If the restoring us to our Old Constitution in this Instance were ever necessary, ’tis more eminently so at this time, when our next Neighbours of Scotland are by Law armed just in the manner we desire to be, and the Union between both Kingdoms not perfected.  For the Militia, upon the Foot it now stands, will be of little Use to us:  ’tis generally compos’d of Servants, and those not always the same, consequently not well train’d; rather such as wink with both Eyes at their own firing a Musket, and scarce know how to keep it clean, or to charge it aright.  It consists of People whose Reputation (especially the Officers) has been industriously diminished, and their Persons, as well as their Employment, rendred contemptible on purpose to enhance the Value of those that serve for Pay; insomuch that few Gentlemen of Quality will now a-days debase themselves so much, as to accept of a Company, or a Regiment in the Militia.  But for all this, I can never be persuaded that a Red Coat, and Three Pence a Day, infuses more Courage into the poor Swaggering Idler, than the having a Wife and Children, and an Estate to fight for, with good wholsome Fare in his Kitchen, wou’d into a Free-born Subject, provided the Freeman were as well armed and trained as the Mercenary.

I wou’d not have the Officers and Soldiers of our most Brave and Honest Army to mistake me.  I am not arguing against them; for I am convinced, as long as there is Work to do abroad, ’tis they (and not our home dwelling Freeholders) are most proper for it.  Our War must now be an Offensive War; and what I am pleading for, concerns only the bare Defensive Part.  Most of our present Generals and Officers are fill’d with the true Sprit of Liberty (a most rare thing) which demonstrates the Felicity of her Majesty’s Reign, and her standing upon a true Bottom, beyond any other Instance that can be given; insomuch, that considering how great and happy we have been under the Government of Queens, I have sometimes doubted, whether an Anti-Salick Law wou’d be to our Disadvantage.

Most of these Officers do expect, nay (so true do I take them to be to their Country’s Interest) do wish, whenever it shall please God to send us such a Peace as may be relied upon both at home and abroad, to return to the State of peaceable Citizens again; but ’tis fit they should do so, with such ample Rewards for their Blood and Labours, as shall entirely satisfy them.  And when they, or the Survivors of them, shall return full of Honour and Scars home to their Relations, after the Fatigues of so glorious a Service to their Country are ended; ’tis their Country’s Duty to make them easy, without laying a Necessity upon them of striving for the Continuance of an Army to avoid starving.  The Romans used to content them by a Distribution