Walther on Reviving Congregations

If you want to revive your future congregations and cause the Spirit of peace, joy, faith, and confidence, a childlike spirit, and a restful Spirit to take up residence among the members of your congregation, do not, for God's sake, use the Law to bring that about. Even if you find your congregation to be in the worst condition imaginable, you must indeed preach the Law to them. But follow it up immediately with the Gospel. Do not give the Law to them today and then postpone preaching the Gospel to them until a later date. As soon as the Law has done its work the Gospel must take its place.

C.F.W. Walther

Law and Gospel, p. 434