II. _Christ, in his instructions to his disciples, particularly directs
their attention to cities and large towns._

"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Into
whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and
there abide till ye go thence. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor
hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the
dust of your feet. Verily, I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable
for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the day of judgment, than for
that city." How solemn, yet well defined were these instructions. How
strongly must the twelve have been impressed with the importance of
special exertion in large towns and cities. "After these things, the
Lord appointed seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face,
into every city and place, whither he himself would come. And he said
unto them, Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such
things as are set before you, and heal the sick that are therein, and
say unto them, the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into
whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out
into the streets of the same, and say, even the very dust of your city,
which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you. But I say unto you, it
shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for
that city." Wherefore should so much stress be laid upon cities, unless
it was peculiarly 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