Owen Feltham

Owen Feltham – Life, Work, and Enduring Wisdom

Owen Feltham (1602–1668) was a British essayist, moralist, and poet, best known for Resolves, Divine, Moral and Political. This article uncovers his life, writings, legacy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Owen Feltham (sometimes spelled “Felltham”) was an English writer of the early 17th century, whose essays and moral reflections—in collections such as Resolves, Divine, Moral and Political—earned him a modest but lasting reputation among English essayists. His works combine religious reflection, ethical counsel, and observations of public life, offering insight into the moral framework of his age. Though not a household name today, Feltham played a small but meaningful role in shaping the essay tradition in English and left behind a treasury of aphoristic wisdom that still resonates.

Early Life and Family

Owen Feltham was born circa 1602, likely in or near Mutford, Suffolk, England, as one of the sons of Thomas Feltham of Mutford and Mary Ufflete of Somerleyton in Suffolk.

Not much is known about his formal schooling or early education. Given his erudition and the classical allusions in his essays, it is likely that he had some grounding in classical and theological learning, even if not through formal university channels (or at least not with prominent records surviving). His later associations with aristocratic households suggest he was literate, well read, and socially mobile.

He married Mary Clopton of Kentwell Hall, Melford, Suffolk, in London on 10 October 1621. Mary, born August 1622.

Career and Major Works

Resolves, Divine, Moral and Political

Feltham’s principal and most enduring work is Resolves, Divine, Moral and Political. The first edition of “Resolves” appeared around 1623 when Feltham was about 21 years old (though some sources place it slightly later)

In 1628, Feltham published a second “century” (another 100 resolves) in Resolves, a Second Centurie.

The Resolves works reflect a synthesis of spiritual, moral, and civic concerns, often addressed to a literate middle-class audience. Feltham attempts not only to counsel readers in virtuous living but also to engage with issues of public life, social conduct, and the role of faith in society.

One of his best-known essays is “How the Distempers of These Times Should Affect Wise Men,” frequently anthologized (for instance, in The Oxford Book of Essays).

In some of his resolves, Feltham also touches on gender questions—for example, in the resolve “Of Woman” (in the 1628 edition) he critiques certain male double standards regarding women’s speech and “boldness.”

Other Works & Roles

Beyond Resolves, Feltham also published A Brief Character of the Low Countries (1652), a work focused on the Netherlands (“Low Countries”) in its political and social context.

He served, at different times, as a chaplain or secretary (or steward) in the household of the Earl of Thomond, working in estates such as Great Billing, Northamptonshire, and at the Earl’s London residence.

Feltham spent much of his adult life between his patron’s households in London and in Northamptonshire regions.

He died on February 23, 1668, in London.

Historical & Intellectual Context

Feltham lived during a turbulent period in English history: the reigns of James I and Charles I, the English Civil Wars (1642-1651), the Interregnum, and the Restoration era. Though not primarily a political writer, his Resolves reflect how moral and religious reflection interwove with political consciousness in that era. His essays often address the responsibilities of good conduct amidst social disorder.

His mode of writing—short, pithy meditations or resolves—places him in the tradition of moralists and essayists who sought to guide readers in private and public virtue. His blending of divine/moral/political themes shows a belief in the interconnection of personal ethical life and the broader social order.

Though overshadowed by giants of English literature (Bacon, Browne, later Essays of the 18th century), Feltham contributed to the development of the English essay genre by providing a sustained body of meditative prose across a wide spectrum of human concern.

Personality & Themes

From his writings, one discerns several recurring traits and preoccupations:

• A moral earnestness: Feltham writes not for ornament but for instruction and reflection.

• A balance between spiritual and worldly concerns: the title of Resolves itself indicates the three domains he sees as integral (divine, moral, political).

• A moderate and humanist tone: though religious, he often tempers zeal with humanity, warns against extremes, and appeals to reason and balance.

• A willingness to question social norms: in certain resolves he probes accepted norms on gender, praise and flattery, moderation, self-control, and the moral hazards of wealth or pleasure.

He is less flamboyant than some essayists; his strength lies in clarity, insight, and moral probing rather than rhetorical flourish.

Famous Quotes by Owen Feltham

Here are some memorable quotations attributed to Owen Feltham (from Resolves and anthologized sources):

“Negligence is the rust of the soul, that corrodes through all her best resolves.”

“Meditation is the soul’s perspective glass.”

“Perfection is immutable. But for things imperfect, change is the way to perfect them.”

“Zeal without humanity is like a ship without a rudder, liable to be stranded at any moment.”

“There is no belittling worse than to over praise a man.”

“Business is the salt of life, which not only gives a grateful smack to it, but dries up those crudities that would offend …”

“It is rare to see a rich man religious; for religion preaches restraint, and riches prompt to unlicensed freedom.”

These quotes reflect his concerns about negligence, moderation, balance between zeal and humanity, and the moral perils of wealth and neglect.

Lessons from Owen Feltham

1. Consistency matters: His Resolves encourage steady moral striving and continual self-assessment.

2. Balance over extremes: He warns against zeal without humanity, and against neglecting moral life amid worldly activity.

3. Interconnected life: He believed spiritual, ethical, and social spheres are interwoven, not separate compartments.

4. Self-reflection as daily discipline: The short meditative format invites ongoing reflection rather than grand pronouncement.

5. Voice of moderation in turbulent times: His essays offer a model of calm moral counsel amid social and political unrest.

Conclusion

Owen Feltham may no longer be celebrated in popular memory, but his legacy endures through Resolves, Divine, Moral and Political and the quotes that continue to be circulated. As an early English moral essayist, he contributed to the evolving essay tradition by combining religious, ethical, and political reflection in compact, meditative prose. His voice is one of moderation, steady moral inquiry, and contemplative wisdom.