Section 79

“Tell us, then: where are your oracles now? Where are the incantations of the Egyptians? Where are the illusions of the magicians? When did all these things cease and become weak, if not when the cross of Christ appeared?

“Is the cross therefore worthy of ridicule—or are the things it has abolished, exposing their weakness, more worthy of ridicule?

“And this too is remarkable: your religion was never persecuted; rather, it was honored by people in every city. The followers of Christ, however, are persecuted, and yet our faith flourishes and increases more than yours.

“What belongs to you is praised and honored, yet it is disappearing. The faith and teaching of Christ are mocked by you and have often been persecuted by rulers, yet they have filled the world.

“When has the knowledge of God shone so brightly? When have self-control and the excellence of virginity appeared as they do now? When has death been so despised, except since the cross of Christ appeared?

“No one can doubt this when he sees martyrs despising death for Christ’s sake and sees the virgins of the Church preserving themselves pure and undefiled for Christ.