in cities: such are the occupations, such the
habits, such the temptations, and such the superabounding iniquity, that
it were visionary to hope for any general and powerful work of mercy.'
Well, then, had we not better give all up; and let human nature here
sink into its natural channels; and let multitudes before our eyes
continue to crowd the gates of the second death! O God, forbid such
cowardice, cruelty, and treachery in thy servants! No; we will not thus
surrender immortals. While there is grace or even nature in our hearts,
we will not. We have, indeed, heard of difficulties, till the heart is
pained, and the soul is wearied. But where are these insuperable
difficulties to be found? Not in the Scriptures of God, surely; not in
the result of apostolic labours; but in the unbelief and inaction of
modern Christians. "God is no more hostile to cities than to villages:
his Spirit is as free, and his offers of salvation as full, to the
people of the crowded city, as of the open country." Let the advantages
then be embraced. Let the power be concentrated. Let the sacramental
host arise; and the work is done. And instead of being overwhelmed with
shame and deserved reproach, we may joyfully say to such as pass by;
"Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof; mark
ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the
generation following. For this God is our God for ever and ever." "Then
the sons also of them that afflicted Zion shall come bending unto her;
and all they that despised her shall bow themselves down at the soles of
her feet; and they shall call her the City of the Lord--the Zion of the
Holy One of Israel."

VI. _A sixth reason for special efforts in behalf of Cities is, the
influence which they exert on the country and on the world._

Look to any nation, whether ancient or modern; throw the map before you;
fix your eye upon the spots that bear rule; that command the attention
of the enterprising, and busy the thoughts of statesmen. You have fixed
it upon the cities of the world. Where was the strength of Italy, if not
in Rome, once mistress of the world? Where the strength of Greece, if
not in Athens, the mother of arts and refinement? And where is the
strength of our Republic, if not in our cities and large towns? There
talent in every art and profession is fostered, and exerts peculiar
influence. There wealth concentrates its millions upon millions, to
exert exte