The soldier was withdrawn from all useful labour.

He produced nothing: he consumed the fruits of the industry of other men; and he domineered over those by whom he was supported.

But the nation was now threatened, not only with a standing army, but with a Popish standing army, with a standing army officered by men who might be very amiable and honourable, but who were on principle enemies to the constitution of the realm.

Sir William Twisden, member for the county of Kent, spoke on the same side with great keenness and loud applause.

Sir Richard Temple, one of the few Whigs who had a seat in that Parliament, dexterously accommodating his speech to the temper of his audience, reminded the House that a standing army had been found, by experience, to be as dangerous to the just authority of princes as to the liberty of nations.