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.
The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.