Old Lutheran Quote of the Day

Whenever the tree of the Church has blossomed in faith, the fruits of brotherly love have appeared right away. During the first three centuries of the Christian era, when so many thousands of believers sealed their faith with their blood under the persecutions of the heathen emperors, love was stronger than it has been at any time since. Although Christians were scattered in many countries, they were still bound by love as to a great family. They called themselves brothers and sisters whether they were of high or low estate. If one Christian was distressed, all felt that distress. They mourned together and they rejoiced together. No brother was ashamed of another. Sparing no danger, Christians visited those who were in prison on account of their confession. Often, an entire multitude of believers crowded into prison to comfort and restore with their tears, words, and gifts of love. - C. F. W. Walther, *God Grant It!* p. 511