CHAPTER VII.
OF THE GOING DOWN OF CHRIST INTO HELL.
"As Christ died for us, and was buried, so also it is to be believed, that He went down into Hell."—Article III.
§ 1. "O Thou Living one Who descendedst to the abode of the dead, and preachedst a good hope to the souls which were detained in sheol, we pray Thee, O Lord, to have mercy upon us." From a litany appointed in the Khudhra for Easter Eve.
§ 2. "He was laid in the grave and guarded in vain. He remained three days in sheol, then arose and shook its foundations." From a psalm appointed to be read on the same Eve.
In the same service, Ps. v., vi., vii., and lxxviii., are applied to the descent of Christ into hell.
§ 3. "Blessed is the King Who descended into sheol, and hath raised us up, and Who by His resurrection hath given the promise of regeneration to the human race." From a canon in the Khudhra appointed for Easter day.
§ 4. "Let us give thanks to our King and Saviour Who came in His love to renew all men. … Who after His death descended into sheol, where for the space of three days He overcame the wicked one, cast him down, put him far off, and took possession of his kingdom. Who came forth from among the dead as a Giant, and led out thence the captivity of His people who were imprisoned in the pits of sheol, and were the food of death." From a psalm in the Khudhra appointed for Easter day.
REMARKS.
According to the Nestorian theology death passed upon all men, before the Saviour offered up His atoning sacrifice, be-
