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.