4 Maccabees 2:5

³For, although young, and ripe for sexual intercourse, he abrogated by reasoning the stimulus of his passions.

⁴And it is not merely the stimulus of sensual indulgence, but that of every desire, that reasoning is able to master.

— 4 Maccabees 2:5 —

⁶Now, then, since it is the law which has forbidden us to desire, I shall much the more easily persuade you, that reasoning is able to govern our lusts, just as it does the affections which are impediments to justice.

⁷Since in what way is a solitary eater, and a glutton, and a drunkard reclaimed, unless it be clear that reasoning is lord of the passions?