for those indeed that are willing to read, that
it might be a pleasure of mind: and for the studious, that they may more
easily commit to memory: and that all that read might receive profit.

2:27. And as to ourselves indeed, in undertaking this work of abridging,
we have taken in hand no easy task; yea, rather a business full of
watching and sweat.

No easy task, etc... The spirit of God, that assists the sacred penmen,
does not exempt them from labour in seeking out the matter which they
are to treat of, and the order and manner in which they are to deliver
it. So St. Luke writ the gospel having diligently attained to all
things. Luke 1. ver. 3.

2:28. But as they that prepare a feast, and seek to satisfy the will of
others: for the sake of many, we willingly undergo the labour.

2:29. Leaving to the authors the exact handling of every particular, and
as for ourselves, according to the plan proposed, studying to be brief.

2:30. For as the master builder of a new house must have care of the
whole building: but he that taketh care to paint it, must seek out fit
things for the adorning of it: so must it be judged of us.

2:31. For to collect all that is to be known, to put the discourse in
order, and curiously to discuss every particular point, is the duty of
the author of a history:

2:32. But to pursue brevity of speech, and to avoid nice declarations of
things, is to be granted to him that maketh an abridgment.

2:33. Here then we will begin the narration: let this be enough by way
of a preface: for it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to
be short in the story itself.

2 Machabees Chapter 3

Heliodorus is sent by king Seleucus to take away the treasures deposited
in the temple. He is struck by God, and healed by the prayers of the
high priest.

3:1. Therefore, when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the
laws as yet were very well kept, because of the godliness of Onias, the
high priest and the hatred his soul had of evil,

3:2. It came to pass that even the kings themselves and the princes
esteemed the place worthy of the highest honour, and glorified the
temple with very great gifts:

3:3. So that Seleucus, king of Asia, allowed out of his revenues all the
charges belonging to the ministry of the sacrifices.

Seleucus... Son of Antiochus the Great, and elder brother of Antiochus
Epiphanes.

3:4. But one Simon, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was appointed overseer
of the t