3. now it is not so: but by means of the reasoning which is praised by God, they mastered their passions.
4. And it is impossible to overlook the leadership of reflection: for it gained the victory over both passions and troubles.
5. How, then, can we avoid according to these men mastery of passion through right reasoning, since they drew not back from the pains of fire?
6. For just as by means of towers projecting in front of harbors men break the threatening waves, and thus assure a still course to vessels entering port,
7. so that seven-towered right-reasoning of the young men, securing the harbour of religion, conquered the intermperance of passions.
8. For having arranged a holy choir of piety, they encouraged one another, saying,
9. Brothers, may we die brotherly for the law. Let us imitate the three young men in Assyria who despised the equally afflicting furnace.
10. Let us not be cowards in the manifestation of piety.
11. And one said, Courage, brother; and another, Nobly endure.
12. And another, Remember of what stock you⌃ are; and by the hand of our father Isaac endured to be slain for the sake of piety.
13. And one and all, looking on each other serene and confident, said, Let us sacrifice with all our heart our souls to God who gave them, and employ our bodies for the keeping of the law.
14. Let us not fear him who thinks he kills;
15. for great is the trial of soul and danger of eternal torment laid up for those who transgress the commandment of God.