Gerhard and Walther

After the fall into sin, the situation no longer exists where the saving knowledge of God is inborn with us. Instead, we have to seize it from the revealed Word. Consequently, it is essential above all else that we gather together in public assembly on a designated day and through the holy Word of God allow ourselves to be instructed about God’s essence and will in order that we then become sanctified.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:391, 2.

The flame of a pure, unselfish love of man can begin to burn only in a heart in which the fear and love of God already dwell, even if, in such a heart, this love remains imperfect until death.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 693.