1 Maccabees 12:8-10

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition

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.