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The expectation of solid happiness is thus held out in our path—‘A faithful Minister ought to be the happiest and most cheerful of human beings.’—Bishop Jebb’s Charge. ‘A clergyman who has his heart in his work’ (not only ought to be, but) ‘is the happiest of men.’—Bishop of Chester’s Primary Charge. Let us mark this happiness realized in persevering self-devotedness—‘I do not wish for any heaven on earth, besides that of preaching the precious gospel of Jesus Christ to immortal souls. I wish for no service but the service of God, in labouring for souls on earth, and to do his will in heaven.’—Henry Martyn. ‘I esteem the Ministry the most desirable employment in the world; and find that delight in it, and those advantages from it, which I think hardly any other employment on earth could give me.’ Dr. Doddridge—‘There is nothing out of heaven, next to Christ, dearer to me than my Ministry.’ Rutherford—‘Now after nearly forty years’ preaching Christ, I think I would rather beg my bread all the labouring days of the week, for an opportunity to publish the gospel on the Sabbath, than without such a privilege to enjoy the richest possessions on earth.’ Brown—‘Were God to present me’ (said this excellent man on his death-bed) ‘with the dukedom of Argyll, on the one hand, and being a Minister of the gospel, with the stipend which I have had, on the other, so pleasant has the ministry been to me, notwithstanding all my weakness and fears of little success, that I would instantly prefer the last.’ ‘After nearly thirty-five years’ engagement as a Minister of the gospel, I can declare to the honour of the Master whom I serve, that no moments, next to those of private communion with my God, are to be compared with those in which I am preparing to bring before others the truths which I have enjoyed myself Memoirs of Rev. W. Kingsbury. ‘My employments, which I have always loved, win upon me with fresh charms every day. I think the work of a Minister, where he can know his people, are the very happiest, even while it is the most anxious, on this side heaven.’ Methuen’s Life of Beachcroft.