hristianity--'Go at once, and preach unto these mine enemies repentance
and remission of sins. Let them have the opportunity of salvation
through my blood--even that blood which their own wicked hands have
shed.'

This direction to the first preachers of the cross, to begin at
Jerusalem, suggests the general thought,

THAT IT BECOMES CHRISTIANS, IN ALL AGES, TO MAKE SPECIAL EFFORTS FOR THE
CONVERSION OF CITIES AND LARGE TOWNS.

This thought may be illustrated and enforced, from the example and
instructions of Christ and his apostles; from the early and signal
visitations of the Spirit on cities; from the power with which Satan
reigns in them; and from their relative importance, and influence on the
world.

I. _Our Saviour devoted his personal ministry very much to cities and
large towns._

Says Matthew, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of
commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to
preach in their cities." Mark speaks of Him as follows: "And in the
morning, rising up a great while before day, he departed into a solitary
place, and there prayed: and Simon, and they that were with him,
followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All
men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns,
that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth." Luke informs
us, that, on another occasion, He said unto those who sought him, and
who urged him that he should not depart from them, "I must preach the
kingdom of God to other cities also, for therefore am I sent."

From many other passages of Scripture, also, we learn of Christ's
preaching in cities. "And behold, the whole city came out to meet
Jesus." "And all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?" "And many of
the Samaritans of that city believed on him." He is also found in
Jericho, and in Capernaum. His wonders are made known at Chorazin and
Bethsaida. His walks are along the shores, where commerce and trade had
congregated vast multitudes. Jerusalem he repeatedly visits--especially
on the anniversaries of religious festivals; when his instructions might
fall upon the ear of assembled thousands; and through them be conveyed
to every town and village of the land. On one occasion, when he was come
near to the city, "he beheld and wept over it, saying, if thou hadst
known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong to
thy peace; but now are they hid from thine eyes.--