ABSTRACT
Classical virtues of chastity and temperance, depicted in Plato’s Symposium as leading to the transcendence of earthly existence, were further exalted in the Christian world by worship of the Virgin Mary. Chastity preserves crucial social relationships: master-servant, mistress-servant, male-female, parent-child, and husband-wife. It is also represented as vital to spiritual, moral, and physical self-preservation. Featley’s sermon, published in 1632, celebrates chastity as a central principle of social and personal conduct. Perhaps influenced by the Neoplatonic imagery of the Caroline court, he expands its reference to men and women. “The sparks of love are honest but the flames are dangerous,” saith Jerome. If any here have been scorched with them, let the tears of contrition quench the fire and the GOD of that contrition accept the repentance.
