Epistle to the Romans (Short Version)
Chapter 5: I Want to Die
From Syria to Rome, I fight with beasts, both on land and sea, both by night and day, being bound to ten leopards, meaning a band of soldiers who become even worse when they receive benefits. But I learn more from their injuries [to act as a disciple of Christ]; "yet I am not justified by this." May I enjoy the wild beasts that are prepared for me, and I pray they are eager to rush upon me, which I will also entice to devour me quickly, and not deal with me like some whom, out of fear, they have not touched. But if they are unwilling to attack me, I will make them do so. Forgive me [in this]: I know what benefits me. Now I begin to be a disciple. Let no one, in things visible or invisible, envy me for attaining to Jesus Christ. Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let the cutting off of members; let the shattering of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ.