The fact is, there are only three real divisions of time in any language, because there are only three in nature, and the ideas of all nations must agree in this respect.  In framing language it was found impossible to mark any other distinctions, without introducing other words than those which express simple action.  These words became compounded in process of time, till they are now used as changes of the same verb.  I would here enter into an examination of the formation of the tenses of greek, latin, french, spanish, and german verbs, did I conceive it necessary, and show you how, by compounding two words, they form the various tenses found in the grammars.  But it will be more edifying to you to confine my remarks to our own language.  Here it will be found impossible to distinguish more than three tenses, or find the verb in any different form, except by the aid of other words, wholly foreign from those that express the action under consideration.

It is by the aid of auxiliary verbs that the perfect, pluperfect, or future tenses are formed.  But when it is shown you that these are principal verbs, and like many other words, are used before the infinitive mood without the word to prefixed to them, you will perceive the consistency of the plan we propose.  That such is the fact we have abundant evidence to show, and with your consent we will introduce it in this place.  I repeat, all the words long considered auxiliaries, are principal verbs, declarative of positive action, and as such are in extensive use in our language.  We can hardly agree that the words will, shall, may, must, can, could, would, should, etc. have no meaning, as our grammars and dictionaries would teach us; for you may look in vain for a definition of them, as principal verbs, with a few exceptions.

The reason these words are not found in the same relation to other words, with a to after them, is because they are so often used that we are accustomed to drop that word.  The same may be said of all small words in frequent use; as, bid, do, dare, feel, hear, have, let, make, see, and sometimes needs, tell, and a few others.  Bid him go.  I dare say so.  I feel it move.  We hear him sing. Let us go. Make him do it.  He must go thro Samaria. Tell him do it immediately.

It is a singular fact, but in keeping with neuter verb systems, that all the neuter verbs as well as the active, take these auxiliary or helping verbs, which, according to their showing help them do nothing—­“express neither action or passion.”  A wonderful help indeed!

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