Dealing with the Commons, his policy was "to be content with the substance and not to stand on the form." Dealing with the King, he was forward to recognise all that James wanted recognised of his kingcraft and his absolute sovereignty.

Bacon assailed with a force and keenness which showed what he could do as an opponent, the amazing and intolerable grievances arising out of the survival of such feudal customs as Wardship and Purveyance; customs which made over a man's eldest son and property, during a minority, to the keeping of the King, that is, to a King's favourite, and allowed the King's servants to cut down a man's timber before the windows of his house.

But he urged that these grievances should be taken away with the utmost tenderness for the King's honour and the King's purse.

In the great and troublesome questions relating to the Union he took care to be fully prepared.

He was equally strong on points of certain and substantial importance, equally quick to suggest accommodations where nothing substantial was touched.