Now the days drew near that Mathathias should die, and he said to his sons: Now hath pride and chastisement gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation: 50Now, therefore, O my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers. 51And call to remembrance the works of the fathers, which they have done in their generations: and you shall receive great glory, and an everlasting name. 52Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was reputed to him unto justice? 53Joseph, in the time of his distress, kept the commandment, and he was made lord of Egypt. 54Phinees, our father, by being fervent in the zeal of God, received the covenant of an everlasting priesthood. 55Jesus, whilst he fulfilled the word, was made ruler in Israel. 56Caleb, for bearing witness before the congregation, received an inheritance. 57David, by his mercy, obtained the throne of an everlasting kingdom. 58Elias, while he is full of zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven. 59Ananias and Azarias and Misael, by believing, were delivered out of the flame. 60Daniel, in his innocency, was delivered out of the mouth of the lions. 61And thus consider, through all generations: that none that trust in him, fail in strength. 62And fear not the words of a sinful man, for his glory is dung and worms: 63Today he is lifted up, and tomorrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his earth and his thought is come to nothing. 64You, therefore, my sons, take courage, and behave manfully in the law: for by it you shall be glorious. 65And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel: give ear to him always, and he shall be a father to you. 66And Judas Machabeus, who is valiant and strong from his youth up, let him be the leader of your army, and he shall manage the war of the people. 67And you shall take to you all that observe the law: and revenge ye the wrong of your people. 68Render to the Gentiles their reward, and take heed to the precepts of the law. 69And he blessed them, and was joined to his fathers. 70And he died in the hundred and forty-sixth year: and he was buried by his sons in the sepulchres of his fathers, in Modin, and all Israel mourned for him with great mourning.