Gerhard and Walther

Thanksgiving actually is directed toward the blessings that we have received from God the Lord. But still there is such a close relationship between praising God and thanksgiving that nobody can thank the Lord without praising and glorifying His name at the same time. Also, nobody can actually render to God the praise due Him without at the same time thanking Him for His goodness and blessings.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:374. 

The preachers, called by God through the Church, stand in a divine office, not as slaves of men, but as servants of Christ and as ones sent by God the Most High.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 673,4.