In the same place. — And that man was great among all those of the East. 43. By restraining them we are made great. — For we are then made great among all those of the East when, the pressing mist of carnal corruption being dispelled, we are joined by the rays of our discernment—so far as our capacity allows—to those spirits who cleave to the light of the East. Whence it is said through Paul: Our conversation is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Whoever pursues temporal and defective things seeks the setting; but whoever desires the things above shows that he dwells in the East.
Great, therefore, is he made not among those of the West but among those of the East, who strives to advance not amid the deeds of the wicked who seek what is lowest and fleeting, but amid the choirs of the citizens on high. There follows: