1 Maccabees 12:8-10

New Catholic Bible

⁸ Onias welcomed the envoy with honor and accepted the letter, on which was set forth a clear declaration of alliance and friendship. ⁹ Although we have no need of such things, inasmuch as we have as a source of encouragement the sacred books^[a] in our possession, ¹⁰ we have decided to request the renewal of our pact of family ties and friendship with you so that we may not become estranged from you, for a great many years have elapsed since you last contacted us.