Gerhard and Walther

Thus a person should not view his works as being for his own glory or benefit. Rather, they are to be viewed as being to God’s glory and for the benefit of the neighbor.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis II:143.

No preacher has the authority to deny absolution to a repentant Christian; instead, it is his duty to speak it to the Christian as his appointed servant.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 364.