Francis Bacon and his secret society - Grand Lodge of Colorado

AND HIS SECRET SOCIETY. 101
That the work of the Spirit, though it be not tied to any
means in heaven or earth, yet is ordinarily dispensed, by the
preaching of the word, . . . prayer and reading, by God's benefits.
His judgments and the contemplation of His creatures.
Since most of these means are cut off from those who are
plunged in dark, gross ignorance, an improved method of study
must precede the universal reformation which Bacon contemplated
in literature, science, philosophy, and in religion itself.
To bring about such a reformation would be the greatest boon
which could be conferred upon suffering humanity. By God's
help he could and would bring it about.
It would be almost unreasonable to suppose that the boyphilosopher
did not communicate the germs of such thoughts
and aspirations to the father to whom he was deeply attached,
and whose ideas are known to have been in close sympathy with
those of his favourite son. Dr. Rawley says, significantly:
" Though he was the youngest son in years, he was not the lowest
in his father's affection; " and, as has been said in a previous
chapter, the visions
of Francis seem to have been in some degree
foreshadowed by or based upon earlier plans of the old
Treasurer. At all events, the sagacious father seconded the
plans, and perceived the growing genius of his favourite son, and
when Francis complained that he was being taught at Cambridge
mere words and not matter, Sir Nicholas allowed him to
quit the university, and Francis, after lingering a year or more
at home, at his own desire, and, most probably, in accordance
with a conviction which he afterwards expressed, that " travel
is in the younger sort a part of education, "was sent in the train
of Sir Amias Paulet, the Queen's Ambassador to France, " to
see the wonders of the world abroad.
Hitherto we have scarcely mentioned Anthony Bacon, the
elder of the two sons of Sir Nicholas by his second wife, Lady
Anne; and, indeed, very little is known to the world in general
of this man, who yet, we have reason to believe, was a very
remarkable person, and who, although he rarely appeared upon
the scene, yet played a very important part behind the curtain,
where by and by we will try to peep. Anthony was two years