Wallace
had disclosed his wish, and mode of effecting this renovation of public
happiness, before he left Stirling. It contained a plan of military
organization, by which each youth, able to bear arms, should not only
be instructed in the dexterous use of the weapons of war, but in the
duties of subordination, and above all, have the nature of the rights
for which he was to contend explained to him.
"They only require to be thoroughly known, to be regarded as
inestimable," added he; "but while we raise around us the best bulwark
of any nation, a brave and well-disciplined people; while we teach them
to defend their liberties, let us see that they deserve them. Let them
be men, contending for virtuous independence; not savages, fighting for
licentious unrestraint. We must have our youth of both sexes, in towns
and villages, from the castle to the cot, taught the saving truths of
Christianity. From that root will branch all that is needful to make
them useful members of the state-virtuous and happy. And, while war is
in our hands, let us in all things prepare for peace, that the sword
may gently bend into the sickle, the dirk to the pruning-hook.
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