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.—­Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” On another occasion, it is said, “Then began he to upbraid the cities, wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.  Wo unto thee, Chorazin; wo unto thee, Bethsaida; for if the mighty works which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.  And thou Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.  But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, in the day of judgment, than for thee.”  Thus it appears that the All-wise Saviour thought it proper to devote much of his ministry to cities and large towns.

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