Gerhard and Walther

Thus, this Holy Supper will transform our souls; this most divine sacrament will make us divine men, until finally we shall enter upon the fullness of the blessedness that is to come, filled with all the fullness of God, and wholly like Him.—Johann Gerhard, Sacred Meditation XX

What man has built can be broken down by man. But no person can demolish the foundation of the Church, for its Master Builder is the eternal God Himself. God permits hellish powers of this age to destroy even the best works of people until the Last Day. However, they cannot destroy the work of the Church, for the high above the seat of the powerless spirits of darkness reigns an almighty and true Love, who has decreed that even the gates of hell will not overcome God’s Church on earth.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 855.