He was a good man, and a wise man. He was one of the most
eloquent clergymen ever born in this country, and as sincere a
friend of individual man and of the race in general as ever
lived.
He was an enthusiast and an optimist--admirable combination.
He was born in 1810, and died in 1884. His biography has been
written by Octavius B. Frothingham.
Channing saw the world through generous, charitable eyes.
He was an ardent admirer of Charles Fourier, and appreciated the
philosophy and social law-giving of that gigantic intellect.
The quotation we print above is an index to his whole character,
just as one flower tells the story of the beautiful garden in
which it grew.
Channing, unlike many sayers of fine things, was personally as
fine as the things he said. He was worthy even of his own best
thoughts, and that can be said for few fine thinkers.
Admire him. Read some of his sermons and other writings if you
have the chance.