Gerhard and Walther

For what are such blessings other than powerful means by which our God the Lord wants to cheer us up to recognize his goodness through such blessings, continually thank him for them, and to show our grateful obedience? What are such marvelous blessings other than avenues of divine wisdom which God the Lord actually allows us to be gently drawn to him? What are these but little golden chains which God allows to be lowered down from heaven to us so that by means of them he might draw us into the realm of his love and in service to him?—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis, I:134. [This comes close to my picture of this world as the front porch to our Father’s house, welcoming us, but beckoning us further in!]

Let us prove to the world that we carry love for it in our heart—not a pretended love, but a true, natural love, a love that reveals itself, not merely with the tongue but principally in action directed by the heart. Such a love includes our enemies as well as those who love us. Let us prove to the world that when we chastise it, we do so, not in hatred, but in sympathy and pity. We abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. Let us prove to the world that it can count on us in every need, to be ready with an untiring willingness to help.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 143.