The same, from his Homily on the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy.
On Holy Images — translated by Mary H. Allies
The substances and orders to which we have already alluded with reverence, are spirits, and they are set forth in spiritual and immaterial array. We can see it when brought down to our medium, symbolised in various forms, by which we are led up to the mental contemplation of God and divine goodness. Spirits think of Him as spirits according to their nature, but we are led as far as may be by sensible images to the divine contemplation.
_Commentary._—If, then, we are led by the medium of sensible images to divine contemplation, what unseemliness is there in making an image of Him Who was seen in the form, and habit, and nature of man for our sakes?
Translated by Mary H. Allies. Edition opa.patristics.john-of-damascus.on-holy-images.en.