1570
Alexander Nowell (1507-1602) was an English reformer that fled England during the reign of Bloody Mary. He was the uncle and sponsor of the reformer William Whitaker.
Nowell’s Catechism, 1570, translated by Thomas Norton, ed. The Parker Society
p. 155
Student: That same most joyful and altogether heavenly doctrine of restoring salvation by Christ, (which doctrine is in Greek called Evangelion, the Gospel or glad tidings)… He Himself, at length, the Lord of prophets, Jesus Christ the Son of God… hath most clearly taught all men, and commanded his apostles whom He chose for that purpose, to teach the same throughout the whole world.
Master: Did He think it enough to have simply and plainly taught this doctrine in words?
Student: No: but to the end [design] that men should with more willing minds embrace it, He confirmed and approved the same with healing of diseases, chasing away devils, and with infinite other good deeds, miracles and signs, whereof both his own life and the life of his apostles, most innocently and holily led, was most plentiful.
p. 180
Master: Dost thou then say that faith is the principal cause of this justification, so as by the merit of faith we are counted righteous before God?
Student: No; for that were to set faith in the place of Christ. But the spring-head of this justification (Eph. 1:4-6, etc.; 2:4-5; Titus 3:4-6) is the mercy of God, which is conveyed to us by Christ, and is offered to us by the gospel (Mark 1:14-15; Rom. 4:16,19-21,24), and received of us by faith as with a hand.
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The Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel