When the magistrates heard what Paul had said, and learned that Roman citizens had been scourged and thrust into prison without even a trial, they were very much afraid, for they realized that they might lose their offices. So they came, and led Paul and Silas out of the prison, and expressed a desire that the missionaries leave the city. But the released prisoners had won a great victory; and while they did not flaunt it in the face of their persecutors, they took occasion to go to the house of Lydia, and meet all the Saints. Perhaps Paul reminded the Saints of the night in Jerusalem when Peter was released from prison and came to the house of Mary. Whatever was said, we know that "when he had seen the brethren they comforted them and departed." Luke remained to strengthen and build up the Church in Philippi, and Paul and his other companions went to Thessalonica. LESSON 31 AT THESSALONICA AND BEREA "A constant struggle, a ceaseless battle to bring success from inhospitable surroundings, is the price of all great achievements." "To banish, imprison, plunder, starve, hang, and burn men for religion is not the Gospel of Christ, but the policy of the devil. Christ never used anything that looked like force but once, and that was to drive bad men out of the temple, not to drive them in." It is easy enough to do right when in good company, but it is not easy to defend the right when the majority of the crowd are opposing it; and yet, that is the time to show true courage. The Prophet Joseph, for example, was reviled and persecuted for saying that he had received a vision, but he always remained true to his testimony. Though he "was hated and persecuted yet he said it was true that God had spoken to him, and "_All the world could not make him think or believe otherwise_!" Such is the courage and firmness everyone should have. When one knows what is right one should always have the courage to defend it even in the face of ridicule or punishment. "It's easy enough to be virtuous When nothing tempts you to stray; When without or within No voice of sin Is luring your soul away; But it's only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire: And the soul that is worth The praises of earth Is the soul that resists desire." In the matter of courage to preach the Gospel in the face of bitter persecution, the missionaries at Thessalonica and Berea proved themselves true heroes. After the cruel treatment Paul had received in Philippi, he was not in a condition to endure long travel, and hardship; yet he and his companions traveled over one hundred miles before they reached Thessalonica.