But his pains not ceasing, (for the just judgment of God was come upon him) despairing of life, he wrote to the Jews, in the manner of a supplication, a letter in these words: 19To his very good subjects the Jews, Antiochus, king and ruler, wisheth much health, and welfare, and happiness. 20If you and your children are well, and if all matters go with you to your mind, we give very great thanks. 21As for me, being infirm, but yet kindly remembering you, returning out of the places of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to take care for the common good: 22Not distrusting my life, but having great hope to escape the sickness. 23But considering that my father also, at what time he led an army into the higher countries, appointed who should reign after him: 24To the end that if any thing contrary to expectation should fall out, or any bad tidings should be brought, they that were in the countries, knowing to whom the whole government was left, might not be troubled. 25Moreover, considering that neighbouring princes, and borderers, wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event, I have appointed my son, Antiochus, king, whom I often recommended to many of you, when I went into the higher provinces: and I have written to him what I have joined here below. 26I pray you, therefore, and request of you, that, remembering favours both public and private, you will every man of you continue to be faithful to me and to my son. 27For I trust that he will behave with moderation and humanity, and following my intentions, will be gracious unto you.