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And this is the copy of the letter which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:
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Jonathan the high priest and the elders of the nation and the priests, and the others of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:
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There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Arius, who reigned then among you, to signify that you are our brethren as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
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At that time Onias treated the ambassador who was sent honorably, and received the letters wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.
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Therefore also albeit we need none of these things, for we have the holy books of Scripture in our hands to comfort us
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we have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether; for a long time has passed since you sent unto us.
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We therefore, at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts and other designated days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer and in our prayers, as it is proper and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren.
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And we are very glad for your honor.
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As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forasmuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.
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However that be, we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends in these wars;
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for we have help from heaven that succoreth us, so that we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought underfoot.