“[2 Thessalonians] belongs among the many prophecies, whose best and final exegete will be the eschatological fulfillment, and in regard to which it behooves the saints to exercise a peculiar kind of eschatological patience.” Vos, The Pauline Eschatology, p. 133.
“As soon as we encounter some minor persecution, we put on another face, as we say, not wanting to be recognized as what we wish to be. Where does that impulse come from? From Satan, who wishes to attack us from one side, while the world, our physical comforts, and our worldly conveniences assail us …
“But it is not for me to be thus cold and distant, walking on tip-toe, moved as a reed by every wind that blows; my task is to assert, with precision, and consistency, and warmth, and give solid, skilful, substantial proof for my teaching.” Luther, The Bondage of the Will, p. 219.
“For those who prosper in their temporal desires should be advised that when things seem to go their way, they should not neglect to seek the One who has given to them, rather than focus their souls on what was given. Otherwise, they will love their pilgrimage more than their homeland, and they will transform …
“The lazy should be instructed that, often, if we do not do what we can when we have the opportunity, soon we will not have the opportunity to do what we want. For the desire of the mind, when it is not accompanied by the appropriate zeal, loses its desire for good works, as it …
