John of Damascus
Testimony of the same, from his Sermon on the Forty Martyrs.
On Holy Images — translated by Mary H. Allies
Public domainServed
¶1
Can the lover of the martyrs have too much of their memory? For the honour shown to the just, our fellow-men, is a testimony to the goodness of our common Lord.
¶2
And again:—
¶3
Recognise the blessedness of the martyr heartily, that you may be a martyr in will; thus, without persecutor, or fire, or blows, found worthy of the same reward.
¶4
_Commentary._—How, then, would you dissuade me from honouring the saints, and be envious of my salvation? Listen to what he says a little further on to show that he united the painter’s art to oratory.
Translated by Mary H. Allies. Edition opa.patristics.john-of-damascus.on-holy-images.en.