2. He was a _bold_ preacher. Worldly prudence would have
constrained him to go softly at Thessalonica, after his
experience at Philippi, lest he arouse opposition and meet again
with personal violence; but, instead, he says: "We were bold in
our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention."
Personal considerations were all forgotten, or cast to the winds,
in his impetuous desire to declare the Gospel and save their
souls. He lived in the will of God, and conquered his fears. "The
wicked" are fearful, and "flee when no man pursueth; but the
righteous are as bold as a lion."
This boldness is a fruit of righteousness, and is always found in
those who are full of the Holy Ghost. They forget themselves, and
so lose all fear. This was the secret of the martyrs when burned
at the stake or thrown to the wild beasts.
Fear is a fruit of selfishness. Boldness thrives when selfishness
is destroyed. God esteems it, commands His people to be
courageous, and makes spiritual leaders only of those who possess
courage (Joshua i. 9).
Moses feared not the wrath of the king, refused to be called the
son of Pharaoh's daughter, and boldly espoused the cause of his
despised and enslaved people.
Joshua was full of courage. Gideon fearlessly attacked one
hundred and twenty thousand Midianites, with but three hundred
unarmed men.
Jonathan and his armour-bearer charged the Philistine garrison
and routed hundreds singlehanded.
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