Old Lutheran Quote of the Day

When the faithful minister of the church sees that the hearts of his hearers have become so alienated from him that they hold in contempt his very teaching because of their hatred of his person, it is better, after publicly and solemnly explaining the reasons for his departure, that he resign rather than be worn out by the difficulties and daily annoyances caused by the loathing of his hearers. Thus God Himself led Lot out of Sodom, "for his hearers vexed his righteous soul day after day with their lawless deeds." (2 Pet. 2:8) Yet all rashness and haste must be avoided in the matter of a voluntary departure.—Blessed Johann Gerhard, The Ministry II:144.