2:28 Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.
2:29 For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.
2:30 To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story:
2:31 But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.
2:32 Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.
3:1 Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,
3:2 It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;
3:3 Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.
3:4 But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city.
3:5 And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,