12:8. And Onias received the ambassador with honour and received the letters, wherein there was mention made of the alliance, and amity.
12:9. We, though we needed none of these things having for our comfort the holy books that are in our hands,
12:10. Chose rather to send to you to renew the brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become stranger to you altogether: for there is a long time passed since you sent to us.
12:11. We, therefore, at all times without ceasing, both in our festivals, and other days wherein it is convenient, remember you in the sacrifices that we offer, and in our observances, as it is meet and becoming to remember brethren.
12:12. And we rejoice at yonr glory.
12:13. But we have had many troubles and wars on every side; and the kings that are round about us have fought against us.
12:14. But we would not be troublesome to you, nor to the rest of our allies and friends, in these wars.
12:15. For we have had help from heaven, and we have been delivered, and our enemies are humbled.
12:16. We have chosen, therefore, Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater, the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans, to renew with them the former amity and alliance.
12:17. And we have commanded them to go also to you, and salute you, and to deliver you our letters, concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.