“I did not know,” said Ernest, “but that you might have an ambition for something higher.”
“Higher!” exclaimed Mildred in surprise. “What can be higher?”
“I did not mean ‘higher’ in the sense that you understand,” replied Ernest, “but the world, you know, regards some other professions as higher.”
“But the ministry is not a profession,” answered Mildred. “I cannot imagine what greater honor a human being can enjoy than to be called to do God’s work.”
“I have now no greater ambition myself than to be an humble minister of the gospel,” replied Ernest.
“It is well,” said the Doctor, “that you employ the word humble. I am sorry to say that there are ambitious men in the Church who desire to acquire great reputation as preachers, and who seek after high places in the Church. I hope you have no such disposition as that?”
“No, Doctor, if I know my own heart. I desire to be useful.”
“Let us be plain,” continued the Doctor, “that you may not, in the future, regret the step you have taken. Be sure that you are influenced by the proper motives. I hope you have not entered into a sort of contract with the Lord—that is, you do not propose to become a minister because God has brought you safe out of the war?”