44
So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger and wicked men in their wrath; but the rest fled to the heathen for succor.
45
Then Mattathias and his friends went round about and pulled down the altars;
46
and what children soever they found within the borders of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.
47
They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered in their hand.
48
So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.
49
Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, "Now hath pride and disgrace gotten strength, and the time of destruction and the wrath of indignation.
50
Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
51
Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honor and an everlasting name.
52
"Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?
53
Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and was made lord of Egypt.
54
Phinehas our father, in being zealous and fervent, obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.