In other words, he has been a sustainer or "saviour," not a reformer of society.
"A Handbook to the Works of Browning (6th ed.)"
Mrs. Sutherland Orr
His eyes gleamed with joy at sight of the translucent potent stuff-the very stuff of life, its essence and prime principle, without which neither plant nor animal nor man can live-oxygen, mother of all life, sustainer of the world.
"The Air Trust"
George Allan England
But this joy of his had its complement and sustainer in a marvel, a portent vouchsafed to him, as he believed and averred, that same evening and journey.
"The God of Love"
Justin Huntly McCarthy