1Philosophical in the highest degree is the question I propose to discuss, namely whether the Inspired Reason is supreme ruler over the passions; and to the philosophy of it I would seriously
2entreat your earnest attention. For not only is the subject generally necessary as a branch of
3knowledge, but it includes the praise of the greatest of virtues, whereby I mean self-control. That
4is to say, if Reason is proved to control the passions adverse to temperance, gluttony and lust, it is also clearly shown to be lord over the passions, like malevolence, opposed to justice, and over those opposed to manliness, namely rage and pain and fear.
5But, some may ask, if the Reason is master of the passions, why does it not control forgetfulness
6and ignorance? their object being to cast ridicule. The answer is that Reason is not master over defects inhering in the mind itself, but over the passions or moral defects that are adverse to justice and manliness and temperance and judgement ; and its action in their case is not to extirpate the passions, but to enable us to resist them successfully.