Sir Francis Bacon (1564-1627) and Sir Edward Coke were bitter rivals. They were both considered for the post of Attorney General, but the nod went to Coke. Francis courted Elizabeth Hatton, a young widow at 20. She broke off the relationship to marry a wealthier suitor, none other than Edward Coke. Bacon went on to distinguish himself on many fronts. He was a pioneer in the modern scientific method. He played a leading role in establishing English colonies in North America. He was unrivaled in writing prose (some speculate he was a ghostwriter for Shakespeare). He was devoted to Christ and wrote substantial theological works. He was a member of Parliament and became Lord Chancellor, the highest position in England’s legal profession. Bacon’s accomplishments came crashing down in 1621 when he was accused of taking bribes. Bacon pled guilty while insisting that he never allowed a gift to pervert the cause of justice. Some reputable historians insist he was framed. The prosecuting attorney was his old nemesis, Sir Edward Coke. Bacon was banned from office and spent the last five years in seclusion. After Bacon’s death, this prayer was found in his papers, composed during his impeachment trial:
Sir Francis Bacon
Most gracious Lord God, my merciful Father, from my youth my Creator, my Redeemer, my Comforter. You, Lord, search the depths and secrets of all hearts, you acknowledge the upright, you judge the hypocrite, you ponder men’s thoughts and doings as in a balance, you measure their intentions with a line, vanity and crooked ways cannot be hid from you. Remember how your servant has walked before you, remember what I have first sought, and what has been principal in my intentions…Thousands have been my sins, and ten thousand my transgressions, but your sanctifications have remained with me, and my heart through grace. O Lord, my strength, I have since my youth met with you in all my ways, by your fatherly compassions, by your comfortable chastisements, and by your most visible providence. As your favors have increased upon me, so have your corrections; so as you have been always near me, O Lord, and ever as my worldly blessings were exalted, so secret darts from you have pierced me; and when I ascended before men, I have descended in humiliation before you. Besides my innumerable sins, I confess that I am a debtor for the gracious talents of your gifts and graces… Be merciful to me for my Savior’s sake, and receive me into your bosom and guide me in your ways…
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.