John of Damascus
St Methodius, Bishop of the Patari (παταρών), on the Resurrection.
On Holy Images — translated by Mary H. Allies
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¶1
The images of earthly kings, even if they are not made of finest gold and silver, command at once honour from all. As men are not honouring matter, they do not choose the most precious from the less precious; they honour the image, whether made of putty or of copper. A derider of either, whether he shows contempt to the image of plaster or of gold, will be held to show contempt to his lord and king. We make golden images of His angels, principalities, or powers, for His honour and glory.
Translated by Mary H. Allies. Edition opa.patristics.john-of-damascus.on-holy-images.en.