The National Preacher, Vol. 2. No. 6., Nov. 1827 | Page 5

what is the book of the Acts, but
one continued history of revivals in cities and populous places?
IV. _We should seek the conversion of Cities, because in them the
Adversary reigns with peculiar power._
Experienced Generals bend their most powerful forces against those
positions most strongly intrenched; well knowing, that if these are
subdued, the courage of the enemy is daunted, his plans marred, and
that what remains may fall an easy conquest. Why then should
Christians leave to Satan the quiet dominion of cities? He would rather
give up a thousand inland posts, than these strong holds of his empire.
But, Oh, could he be dislodged from these, how paralyzed would be his

arm--how feeble his resistance--how lost his influence! Would you see
the power of Satan in cities? Cast your eye back upon the past. What
were Sodom and Gomorrah? What were Tyre, and Sidon, and Ninevah?
What was Babylon? What was Jerusalem in its latter days, when given
up accursed of God? What were they, but sinks of pollution and
fountains of ruin? And could we draw aside the curtains of darkness,
what might we see in modern cities! Oh, the pollution, and dark waters,
that are open to the eye of God! Oh, the thousand lures to vice! Oh, the
frauds, the oppressions, the numberless wrongs, which break down the
integrity of the young; which harden the middle-aged, and cover gray
hairs with shame, and wretchedness, and ruin! Oh, the dissipations,
over which custom has thrown an influence well nigh omnipotent! Oh,
the tauntings, and the high looks, the stiff neck, and the contemptuous
sneer, with which wealth and station conduct themselves towards the
lowliness of Christian meekness! Oh, the power that nerves itself
against holiness! Wealth and imposing splendour, eloquence and
numbers, are in its ranks. Perjury and cruel mockings are among its
weapons. Oh, the chains of darkness and gates of death, with which the
strong man armed here holds his prisoners! How loudly then do these
demand the commiseration and special effort of those, who would
proclaim liberty to the captives, and life to the dead! And for the
encouragement of the faithful, we add,
V. _There are peculiar advantages for the promotion of Religion in
cities._
God is wont to accompany the efforts of his people with special grace,
whenever they are exposed to extraordinary hazards. So, where peculiar
difficulties obstruct the advance of truth, there will also be found other
circumstances, which, if properly seized, will greatly facilitate the work
of reformation.
In cities, ministers and good men can readily and effectually co-operate
in plans of usefulness. The inhabitants of smaller towns and villages are
too scattered to allow of ready co-operation; but in our cities, a few
minutes may assemble many of those who love the Lord. The dangers
which threaten, or the hopes which gladden, quickly circulate. The

weakness of one portion may be readily sustained by the greater
strength of some other portion. In the multitude of professing
Christians, may be found men of wisdom, of wealth, of enterprise, of
leisure, of devotedness; all of whose varied gifts and talents may be
concentrated for good. Surely these are advantages peculiar to cities.
Too long have we looked upon the might of opposing interests, and
neglected the power which God hath given us. Too long have churches
stood alone, and feebly exerted their separate influences. But in a union
of the efforts of churches the increase of power may be immense; for
whilst "one shall chase a thousand, two shall put ten thousand to
flight."
It is by the means which cities afford for ready co-operation, that Satan
and his followers have in all ages achieved so much. They make
common cause. They suffer no differences to divide their strength;
knowing "that an house divided against itself cannot stand." They
combine their forces, in any plan which promises injury to the Christian
interest. Cities furnish to Christians the very same opportunities for
united effort, and thus present peculiar advantages.
Again, cities also furnish advantages for individual exertion. Here a
minister's influence may at once reach, not merely to his own
congregation, but far beyond. Every month he is brought in contact
with some thousands, who may be affected by his faithfulness. And
under his influence, many benevolent and pious institutions may rise
and shine to bless the world.
But it is not to ministers alone, that cities present large fields for
exertion. Private Christians also have abundant opportunities for
usefulness. In the walks of business, the influence of one inflexibly just
man is felt as far as his name is known. If Christians, in our cities,
would conduct themselves agreeably to the Bible, how awful to the
wicked would be their example! What reformations would be wrought
among the worldly