As far as we are able, let us give our attention to that which is beautiful, comely, and good; let us be occupied with it, let us hold it in mind, so that by its glow and light our souls may become lovely and our minds transparent. For, if our eyes are refreshed with green fields and beautiful groves, after being clouded by mist, or if grassy hills take away the blur of the sick man’s gaze, while his pupils and eye-balls seem to take on color, how much more does the eye of the mind, when it gazes upon the Highest Good, turning to It and feeding on It, become bright and shining, and so fulfill the words of Scripture: ‘My soul shall be filled as with marrow and richness.’ One who wisely understands the souls of his flock cares for the grass of the field so that he will have large pastures, for the sweet grasses make the lambs fatter, and their milk is more healthful. The rich use these pastures, they who ‘have eaten and adored,’ for it is the saint of God who is placed in these good pastures of faith.
St. Ambrose of Milan, Letter to Irenaeus (Summer, 393)
Locus Communis 