Thoreau's attitude toward reform involved his transcendental efforts to live a spiritually meaningful life in nature. This statement brings Thoreau back to his original point at the beginning of the essay. The standing army is only an arm of the standing government. This is not exactly what Thoreau is advocating. While he seems to notice that these men value their conscience, this is not really enough for Thoreau.
Actions speak louder than words.
One of the main reasons that Thoreau resisted government was because he did not believe in slavery. He felt that he good not in good conscience take part in a government that supported slavery. Consider how Thoreau defines liberty. Although he eventually changed his mind, Emerson originally believed that the slaves were free in that they never lost the power of their minds. They were always free to think.