from Basil the Great:
Therefore, the common director of our lives, the great teacher, the Spirit of truth, wisely and cleverly sets forth the rewards, in order that, rising above the present labors, we might press on in the spirit toward the enjoyment of eternal blessings.
“Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly.”
What is most truly good, therefore is principally and primarily the most blessed. And that is God…. For truly blessed is goodness itself toward which all things look, which all things desire, an unchangeable nature, lordly dignity, calm existence; a happy way of life, in which there is no alteration, which no change touches; a flowing fount, abundant grace, inexhaustible treasure. (Homilies on Psalms, 10:3)