Gerhard and Walther

A benefit is not recognized for which thanks are not rendered; we are not truly thankful to Him whom we do not love. If thy faith is genuine, it will recognize the great benefits conferred by Christ, thy Redeemer; aye, it will recognize and render thanks; it will render thanks and it will love Him.— Johann Gerhard, Sacred Meditation IX

As long as the Gospel’s sun of grace does not shine in a person’s heart, his doctrine cannot make him certain of his state of grace. Until he can triumphantly call out, “I have now found the ground which eternally holds my anchor,” he can have only a timid and wavering heart in doctrine. But as soon as his doctrine has become for him a rock when he is terrified before God and hell, a rock to which he can cling and be rescued from the shipwreck of his sin, and a rock of righteousness upon which he can find security and peace for his soul, then his heart will be firm and certain.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, pp. 776, 7.