Though None Go with Me Read Online Free

on the edge of tears. “There is all of God that you want,” she said.
    â€œThe Trinity and salvation,” she said, nodding. “I’ll accept the one by faith, but the other is much clearer now.”
    The pastor seemed amused. “I have studied Scripture since Bible school and find salvation God’s greatest mystery. I’m grateful Paul writes that we ‘may know.’ I rest in that.”
    Elisabeth immediately said, “First John 5:13, ‘These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.’”
    Pastor Hill nodded, moisture from his forehead collecting in the creases beside his mouth. “Unfathomable love and grace is beyond me and most everyone but young girls.”
    Elisabeth scowled, wondering if he was criticizing her naivete.
    His sad smile was like his wife’s. It was as if he could read her mind. “I pray you will always stay close to Christ, despite any cost. True devotion requires sacrifice.”
    â€œIt hasn’t so far,” she said, and that made him smile again.
    He gazed at her, and she wondered if the meeting was over. She had more questions now than when the conversation had started. He reached for his Bible. “I need to tell you,” he said, “that when you feel drawn closer to God, you must remain open to his call. The nudging in your spirit may be evidence that God wants more from you. And Jesus said that to whom much is given—”
    â€œâ€˜Of him shall be much required,’” Elisabeth said. “‘And to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.’ Luke 12:48.”
    â€œYou are remarkable,” the pastor said, leafing through his Bible. “Elisabeth, Paul counts all things but loss compared to knowing Christ and knowing the power of Christ’s resurrection. The power that raised Jesus from the dead can work in our lives. Think of it! But see what follows. As Shakespeare would say, here’s the rub. Read it.”
    â€œâ€˜â€¦ and the fellowship of his sufferings.’”
    The pastor appeared to look upon her with pity.
    â€œWhat does it mean?” she said.
    â€œThe more of God you want, the more of Christ you’ll get. Most are content to stay out of the deep water.”
    â€œI can’t tell if you’re warning me or encouraging me.”
    â€œBoth, Elisabeth. God does not call us to a closer walk to make our lives easier. Pray about your desire for a closer walk,” he said. “I know few with the stomach for the cost. If you are called, you must go. But the rewards are few.”
    He seemed to rouse from a reverie and smiled at her. “There have been costs,” he said. “But I am without regret.”
    Elisabeth wanted to ask what his walk with God had cost him, but she dared not. “I’ve taken too much of your time,” she said.
    â€œNot at all,” he said. “Let me pray for you before you go. Margaret, would you be so kind.” Mrs. Hill laid her hand gently on Elisabeth’s shoulder as the pastor knelt. A lump rose in Elisabeth’s throat.
    â€œFairest Lord Jesus,” he began, “to you who promise to be both mother and father to the orphan, I plead for a touch on Elisabeth’s life. She seeks a closer walk. May she be willing despite a cost you never reveal in advance, lest we faint at the weight of it. May she follow completely the one in whom there is no change, neither shadow of turning.”
    The pastor remained kneeling as if too spent to rise. Mrs. Hill’s cheeks shone with tears, and Elisabeth could not even express her thanks.

CHAPTER THREE
    E lisabeth walked home at twilight. She was about to cross to the other side of West Michigan Street when she saw Will Bishop ahead on his bicycle, gas lamp lighter held aloft. In knickers and cap, he