The Institution of Christian Religion

For when •wo manners of speaking that express one thing be joined together, it behoveth that the later be an exposition of the former. But what an exposition were this, if a man should say thus: Whereas it is said that Christ was buried, thereby is meant that he went down to hell? Again, it is not likely that such a superfluous vain repetition could have crept into this abridgement, where in the chief points of our faith are summarily noted in as few words as was possible. And I doubt not that so many as shall have somewhat diligently weighed the matter it self, will easily agree with me.

For when •wo maners of speakyng that expresse one thynge be ioyned together, it behoueth that the later be an exposition of the former. But what an exposition were this, yf a manne should saye thus: Whereas it is sayde that Christ was buried, thereby is meante that he went downe to hell? Agayne, it is not likely that such a superfluous vayne repetitiō could haue crepte into this abrigemēt, where in the chefe pointes of our faith are summarily noted in as fewe wordes as was possible. And I doubte not that so many as shall haue somewhat diligently weyed the matter it selfe, will easily agree with me.

Some expound it otherwise, and say, that Christ went down to the souls of the fathers that dyed in the time of the law, to carry them tidings, that the redemption was performed, and to deliver them out of the prison wherein they were kept enclosed: and to the proof hereof they do wrongfully draw testimonies out of the Psalm,¹ that he brake the brazen gates and iron bars. Again out of Zechariah,² that he redeemed them that were bound, out of the pit wherein was no water. But whereas the Psalm speaketh of their deliverances that in far countries are caste captive into bonds, and Zechariah compareth the Babylonicall overthrow, wherein the people was oppressed, to a dry pit or bottomless depth, and there withal teacheth that the salvation of the whole Church is as it were a coming out of the deep hells. I wot not how it is come to pass, that they which came after, thought that there was a certain place under the earth whereunto they have feigned the name of Limbus. But this fable, although they were great authors, & at this day many do earnestly defend it for a truth: is yet nothing else but a fable. For, to enclose the souls of dead men as in a prison, is very childish. And what need was it that Christs soul should go down the there to set them at liberty? I do in deed willingly confess, that Christ shined to them by the power of his spirit, that they might know that the grace which they had only tasted of by hope, was then delivered to the world, And to this purpose may the place of Peter be probably applied, where he sayeth, that Christ came & preached to the spirits that were in a dungeon