8.  But since there has been much gainsaying by them, come, let me, with the help of your prayers, (as the shortness of the time may allow,) set forth by the grace of the Lord some few testimonies concerning the Passion.  For the things concerning Christ are all put into writing, and nothing is doubtful, for nothing is without a text.  All are inscribed on the monuments of the Prophets; clearly written, not on tablets of stone, but by the Holy Ghost.  Since then thou hast heard the Gospel speaking concerning Judas, oughtest thou not to receive the testimony to it?  Thou hast heard that He was pierced in the side by a spear; oughtest thou not to see whether this also is written?  Thou hast heard that He was crucified in a garden; oughtest thou not to see whether this also is written?  Thou hast heard that He was sold for thirty pieces of silver; oughtest thou not to learn what prophet spake this?  Thou hast heard that He was given vinegar to drink; learn where this also is written.  Thou hast heard that His body was laid in a rock, and that a stone was set over it; oughtest thou not to receive this testimony also from the prophet?  Thou hast heard that He was crucified with robbers; oughtest thou not to see whether this also is written?  Thou hast heard that He was buried; oughtest thou not to see whether the circumstances of His burial are anywhere accurately written?  Thou hast heard that He rose again; oughtest thou not to see whether we mock thee in teaching these things?  For our speech and our preaching is not in persuasive words of man’s wisdom 1 Cor. ii. 4.  The simple style of the New Testament is defended by Origen, c. Celsum, iii. 68, and in many other passages..  We stir now no sophistical contrivances; for these become exposed; we do not conquer words with words Cyril alludes to the same proverb in the Homily on the Paralytic, c. 14:  “Word resists word, but a deed is irresistible.”  The Jerusalem Editor refers to Gregory Nazianzen (Tom. II. p. 596):  Δόγῳ παλαίει πᾶς λόγος., for these come to an end; but we preach Christ Crucified 1 Cor. i. 23., who has already been preached aforetime by the Prophets.  But do thou, I pray, receive the testimonies, and seal them in thine heart.  And, since they are many, and the rest of our time is narrowed into a short space, listen now to a few of the more important as time permits; and having received these beginnings, be diligent and seek out the remainder.  Let not thine hand be only stretched out to receive, but let it be also ready to work Ecclus. iv. 31:  Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when thou shouldest repay.  The passage is quoted in the Didaché, c. iv., Barnab. Epist. c. xix., and Constit. Apost. VII. 11..  God gives all things freely.  For if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth James i. 5., and he shall receive.  May He through your prayer grant utterance to us who speak, and faith to you who hear.