16
For the temperate understanding repels all these malignant passions, as it does wrath: for it masters even this.
17
Thus Moses, when angered against Dathan and Abiram, did nothing to them in wrath, but regulated his anger by reasoning.
18
For the temperate mind is able, as I said, to be superior to the passions, and to transfer some, and destroy others.
19
For why, else, does our most wise father Jacob blame Simeon and Levi for having irrationally slain the whole race of the Shechemites, saying, Cursed be their anger.
20
For if reasoning did not possess the power of subduing angry affections, he would not have spoken thus.
21
For at the time when God created man, He implanted within him his passions and moral nature.
22
And at that time He enthroned above all the holy leader mind, through the medium of the senses.
23
And He gave a law to this mind, by living according to which it will maintain a temperate, and just, and good, and manly reign.
24
How, then, a man may say, if reasoning be master of the passions, has it no control over forgetfulness and ignorance?