The Fourth Book of the Maccabees from the Ancient Writings of The Set-Apart Bible. Read free with the Sacred Names (Yahweh, Yahshua, Elohim) and audio narration.
1 As I am going to demonstrate a most philosophical proposition, namely, that religious reasoning is absolute master of the emotions. I would willingly advise you to give the utmost heed to philosophy.
2 For reason is necessary to everyone as a step to science. In addition, it embraces the praise of self-control, the highest virtue.
3 If, then, reasoning appears to hold the mastery over the emotions which stand in the way of temperance, such as gluttony and lust,
4 it surely also and manifestly rules over the affections which are contrary to justice, such as malice, and of those which are hindrances to courage, such as wrath, pain, and fear.
5 Perhaps some may ask, “How is it, then, that reasoning, if it rules the emotions, isn’t also master of forgetfulness and ignorance?” They attempt a ridiculous argument.
6 For reasoning does not rule over its own emotions, but over those that are contrary to justice, courage, temperance, and self-control; and yet over these, so as to withstand, without destroying them.