Gerhard and Walther

O Lord Jesus Christ! On the tree of the cross, for a short time You lamented about being forsaken by God so that I may never be forsaken by God and with steadfast trust may at all times place my trust in Him. Grant grace so that I solely and totally rely upon Your precious merits. Grant that I may not place all my trust upon my own righteousness, but instead solely upon Your righteousness.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:151.

If a person wants to be saved, he must first diligently hear, read, and examine God’s Word. Whoever does not want to do this cannot be helped, despite his prayers and concerns, for he remains in his natural darkness, in sin, and under God’s displeasure.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 508.