Charles E. Cowman delivers a sermon on the importance of surrendering to God's guidance, emphasizing the human tendency to want to control our own paths instead of allowing God to lead us. Through powerful poetry by George MacDonald, Cowman illustrates the internal struggle between our desires and God's will, highlighting the need to trust in God's wisdom even when His ways seem challenging or different from what we expect.

"O Lord , I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23). "Lead me in a plain path" (Ps. 27:14). Many people want to direct God, instead of resigning themselves to be directed by Him; to show Him a way, instead of passively following where He leads. --Madame Guyon 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 came He; And I walk in a light Divine, The path I had feared to see. --George MacDonald