Stephanos pistou, or, The true Christians character & crown described in a sermon at the parish church of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, July 15, 1669 at the funeral of Mr. William Cade, deputy of that ward / by John Lake.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Pro. 10.7. Sept.

ANd now what have I been doing all this time, but presenting our deceased Bro∣ther before you? In shewing what you should be, I have only shewed what he was; and in shewing what you shall be, I have shewed what he is: And by a meet application of generals to particulars you may read it over in him.

We live in an age wherein we may too truly complain with the Psalmist, * 1.1 The faith∣ful are perished from the children of men: and out of that small remnant which was left, we have now lost one, that might have stood for a great many. A faithful man, and a faithful Christian. One that (according to

the impress of that Company, to which he was a good benefactor) weaved truth with trust, and in so close a web, that nothing could divide betwixt them.

He was faithful to God, and to the interests of Religion. A man of a sober piety, and well tempered zeal. One that affected Re∣ligion for it self, leaving the empty pomp to those that blaze more, but burn less; and was content to be, what they desire to seem. That talkative Religion, which spendeth it self in hearing much, speaking more, and doing nothing, he was not emulous of; but of the active and operative; and instead of speaking great things, did live them. Whilst others were carried about with every wind of Doctrin, he held fast the Profession of his Faith, and died in the Communion of that Church in which he was born, and did the publick Worship reputation by his constant and regular attendance upon it.

He was faithful to the King, as every man that is faithful to God must and will be; for Christianity hath adopted Alliegeance into the Family of Religion, twisted piety with loyalty, and owneth no man as a good Chri∣stian

who is not a good Subject also: and such therefore was he. One that submitted himself to every ordinance of man 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for the Lords sake; and served the King with as much earnestness and diligence, as others oppose him.

He was also faithful to his neighbour. One that did affirm truth, perform promises, keep contracts, that was humble, peaceable, just, merciful; that obliged all, injured or offen∣ded none; and if all were like to him, the word of a Christian might be, as of old it was, the greatest solemnity of stipulation in the world. He was none of those half-faced Christians that clash the two Tables one a∣gainst another, and break the second with the first; who set up the duties of piety for a blind, that they may violate those of justice and charity more secretly and secure∣ly. He was none of those that make long prayers the preface to devouring of Wi∣dows houses, and fasting twice a week the cover for their dishes full of extortion and excess. None of those in short that sue out a divorce betwixt piety and probity; and when they are less than Heathens, will be

more than Christians. Though he could not make our Saviour's challenge, Which of you convinceth me of sin? yet good old Samuel's he boldly might, Whose oxe have I taken? whose ass have I taken? or whom have I de∣frauded, or oppressed? and all that knew him would be his compurgatours. Trace him through all relations and conditions (and there are few which he passed not through amongst you) and you will scarce find a stain, much less a blemish upon his memory.

And as God (who to encourage virtue, oft-times giveth it the earnest of its reward in this life) had raised him to a considerable height: so he did not look from that height with scorn on those below him, but only shed the influences of it with more advantage upon his friends and relations, to whom he was a common store-house. And if it be a piece of gross infidelity not to provide for a mans own; it must be a piece of exemplary Christianity to provide so well for other mens: for which cause I doubt not but God hath given him a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters. * 1.2 And for those that have sustained so great a loss in him, God

for his sake will be ready to supply it out of his own Fulness; and they have one friend more in heaven, though they have one fewer upon earth.

But though his goodness was thus diffusive to his friends and relations, yet it was not confined to them. As the bowels of many poor blessed him whilst he lived, so he hath besprinkled all places, to which he related, with some dews of charity at his death.

And as he did wisely and faithfully employ that Talent of wealth which God had en∣trusted him withall, so likewise did he em∣ploy all his other Talents of parts, and power, and practical prudence (whereof he was a great Master) to their proper ends and intents; whereby he became singularly use∣ful in his place, yea 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a common good. And as the whole City did partake the influ∣ences of his industry, authority, and fidelity, so this Parish above all, whereof he might justly be called the Publick Parent.

And now nothing was left, but that he should be faithful to himself and his own soul: and (knowing this to be his interest, as well as his duty) herein he exercised him∣self,

to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards man. He regulated his affections, moderated his passions, restrai∣ned his members from being weapons of un∣righteousness, and kept himself unspotted from the world. In fine, so had he governed the whole course of his conversation, that as nothing infamous or scandalous appeared to others, so his own conscience did not accuse or upbraid him; but humbly acknowledging his other defaults and defects, he blessed that Grace which had preserved him from the gross pollutions of sin; and though he had (as all have) more than enough to speak him frail man, yet nothing in the least to debauch him either into Beast, or Devil.

But because it is the last Act which crown∣eth all the rest; As living, so dying he re∣tained his integrity; and his Graces shined most when he was about to set; and his light increased, not his shadow. Then you might behold conspicuous in him a patient submissi∣on under Gods mighty hand, an humble re∣signation to the Divine Will; and a truly Christian deportment in all. You might be∣hold much pious devotion, ardent zeal, hea∣venly

delight, stedfast hope in Gods mercy discover themselves, and make him shine through the Cloud. In token that heaven was his center, the nearer he came, he moved the faster towards it. And therefore he was frequent in communicating the Holy Eucha∣rist, as the antepast of it, and the Viaticum of eternal life. When scarce able to speak, he would yet spend his dying breath in exhor∣tations and admonitions to those about him, and was willing therein to give up the Ghost, that he might be indeed faithful unto death.

Thus lived, thus dyed our faithful friend and brother. And now no man will make question but God hath given him the crown of life, who is not either an Infidel himself, or believeth God to be worse than one. If God be faithful, i. e. if God be God, so good and faithful a servant as he was, must be en∣tered into his Masters joy. I leave him there∣fore to the enjoyment of it, and leave you to the imitation of so excellent virtue, till God (in his own due time) shall crown you with him, and both you and he shall be forever with the Lord.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ps. 12.1.
• * 1.2

  Is. 56.5.