28
leaving the responsibility for exact details to the compiler, while devoting our effort to arriving at the outlines of the condensation.
29
For as the master builder of a new house must be concerned with the whole construction, while the one who undertakes its painting and decoration has to consider only what is suitable for its adornment, such in my judgment is the case with us.
30
It is the duty of the original historian to occupy the ground and to discuss matters from every side and to take trouble with details,
31
but the one who recasts the narrative should be allowed to strive for brevity of expression and to forego exhaustive treatment.
32
At this point therefore let us begin our narrative, adding only so much to what has already been said; for it is foolish to lengthen the preface while cutting short the history itself.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.