important that they should be converted? And wherefore
so heavy a curse, unless the power of their example was great?

But still more particular and urgent are his instructions--The
disciples, when sent forth, were admonished that they would be "as sheep
in the midst of wolves;"--that they would be exposed to many and severe
trials. And surely, under such circumstances, human nature would plead,
that, when persecuted in the city, they might turn to the less
prejudiced inhabitants of the country. But no: the command is, "When
they persecute you in one city, flee ye into another; for, verily, I say
unto you, ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son
of Man be come."

It is true, that in the last great commission, in which the world was
spread before them as the field, every limitation was taken off, save
that they should begin at Jerusalem. Still the example of the apostles
is worthy of notice. For whilst several of them continued for years in
Jerusalem,--notwithstanding the persecutions which they
experienced--others went forth, and immediately preached the gospel of
their ascended Saviour in other great cities of the world.

Paul and Barnabas are found at Antioch, the capital of Pisidia. From
Antioch they went to Iconium, the metropolis of Lyconia. Thence to
Derbe, another city of Lyconia. In that embassy, they also preached at
Lystra, and Perga, and many other cities. Soon after this, Paul said
unto Barnabas, "Let us go again, and visit our brethren in every city
where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do." Paul
expressed an ardent desire to be at Jerusalem on the feast-days:--"For
he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem, the day of
Pentecost;" for then thousands of strangers would be there
assembled--"Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers of
Mesopotamia," and of many other places. In Rome, too, that imperial
city, did this apostle continue for two years, preaching the gospel of
Christ. There he established a Christian church, to which he addressed
the noblest epistle ever written. Of Philip it is recorded, that
"passing through, he preached in all the cities, till he came to
Cesarea." The apostles and disciples, then directed their attention very
particularly to cities.

III. _Cities were the theatres of the Holy Spirit's first and most
illustrious achievements._

Open the book of the Acts, and mark how and where the Spirit of God
accompa