4 Maccabees 8:16

¹⁴Now they having listened to these words of persuasion, and seeing the fearful instruments, not only were not afraid, but even answered the arguments of the tyrant, and through their good reasoning destroyed his power.

¹⁵Now let us consider the matter: had any of them been weak spirited and cowardly among them, what reasonings would they have employed but such as these?

— 4 Maccabees 8:16 —

¹⁷Why do we cheer ourselves with vain counsels, and venture upon a disobedience bringing death?

¹⁸Shall we not fear, O brethren, the instruments of torture, and weigh the threatenings of torment, and shun this vainglory and destructive pride?