4 Maccabees 1:10

⁸but I shall prove it with the greatest force from the fortitude of Eleazar, and seven brethren, and their mother, who suffered death in defense of virtue.

⁹For all these, contemning pains even unto death, by this contempt, demonstrated that reasoning has command over the passions.

— 4 Maccabees 1:10 —

¹¹For they, winning admiration not only from men in general, but even from their persecutors, for their manliness and endurance, became the means of the destruction of the tyranny against their nation, having conquered the tyrant by their endurance, so that by them their country was purified.

¹²But we may now at once enter upon the question, having commenced, as is our wont, with laying down the doctrine, and so proceed to the account of these persons, giving glory to the all wise God.