Philonis Judaei Opera Omnia (Vol. 7)

have explained the truth of the mystery through these things, confirming that it is not a matter of a sacrificial rite, but of the investigation of the soul's parts. For just as the seeker of truth examines the parts of his own soul, dividing the rational from the irrational, and observing the division of the sensible powers, he sits over them as a judge, not allowing any alien or impure thought to snatch away any part of his doctrine. For he who is trained in the contemplation of the truth is a judge of the thoughts, acting as a guard over the soul's faculties, that they may not be plundered by the passions. For the bird of divine wisdom descends upon the soul that has arranged its thoughts into proper order, protecting the rational and the pure, while the irrational parts are left for the consumption of those who know not the path of virtue. Thus, the act of sitting is a sign of authority and judgment, for one who has attained the mastery over his own internal constitution is the one who truly inherits the promise of the knowledge of God.