was Jerusalem in its latter days, when given up accursed of God?
What were they, but sinks of pollution and fountains of ruin? And could
we draw aside the curtains of darkness, what might we see in modern
cities! Oh, the pollution, and dark waters, that are open to the eye of
God! Oh, the thousand lures to vice! Oh, the frauds, the oppressions,
the numberless wrongs, which break down the integrity of the young;
which harden the middle-aged, and cover gray hairs with shame, and
wretchedness, and ruin! Oh, the dissipations, over which custom has
thrown an influence well nigh omnipotent! Oh, the tauntings, and the
high looks, the stiff neck, and the contemptuous sneer, with which
wealth and station conduct themselves towards the lowliness of Christian
meekness! Oh, the power that nerves itself against holiness! Wealth and
imposing splendour, eloquence and numbers, are in its ranks. Perjury and
cruel mockings are among its weapons. Oh, the chains of darkness and
gates of death, with which the strong man armed here holds his
prisoners! How loudly then do these demand the commiseration and special
effort of those, who would proclaim liberty to the captives, and life to
the dead! And for the encouragement of the faithful, we add,

V. _There are peculiar advantages for the promotion of Religion in
cities._

God is wont to accompany the efforts of his people with special grace,
whenever they are exposed to extraordinary hazards. So, where peculiar
difficulties obstruct the advance of truth, there will also be found
other circumstances, which, if properly seized, will greatly facilitate
the work of reformation.

In cities, ministers and good men can readily and effectually co-operate
in plans of usefulness. The inhabitants of smaller towns and villages
are too scattered to allow of ready co-operation; but in our cities, a
few minutes may assemble many of those who love the Lord. The dangers
which threaten, or the hopes which gladden, quickly circulate. The
weakness of one portion may be readily sustained by the greater strength
of some other portion. In the multitude of professing Christians, may be
found men of wisdom, of wealth, of enterprise, of leisure, of
devotedness; all of whose varied gifts and talents may be concentrated
for good. Surely these are advantages peculiar to cities. Too long have
we looked upon the might of opposing interests, and neglected the power
which God hath given us. Too long have churches stood