4. And they gave them letters to the men in every place, that they should bring them on their way to the land of Judah in peace.
5. And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:
6. Jonathan the high priest, and the senate of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to their brethren the Spartans, greeting:
7. Even before this time were letters sent to Onias the high priest from Arius, who was reigning among you, to signify that you⌃ are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten shows.
8. And Onias entreated honorably the man that was sent, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of confederacy and friendship.
9. Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, having for our encouragement the holy books which are in our hands,
10. have assayed to send that we might renew our brotherhood and friendship with you, to the end that we should not become estranged from you altogether: for long time is passed since you⌃ sent to us.
11. We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and on the other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as it is right and meet to be mindful of brethren:
12. and moreover are glad for your glory.
13. But as for ourselves, many afflictions and many wars have encompassed us, and the kings that are round about us have fought against us.
14. We were not minded therefore to be troublesome to you, and to the rest of our confederates and friends, in these wars;
15. for we have the help which is from heaven to help us, and we have been delivered from our enemies, and our enemies have been brought low.