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of us commit what people call the worst sins, but others commit those that aren’t so looked down on in society. But in the sight of God, when we sin, no matter whether the sin is bad or not so bad , we’ve all broken God’s law. So someone who commits murder is a lawbreaker, and someone who says an unkind thing about his neighbor is a lawbreaker. Do you see? We classify sins, but God doesn’t do that.”
    â€œI . . . I don’t understand. Aren’t some sins worse than others?”
    â€œI suppose some sins bring more disaster into our lives. If you murder someone, you’re liable to get hanged for it. If you only gossip about them, or are unkind, that won’t happen. But in God’s sight, it all comes from a heart not right with Him. It’s all lawbreaking and must be confessed to Him so it can be forgiven.”
    For a long time Elizabeth sat there speaking quietly to her friend. She quoted many verses about God’s love and abundant mercy to forgive and encouraged her. Finally she said, “Rhoda, remember. It was Mary Magdalene, a scarlet woman, no more than a prostitute, who brought the good news of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus to His disciples. Think about that.”
    As Rhoda listened, a ray of hope began to appear in her eyes, and she looked up, her hands clasped tightly together. “Oh, Elizabeth, I do so want to be a good wife to Paul.”
    â€œYou will be.”
    â€œBut all the men—”
    â€œDon’t think about that. Shut the door on it. If the devil comes to you and reminds you of your past, tell him he’ll have to go to Jesus. You’ve given everything to the Lord. You truly are clean and forgiven now. He doesn’t remember what is under the blood.”
    Rhoda’s eyes became misty. “Can I really do that, Elizabeth?”
    â€œYes!” Elizabeth said firmly. “We’ll pray that God will make you the best wife who ever lived—that you and Paul will have a wonderful family, and that you will never again go back and dig up these old things from your past.” She bowed her head and prayed fervently, “Dear God, I pray you keep this woman safe. You have cleansed her as white as the snow through your blood, Lord Jesus. And now give her strength to be a good wife to Paul, who will serve you as your minister. In the name of Jesus, I ask it.”
    Rhoda reached over and clutched Elizabeth tightly. “Thank you, Elizabeth,” she said in a choking voice. “I . . . I think I can do it now.”
    It took some time for Rhoda to compose herself, but finally the two women went out and Elizabeth saw that the men had been waiting for her. She went over to Hawk and said, “You take good care of these two, and of yourself.”
    â€œI will.” Hawk looked at Andrew. “Son, remember. Take care of your mother and your sister while I’m gone.”
    â€œI will, Pa.”
    They stepped outside and Hawk, Sequatchie, Paul, and Rhoda mounted the horses. Rhoda Harper looked at Paul, who smiled at her, and then she turned again to Elizabeth. “Good-bye, Elizabeth . . . and thank you.”
    As they rode away from the small homestead, Paul finally asked, “What did you and Elizabeth talk about?”
    Rhoda smiled mysteriously. “She was just giving me some sound advice on how to be a good wife.”
    Paul urged his horse closer to hers. He reached over and took her hand and held it for a moment. His plain face was wreathed with smiles, and a gleam of happiness sparkled in his eyes. “You’re going to be the best wife a man ever had! You’ll see, Rhoda . . . !”

Chapter Four
    Sixteenth Birthday
    Jacob Spencer woke up with a violent start. He had been dreaming something and could not remember what it was—except that it was very bad. He shook his head and passed a trembling hand in front of his eyes. For some time he lay there,