han a
part."

"Let them not fear ... the fond calumny of _neutrality_; but let
them know that is true which is said by a wise man, _that neuters
in contentions are either better or worse than either side_. These
things have I in all sincerity and simplicity set down touching the
controversies which now trouble the Church of England; and that
without all art and insinuation, and therefore not like to be
grateful to either part. Notwithstanding, I trust what has been
said shall find a correspondence in their minds which are not
embarked in partiality, and which _love the whole letter than a
part_"

Up to this time, though Bacon had showed himself capable of taking a
broad and calm view of questions which it was the fashion among good
men, and men who were in possession of the popular ear, to treat with
narrowness and heat, there was nothing to disclose his deeper
thoughts--nothing foreshadowed the purpose which was to fill his life.
He had, indeed, at the age of twenty-five, written a "youthful"
philosophical essay, to which he gave the pompous title "_Temporis
Partus Maximus_," "the Greatest Birth of Time." But he was thirty-one
when we first find an indication of the great idea and the great
projects which were to make his name famous. This indication is
contained in an earnest appeal to Lord Burghley for some help which
should not be illusory. Its words are distinct and far-reaching, and
they are the first words from him which tell us what was in his heart.
The letter has the interest to us of the first announcement of a promise
which, to ordinary minds, must have appeared visionary and extravagant,
but which was so splendidly fulfilled; the first distant sight of that
sea of knowledge which henceforth was opened to mankind, but on which no
man, as he thought, had yet entered. It contains the famous avowal--"_I
have taken all knowledge to be my province_"--made in the confidence
born of long and silent meditations and questionings, but made in a
simple good faith which is as far as possible from vain boastfulness.

"MY LORD,--With as much confidence as mine own honest and faithful
devotion unto your service and your honourable correspondence unto
me and my poor estate can breed in a man, do I commend myself unto
your Lordship. I wax now somewhat ancient: one and thirty years is
a great deal of sand in the hour glass. My health, I thank God, I