Cardinal virtues
Augustine of Hippo, discussing the morals of the church, described them:
The "cardinal" virtues are not the same as the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity (Love), named in 1 Corinthians 13. 
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Because of this reference, a group of seven attributes is sometimes listed by adding the four cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice) and three theological virtues (faith, hope, charity).
Together, they comprise what is known as the seven virtues. While the first four date back to Greek philosophers and were applicable to all people seeking to live moral lives, the "theological virtues" appear to be specific to Christians as written by Paul in The New Testament.
Consecrated virgin
The Christian concept has a precedent in the Vestal Virgins of ancient Roman religion. 
Chastity is one of the Seven Virtues in Christian tradition, listed by  Gregory the Great at the end of the 6th century. Praise of chastity or celibacy, both male and female, as a religious virtue is already present in the New Testament, especially in 1 Corinthians, where Paul the Apostle suggests a special role for virgins or unmarried women () as more suitable for "the things of the Lord" ().
In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul alludes to the metaphor of the Church as Bride of Christ by addressing the congregation 
"I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ".
In Christian hagiography, there are numerous accounts of pre-Nicaean virgin martyrs, such as
Margaret of Antioch, Agnes of Rome, Euphemia of Chalcedon and Lucia of Syracuse.