John of Damascus
2nd Point.—_For what purpose the Image is made._
On Holy Images — translated by Mary H. Allies
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¶1
Every image is a revelation and representation of something hidden. For instance, man has not a clear knowledge of what is invisible, the spirit being veiled to the body, nor of future things, nor of things apart and distant, because he is circumscribed by place and time.The image was devised for greater knowledge, and for the manifestation and popularising of secret things, as a pure benefit and help to salvation, so that by showing things and making them known, we may arrive at the hidden ones, desire and emulate what is good, shun and hate what is evil.
Translated by Mary H. Allies. Edition opa.patristics.john-of-damascus.on-holy-images.en.