Christianity--'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