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18
Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and
he hath granted as much as might be.
19
And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a
means of your good.
20
But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to
commune with you.
21
Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month
Dioscorinthius.
22
Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth
greeting:
23
Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live
quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.
24
We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the
custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they
require of us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws.
25
Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore
them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.
26
Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant them peace, that when they are
certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.
27
And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus
sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews:
28
If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.
29
Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own
business:
30
Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with
security.
31
And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any
manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.
32
I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.
33
Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
34
The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus
Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.
35
Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased.
36
But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof,
send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.
37
Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.
38
Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
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KJV Bible