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