5. *If then we take this word in the strictest sense, a man of a _Catholic spirit_, is one who in the manner above-mentioned, _gives his hand_, to all whose _hearts are right with his heart_. One who knows how to value, and praise God, for all the advantages he enjoys; with regard to the knowledge of the things of God, the true scriptural manner of worshipping him; and above all, his union with a congregation, fearing God and working righteousness. One who retaining these blessings with the strictest care, keeping them as the apple of his eye, at the same time loves as friends, as brethren in the Lord, as members of Christ and children of God, as joint-partakers now of the present kingdom of God, and fellow-heirs of his eternal kingdom, all of whatever opinion or worship or congregation, who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; who love God and man; who rejoicing to please and fearing to offend God, are careful to abstain from evil and zealous of good works. He is the man of a truly _Catholic spirit_, who bears all these continually upon his heart, who having an unspeakable tenderness for their persons, and longing for their welfare, does not cease to commend them to God in prayer, as well as to plead their cause before men: who speaks comfortably to them, and labours by all his words, to strengthen their hands in God. He assists them to the uttermost of his power in all things, spiritual and temporal. He is ready _to spend and be spent for them_; yea, _to lay down his life for_ their sake. 6. Thou, O man of God, think on these things. If thou art already in this way, go on. If thou hast heretofore mistook the path, bless God who hath brought thee back. And now run the race which is set before thee, in the royal way of universal love. Take heed, lest thou be either wavering in thy judgment, or straitened in thy bowels. But keep an even pace, rooted in the faith once delivered to the saints, and grounded in love, in true Catholic love, till thou art swallowed up in love for ever and ever. SERMON XL. CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. PHIL. iii. 12. _Not as tho’ I had already attained, either were already perfect._ 1. THERE is scarce any expression in holy writ, which has given more offence than this. The word _perfect_ is what many cannot bear. The very sound of it is an abomination to them. And whosoever _preaches perfection_ (as the phrase is) _i. e._ asserts that it is attainable in this life, runs great hazard of being accounted by them, worse than a Heathen man or a Publican.