Chapter 2 _{13 The same things also were reported in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; and how he founding a library gathered together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.14 In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with us,15 Wherefore if ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them unto you.16 Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification, we have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days.17 We hope also, that the God, that delivered all his people, and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,18 As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together out of every land under heaven into the holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and hath purified the place.19 Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar,20 And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his son,21 And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and chased barbarous multitudes,22 And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over, and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour:23 All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.24 For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of the matter,25 We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.26 Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;27 Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly this great pains;28 Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.29 For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.30 To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story:31 But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.}