13
Each of them and all of them together looking at one another, cheerful and undaunted, said, "Let us with all our hearts consecrate ourselves to God, who gave us our lives, and let us use our bodies as a bulwark for the law.
14
Let us not fear him who thinks he is killing us,
15
for great is the struggle of the soul and the danger of eternal torment lying before those who transgress the commandment of God.
16
Therefore let us put on the full armor of self-control, which is divine reason.
17
For if we so die, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob will welcome us, and all the fathers will praise us."