Religions;” “The Place of the Religions of Savages in the History of
Religion;” “History of Religions of Antiquity to the Time of Alexander
the Great;” and “Babylonian-Assyrian History.” A word from Professor
Tiele, on the theme of this book, has exceptional weight. He says:
“I thank you very much for your kindness in sending me your most
interesting book, ‘The Threshold Covenant.’... As far as I can judge,
you have not only given a clear exposition of the facts pertaining to
this widespread custom, but you have also shown the right way to catch
the meaning underlying those strange usances.
“Of late I have been mostly occupied by the study of the religions of
civilized people; nevertheless, I ever take a lively interest in the
study of primitive man and the origin of religious rites. I have to say
something on these questions in the Gifford Lectures, which I have been
invited to deliver before the University of Edinburgh next term. So your
book came just in time to know your meaning on the subject, and to
revise my opinion by comparing it with yours.”