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Abstract
Francisco de Osuna, who lived from about 1492-1540, is known for his six Abecedarios Espirituales, or Spiritual Alphabets. He is less known for Norte de los estados, his practical guide for successful Christian marriage. This study examines the structure, style, and themes of El sermn de las bodas, one of three sermons included as chapters in Norte de los estados. By close reading, the study examines the rhetorical strategies in the sermon and finds that Osunas stylistic appeal is primarily to the common lay person rather than to the theologian. It also concludes, based on the analysis of William J. Bouwsma, that themes like the importance of passionate love between the spouses, the necessity for marital fidelity, the primacy of marriage over celibacy and the dignity of women identify Osuna as an Augustinian humanist.