Letters of the Jews of Jerusalem to them that were in Egypt. They give thanks for their delivery from Antiochus: and exhort their brethren to keep the feast of the dedication of the altar, and of the miraculous fire.

A continuation of the second letter. Of Jeremias' hiding the ark at the time of the captivity. The author's preface.

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.

Onias has recourse to the king. The ambition and wickedness of Jason and Menelaus. Onias is treacherously murdered.

Wonderful signs are seen in the air. Jason's wickedness and end. Antiochus takes Jerusalem, and plunders the temple.

Antiochus commands the law to be abolished, sets up an idol in the temple, and persecutes the faithful. The martyrdom of Eleazar.

The glorious martyrdom of the seven brethren and their mother.

Judas Machabeus gathering an army gains divers victories.

The wretched end, and fruitless repentance of king Antiochus.

The purification of the temple and city. Other exploits of Judas. His victory over Timotheus.

Lysias is overthrown by Judas. He sues for peace.

The Jews are still molested by their neighbours. Judas gains divers victories over them. He orders sacrifice and prayers for the dead.

Antiochus and Lysias again invade Judea. Menelaus is put to death. The king's great army is worsted twice. The peace is renewed.

Demetrius challenges the kingdom. Alcimus applies to him to be made high priest: Nicanor is sent into Judea: his dealings with Judas: his threats. The history of Razias.

Judas encouraged by a vision gains a glorious victory over Nicanor. The conclusion.