"If none were to Marry, but Men of strict Vertue and Honour, I doubt the World would be but thinly peopled"

This quote by Mary Astell recommends that if only individuals of rigorous virtue and honour were to marry, the world would be sparsely occupied. Astell is most likely describing the value of marital relationship in the population growth of the world. Marriage is a crucial consider the growth of a population, as it is the union of two people that can lead to the development of a household. Astell is likely recommending that if only individuals of stringent virtue and honour were to marry, the population would be much lower than it is today. This could be due to the truth that people of rigorous virtue and honour might be less most likely to wed, as they may be more concentrated on their own personal advancement and development. Additionally, individuals of strict virtue and honour might be most likely to wait on the best person to come along, instead of going for someone who may not be the very best match. Astell's quote is a reminder of the value of marital relationship in population growth, and the need for people to be open to finding the right partner.