The Streets I Feared to See

I referred to this poem on Chris' Blog, so I thought it would be good to post the whole thing.

It illustrates the general attitude Christians have held for some time regarding the cities. However, it also illustrates hope; In the end, God prevails.

The Streets I Feared to See

I said: "Let me walk in the field;"
God said: "Nay, walk in the town;"
I said: "There are no flowers there;"
He said: "No flowers, but a crown."

I said: "But the sky is black,
There is nothing but noise and din;"
But He wept as He sent me back,
"There is more," He said, "There is sin."

I said: "But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun."
He answered: "Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone."

I said: "I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say,"
He answered me, "Choose tonight,
If I am to miss you, or they."

I pleaded for time to be given;
He said: "Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in heaven
To have followed the steps of your Guide."

I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said: "My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"

Then into His hand went mine
And into my heart cam He;
And I walk in a light Divine,
The streets I had feared to see.

George MacDonald (1824-1905)