14
in spirit through reason; and by reason like that of Isaac he rendered the many-headed rack ineffective.
15
O man of blessed age and of venerable gray hair and of law-abiding life, whom the faithful seal of death has perfected!
16
If, therefore, because of piety an aged man despised tortures even to death, most certainly devout reason is governor of the emotions.
17
Some perhaps might say, "Not all have full command of their emotions, because not all have prudent reason."
18
But as many as attend to religion with a whole heart, these alone are able to control the passions of the flesh,
19
since they believe that they, like our patriarchs Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, do not die to God, but live to God.
20
No contradiction therefore arises when some persons appear to be dominated by their emotions because of the weakness of their reason.
21
What person who lives as a philosopher by the whole rule of philosophy, and trusts in God,
22
and knows that it is blessed to endure any suffering for the sake of virtue, would not be able to overcome the emotions through godliness?
23
For only the wise and courageous are masters of their emotions.