1
As I am going to demonstrate a most philosophical proposition, namely, that religious reasoning is absolute master of the passions, I would willingly advise you to give the utmost heed to philosophy.
2
For reason is necessary to every one as a step to science: and more especially does it embrace the praise of prudence, the highest virtue.
3
If, then, reasoning appears to hold the mastery over the passions which stand in the way of temperance, such as gluttony and lust,
4
it surely also and manifestly has the rule over the affections which are contrary to justice, such as malice; and of those which are hindrances to manliness, as wrath, and pain, and fear.
5
How, then, is it, perhaps some may say, that reasoning, if it rule the affections, is not also master of forgetfulness and ignorance? They attempt a ridiculous argument.
6
For reasoning does not rule over its own affections, but over such as are contrary to justice, and manliness and temperance, and prudence; and yet over these, so as to withstand, without destroying them.
7
I might prove to you, from many other considerations, that religious reasoning is sole master of the passions;
8
but I shall prove it with the greatest force from the fortitude of Eleazar, and seven brethren, and their mother, who suffered death in defence of virtue.
9
For all these, contemning pains even unto death, by this contempt, demonstrated that reasoning has command over the passions.