Old Lutheran Quote of the Day

In preaching, the Church does not aim to support the holy Word by human art, but the chief matter is not to hinder its power and operation and not to impose upon the Word any kind or manner of operation that does not befit it. The preacher proclaims salvation in Christ Jesus with the consciousness that not what he does, but the noble contents of the Word, must divide souls from the world and bring them near to God. Of course, the preacher believes and therefore speaks, and it is a detestable contradiction to preach and yet not to believe; but a true preacher will not try to recommend the truth by importing his faith and experience; that would only be to recommend himself; rather does he seek to bring his people to say with the Samaritans: "Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard Him ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." - Wilhelm Loehe, *Three Books* p. 181