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Epistle to the Romans (Long Version)
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Chapter 5: I Want to Die.
FROM SYRIA ALL THE WAY TO ROME: I face beasts on both land and sea, both day and night, while being bound to ten leopards, meaning a group of soldiers who, even when they receive benefits, become worse. But I am further instructed by their injuries to act as a disciple of Christ, yet I am not justified by this. May I face the wild beasts that are ready for me, and I pray they are eager to rush upon me, which I will also entice to devour me quickly, and not treat me as they do others, whom they have not touched out of fear. But if they are unwilling to attack me, I will compel them to do so. Pardon me for this—I know what benefits me. Now I begin to be a disciple and have no desire for anything visible or invisible, so I may reach Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross, let crowds of wild beasts, let breakings, tearing, and separation of bones, let cutting off of limbs, let bruising of the whole body, and let the torment of the devil come upon me—only let me attain Jesus Christ.