1 Maccabees 12:8-10

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁸ Oni′as welcomed the envoy with honor, and received the letter, which contained a clear declaration of alliance and friendship. ⁹ Therefore, though we have no need of these things, since we have as encouragement the holy books which are in our hands, ¹⁰ we have undertaken to send to renew our brotherhood and friendship with you, so that we may not become estranged from you, for considerable time has passed since you sent your letter to us.