“So when any of the four pillars of government, are mainly shaken, or weakened (which are religion, justice, counsel, and treasure), men had need to pray for fair weather.”

I'm not quite sure of the premise but, the follow through reasoning is sound. By definition, philosophical socialism when acted upon is a religion of diminishing justice, counsel and treasure. Those of Islam that follow a strict adherence to Sharia law with a Jihadist mentality have a similar end as to the socialist. Those calling themselves Christians and not following the Christ's teachings of love and peace replicate the shaking and weakening of that which is the noble being, man. Etc., Etc., Etc.

More troubles, murders, wars, witch burnings, beheadings, and so on have happened in the name of religion, than from almost any other cause.

jim, to be sure - your statement is accurate. I think my statement was a little more harsh. We really shouldn't throw out the baby with the bath water. Religion has also solved more troubles, prevented more murders, wars, etc. than any other source. It was my experience participating in the clean up of both Katrina and Sandy that religions had more feet on the ground helping than did government (and they were more organized, friendly, got more done, etc.). Religion seems to bring out the best and worst in people. I'm sure Bacon's reference here was to the best in men.