So it is in the case before us.

Hence they, who lived even in early times, and favoured this great cause, may be said to have been necessary precursors in it.

And here it may be proper to observe, that it is by no means necessary that all these should have been themselves actors in the production of this great event.

Persons have contributed towards it in different ways:--Some have written expressly on the subject, who have had no opportunity of promoting it by personal exertions.

Others have only mentioned it incidentally in their writings.