6
Jonathan the high priest, and the ancients of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to the Spartans, their brethren, greeting.
7
There were letters sent long ago to 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.
8
And Onias received the ambassador with honour: and received the letters wherein there was mention made of the alliance, and amity.
9
We, though we needed none of these things, having for our comfort the holy books that are in our hands,
10
Chose rather to send to you to renew the brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers to you altogether: for there is a long time passed since you sent to us.