2 Maccabees 2:24

²²And 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:

²³All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.

— 2 Maccabees 2:24 —

²⁵We 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.

²⁶Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;