14 Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.
15 He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied the vessels of the temple.
16 Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
17 But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:
18 they wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:
19 which writings were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.
20 And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacede-mon´ians sent; The rulers of the Lacede-mon´ians, with the city, unto Simon the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting: