Dr. William Ellery Channing, writing in 1835, said:
"The adoption of the common system of agitation by the Abolitionists
has not been justified by success. From the beginning it created
alarm in the considerate and strengthened the sympathies of the free
states with the slaveholder. It made converts of a few individuals
but alienated multitudes.
"Its influence at the South has been almost wholly evil. It has
stirred up bitter passions and a fierce fanaticism which have shut
every ear and every heart against its arguments and persuasions.
These effects are more to be deplored because the hope of freedom to
the slaves lies chiefly in the disposition of his master. The
Abolitionist proposed indeed to convert the slaveholders; and for
this reason he approached them with vituperation and exhausted upon
them the vocabulary of reproach. And he has reaped as he sowed....
Thus, with good purpose, nothing seems to have been gained. Perhaps
(though I am anxious to repel the thought) something has been lost
to the cause of freedom and humanity."[69]