CHANNING.*

BY H. T. TUCKERMAN.

ography prepared by his nephew, recounts the few incidents of his career, and gracefully unfolds the process of his growth and mental history.

It is seldom that ethical writings interest the Half a century ago, there might have been seen multitude. The abstract nature of the topics threading the streets of Richmond, a diminutive they discuss, and the formal style in which they figure with a pale, attenuated face, eyes of spir- are usually embodied, are equally destitute of itual brightness, an expansive and calm brow, that popular charm that wins the common heart. and movements of nervous alacrity. An abstrac- A remarkable exception is presented in the litetion of manner and intentness of expression de-rary remains of Channing. The simple yet comnoted the scholar, while the scrupulously neat, prehensive ideas upon which he dwells, the tranyet worn attire, as clearly evidenced restricted quil gravity of his utterance, and the winning means and habits of self-denial. The youth was clearness of his style, render many of his producone of those children of New England braced tions universally attractive as examples of quiet by her discipline, and early sent forth to earn a and persuasive eloquence. And this result is position in the world, by force of character and ac- entirely independent of any sympathy with his tivity of intellect. He was baptized into the fra- theological opinions, or experience of his pulpit ternity of Nature by the grandeur and beauty of oratory. Indeed, the genuine interest of Dr. the sea as it breaks along the craggy shore of Channing's writings is ethical. As the champion Rhode Island; the domestic influences of a Pu- of a sect, his labors have but a temporary value; ritan household had initiated him into the moral as the exponent of a doctrinal system, he will convictions; and the teachings of Harvard yield-not long be remembered with gratitude, because ed him the requisite attainments to discharge the world is daily better appreciating the religious the office of private tutor in a wealthy Virginia sentiment as of infinitely more value than any family. Then and there, far from the compan- dogma; but as a moral essayist, some of the more ions of his studies and the home of his childhood, finished writings of Channing will have a permathrough secret conflicts, devoted application to nent hold upon reflective and tasteful minds. books and meditation, amid privations, compara- His nephew has compiled his biography with tive isolation, and premature responsibility, he singular judgment. He has followed the method resolved to consecrate himself to the christian of Lockhart in the life of Scott. As far as posministry. Illness had subdued his elasticity, care sible, the narrative is woven from letters and diashadowed his dreams, and retirement solemnized ries, the subject speaks for himself, and only his desires. Thence he went to Boston, and for such intermediate observations of the editor are more than forty years pursued the consistent given as are necessary to form a connected whole. tenor of his way as an eloquent divine and pow- Uneventful as these memoirs are, they are inerful writer, achieving a wide renown, bequeath-teresting as revelations of the process of culture, ing a venerated memory and a series of dis- the means and purposes of one whose words courses, reviews and essays, which, with remark- have winged their way, bearing emphatic mesable perspicuity and earnestness, vindicate the sages, over both hemispheres,-who, for many cause of freedom, the original endowments and years, successfully advocated important truths; eternal destiny of human nature, the sanctions and whose memory is one of the most honored of religion and "the ways of God to man." of New England's gifted divines. Sectarian controversy, the duties of the pastoral To Dr. Channing's style is, in a great degree, office, journeys abroad and at home, intercourse ascribable the popularity of his writings; and we with superior minds and the seclusion made ne- are struck with its remarkable identity from the cessary by disease,—the quiet of home, the re- earliest to the latest period of his career. A pefining influence of literary taste and the voca- tition to Congress, penned while a student at the tions of citizen, father and philanthropist, occu- University, which appears in these volumes, has pied those intervening years. He died one beau- all its prominent characteristics—its brief sentiful October evening at Bennington, Vermont, tences, occasionally lengthened where the idea while on a summer excursion, and was buried at requires it-its emphasis, its simplicity, directMount Auburn. A monument commemorates ness and transparent diction. This is a curious the gratitude of his parishioners and the exalted evidence of the purely meditative existence he estimation he had acquired in the world. A bi-must have passed; for it is by attrition with other minds and subjection to varied influences, that *Memoir of William Ellery Channing, with extracts the style of writing as well as the tone of manfrom his correspondence and manuscripts. In three volumes. Boston: William Crosby and H. P. Nichols. Lon-ners undergoes those striking modifications which don: John Chapman. 1848. we perceive in men less intent upon a few

VOL. XV-4

thoughts. His character is, therefore, justly de- it were, incidentally, are revealed to less sensiscribed as more indebted to "the influences of tive and thoughtful minds. Hence religion, both solitary thought than of companionship." Such from his instinct and his circumstances, became is the process by which all truth becomes clearly early a necessity; and truth the only sustaining impressed and richly developed to conscious- aliment of his lonely and aspiring heart. We ness; on the same principle that, according to are not surprised that a man so constituted should Mary Wollstonecraft, reflection is necessary to the find his experience opposed to the fallacious norealization even of a great passion. "I derive tion that youth is necessarily the happiest season my sentiments from the nature of man," says one of life. Lord Bacon says, that natures so liable of Channing's letters. Perhaps it would have to great perturbations, only attain the self-combeen more strictly true if he had said one man; mand, and aptitude so requisite for action, at mafor an inference we long ago derived from his turity. To such, existence is too oppressive, at writings, we find amply confirmed in these me- first, to be pleasurable. There must intervene moirs-that he was a very inadequate observer. an epoch of struggle and conflict. The sensiSome of his attempts to portray character are bilities cloud perception; doubt obscures truth; as complete fancy-sketches as we ever perused. emotion prohibits calmness. Through repeated They show an utter blindness to the real traits experiments, long reflection, vague excitement even of familiar persons. Beautiful in themselves, and alternations of fear and hope, the spirit gradit is usually from the graceful drapery of his im- ually wins its advent into clearness and trust. agination that the charm is derived. Indeed, Dr. Harmony is induced after repeated discords. A Channing hardly came near enough to see the genuine relation to life and nature is, by degrees features in their literal significance. He drew only, made apparent and confidently seized upon. almost exclusively from within. His subjects Chaos must come again, as it did to the baffled were what the lay-figure is to the artist-frames warrior, ere peace succeeds disappointment, and for his thoughts to deck with effective costume. faith perplexity. In these memoirs, this transiWhen he reasoned of a truth or an idea, he was tion is distinctly marked, and was gratefully remore at home; for in the abstract he was at lib-alized.

erty to expatiate, without keeping in view the To chasten and subdue feeling was, in his actual relations of things-the stern facts and view, no small part of a wise morality. Among bare realities of life and character. Indeed, the chief attractions of a future state to him, nothing can be more delightful to a refined and thoughtful mind, than to follow Channing in his exposition of a striking idea or truth-so clearly and dispassionately stated, then gradually unfolded to its ultimate significance, with, here and there, a striking illustration; and then wound up, like a fine strain of music, which seems to raise us more and more into light and tranquillity on in-sensibility overawed by reverence-than which no visible pinions!

was the reconciliation which he believed would there occur between the reason and the heart. It was this attempt to suppress emotion which gave to his elocution its persuasive charm. The depth of the under-current was revealed by a prolonged intonation, almost tremulous yet singularly firm-suggesting a power restrained, a

phase of oratory is more truly affecting. And yet Physical causes had no inconsiderable effect in the man who could so impress an audience, selmodifying the action and shaping the career of dom called out, in personal intercourse, any of Dr. Channing. His early letters exhibit a phase the latent sentiment of others. He inspired resof character, which almost totally disappears as pect more than he won confidence. His thoughts he advanced in life. A romantic hue, a spirit of interested his friends more than himself. His good-fellowship, natural and beautiful in youth, name was an exponent of certain principles asand a sympathy with national and political move-sociated with human progress and moral truth, ments, indicate that his original tendencies would rather than an endearing household spell. In have led to statesmanship, literature, or a still conversation he appeared mainly intent upon more active vocation. The solitude in which gleaning from his auditors new facts to aid his he lived at the South, as tutor in a private family, his early responsibility consequent on the death of his father, his narrow pecuniary resources and an illness which forever shattered his originally vigorous constitution,-all combined to thrust him, as it were, back upon himself; to bring him in contact with stern and oppressive realities at an early age, and render peculiarly vivid the consciousness of wants, capacities, and infirmities which only slowly and, as

own speculations. If they had seen a new country, undergone a peculiar experience, or reflected deeply on general truth, he sought, by rigid inquiry, to elicit the result. Thus as a moralist, he pursued the same course as Goethe in his literary vocation-seeking to make his fellow creatures objective, recoiling from assimilation, and repelling all sympathetic approach, in order to render them subservient to a professional end. It is hardly extravagant to say that men

of this stamp, that is, with great self-esteem posed to contradict; but history and experience are and at the same time metaphysical, artistic or continually demonstrating the superiority of inphilanthropic tastes, regard human nature very nate over acquired influences. Character has much as geologists regard the earth-as a won- been most aptly defined as an instinct. Many derful cabinet on a grand scale, whence to draw of Dr. Channing's views were derived purely gems of truth, or specimens of character, for the from his own individual sense of a truth; very advantage of mankind. few of them from a wide and inductive obserNotwithstanding the apparent enthusiasm in vation. He was a man of the closet, a lookerregard to military prowess, it is evident that on in the world,-thoughtful, conscientious and moral courage is better understood as civiliza- deeply interested in many of the grand probtion advances. The conviction has dawned lems to be solved,-yet too far removed from even upon the common mind that tranquilly and the scene to estimate all its agencies, or perceive with firmness to withstand public opinion, in a its entire consequences. Thus, in his essay on righteous cause, and be loyal to personal con- Napoleon, he weighs him in the balance of disvictions, demands a manliness of character as interested virtue and finds the modern conqueror rare as it is noble. No small part of the energy infinitely wanting; but of the relation in which which lends impressiveness to Dr. Channing's his achievements stand to the past and future, in writings, arises from the exercise of this valo- a grand providential scheme of social regenerarous disposition. To one who witnessed the tion, he seems never to have dreamed. scene, for instance, when his election sermon The influence exerted and the reputation acwas delivered in Boston, there remains a deep quired by Dr. Channing, is a striking instance of sense of the power of truthful oratory. In this the triumph of consistency. The absence of discourse, he elaborately defined his idea of free- versatility in his nature is remarkable. We dom. Every sentence commencing, "I call that scarcely know a parallel case in regard to any mind free," told upon the audience. As he de- writer so generally recognized as eloquent. The scribed the narrowing effect of bigotry, some traces of personal experience, observation of naof the prominent representatives of a tyrannical ture, or intimacy with books, are comparatively priestcraft, actually writhed in their seats; and rare. Everywhere we discern the evidences of those who sympathized in the largeness and ele- a life apart from human interests as they usually vation of his doctrine, exhibited in their enkin- affect the individual. He reasons like one who dled faces, the best response to his earnest plea has no personal stake in the issue of the quesfor the spontaneous and untrammelled action of tion. A tone of superiority, a conscious exempindividual thought. tion from the ruling passion of the hour, make We demur somewhat to one of Dr. Chan- him often appear like a judicious and benevoning's favorite opinions—the equality of human lent arbitrator between humanity and the world, nature. In his zeal for the dignity of man, he rather than a participant in the struggles, griefs overlooks not a few of the indisputable facts of and pleasures of life. This partly arises from nature; and indeed often manifests an unphilo- the singleness of purpose and unity of thought sophical dislike to recognize what is opposed to to which we have alluded. He harps always his own views, however true. Thus, in a letter on one string. His mind revolves around a few to Combe acknowledging a copy of his work on great truths. He is like one who looks upon a Man, he says "The phrenological part I fear wide landscape through the single loophole of did me little good. I have a strong aversion to an isolated and majestic tower. The music of theories which subject the mind to the body." his soul is often grand, but it is, after all, a monoSuch is by no means the case with phrenology tone. His favorite theme was the essential digjustly interpreted;-it being rather the science nity of human nature, its capacity of progress of connection between material and spiritual at- and immortal destiny. Upon these convictions tributes-indicating their mutual relation; but, he founded his moral system; and his various were it otherwise, the question for a great think- essays and addresses are only varied illustrations er to decide is as to its truth; he must reverent- of their claims. The process of his mental dely explore, not presuppose, the laws of nature. velopment seems to have been little more than In regard to human equality, more impartial frequent and continuous reflection upon these observation would have led Dr. Channing to ideas; and the power over other minds which realize permanent natural distinctions in his fel- he thus attained, is a proof of the superior value low-creatures. There is, unquestionably, a no- of concentration over the diffusive culture of the bility based upon this diversity-an aristocracy age. Dr. Channing appears to have shrunk from which no institutions can repudiate-it being a great familiarity with other minds even through great natural fact. That the capacity of pro- their writings. We perceive no evidence of that gress exists almost universally, we are not dis- cordial sympathy with authors, which breaks out

so genially in the correspondence of other gifted [glance over the records of biography to perceive men. His criticism on Milton is rather an in- that there is a distinct class of men who represent tellectual recognition of his genius than an af- the saintly, as others do the heroic and political fectionate tribute. In fact, in his studies as in character. The retiracy in which such natures his life, the predominant aim seems to have been ripen, was sought of old in the hermitage and self-possession. As he was accustomed to en- convent; and now, as in the instance before us, velop his delicate frame with the utmost care, to in a kind of self-imposed monachism. It is, guard against the bleak atmosphere, so he strove however, a serious question whether, after all, to throw a mantle of reserve around his spirit ;- this is a healthful species of moral development. shunning the gregarious, intimate and familiar, Let any human being of strong will, live upon and seeking to draw from others aliment to his a fixed system of meditative retirement, and his own mind, rather than buffet with them the waves passions will grow calm, his interest in outward of controversy, or mingle with them the glow of life diminish, and, with the requisite temperaemotion or the stream of thought. ment, he easily becomes rapt in spiritual ecstaThis unsocial disposition is likewise, in no small sies. When a man is endowed with remarkadegree, referable to the reaction of an impres-ble conscientiousness and veneration, as well sible organization. His biographer judiciously as gifts of mind, he seems ordained to promuldefends it by declaring that Dr. Channing was gate truth and quicken in others the sentiments "keenly sensitive to the morbid feelings by which so active in himself. Such was the case with untuned spirits communicate their discord even Dr. Channing. Yet to us his memory is halto one who has attained serenity." It is said of lowed, because he was so "clear in his great ofBonaparte that he could, by an effort of will, fice," rather than from an unreserved admiration discharge his face of all expression; and there of his personal example. As a moral rhetoriare persons who, in a similar manner, can ward cian, his labors have reflected honor on his name off the ungenial, while in contact with it, by and country; as a man—there were peculiarities inducing an abstracted or antagonistic mood. arising from education, physical constitution, and Channing seems to have been so alive to physi- tendencies of nature, which rendered him a very cal and moral influences, that his comfort was only incomplete representative of humanity. No one secured by an icy barrier which chilled intruders. more eloquently discoursed of philanthropy; but It is singular, however, to observe, that while he his interest in man, in the abstract, was no test felt it to be his sacred, individual right thus to of his ready sympathy with the individual. Inkeep others shivering in the vestibule of his deed, we have observed one trait in modern phisoul's temple, towards the race in general, the lanthropists which has sometimes reconciled us community at large, the broad interests of so-to the culture of humbler virtues. They are, ciety, he appears to have been always conscious generally speaking, the last men to whom are of a very near and responsible affinity. He writes confided personal griefs, or whose exclusive amiof the elevation of the laboring classes, the des- ty is sought. They generalize with the heart tinies of Europe and the political aspects of his as well as the mind; burn with indignation at own country, as if they were somewhat assigned the wrongs inflicted on the natives of Africa, to his keeping. He seems always to feel, in re- while often profoundly indifferent to the true gard to "human nature,” as Hazlitt declares welfare of one of their own household. How Wordsworth does towards the outward universe, often some desolate human being, touched by a personal interest. Sometimes it would almost their written appeals in behalf of a distant class appear as if he were in a manner accountable, as of sufferers, is inspired with confidence to make an individual, for the advancement of the race; them the recipients of secret troubles-to seek as if he were a prophet or a law-giver commis- from them counsel and encouragement in lonesioned like those who ruled and guided the cho-liness and doubt. A benevolent father of the sen people of God. He often speaks "as one Catholic church, by the mere claim of his vocahaving authority." This tone, though to the tion, a warm-hearted sailor by the very candid practical observer it is sometimes amusing, was generosity of his soul, or one of Nature's sisters doubtless instinctive. Dr. Channing consciously of charity-encountered, as they are, in all the felt that the legitimate scope for his thought and circles of life-were a surer ark of refuge. The inspiration for his feelings, lay in progressive views of the professed lover of his race are too views of society and widely-diffused sympathy expansive. His benevolence is purely speculafor man. tive. His sympathy with man, is like that which

The remark of one of the schoolfellows of Chan- the mere botanist has for a flower, or the surgeon ning when the latter was cited as an example-"it for a human form. It is rather professional than is easier for him to be good"-at once recognizes natural; and he who has sought a conference with a peculiar moral idiosyncracy. We need but to such in order to relieve his overcharged heart, finds

his utterance choked, his tears frozen, and every cially had the affections of his nature been as hope of recognition die within him! In these individual as his intellectual processes, he would remarks, we design no indiscriminate applica- instinctively have cultivated the social duties and tion to the revered subject of the memoir be- sentiments, and recognized in them, no small fore us. He accomplished good enough in his part of the grace and benignity of life. But his own way—perhaps the only one in which his ill-health, the stern influences of his early life, efficiency was certain; but we desire to repudi- the habit so remarkable in New England of reate the common notion, that usefulness-in its garding character at the two extremes of right highest sense is confined to those broad fields and wrong; and suspecting all zest of life as of philanthropic enterprise, which an influential intrinsically evil, led him to cherish will beyond class among us seems to regard as the only le- sentiment, to feel with singular force, the respongitimate arena of benevolence. We remember, sibility incident to the right of choice in action; as if it were but yesterday, at the close of a win- and hence to lean towards stoicism and penance. ter's day, soon after Dr. Channing's return from It is true, that as years advanced, the overstrainEurope, when his slender form all at once ap-ed chords were a little relaxed, and he began to peared before a group of mourners—one of the realize how much innocent delight is attainable families of his parish, who were bereaved, during through a receptive, truthful, genial spirit. He his absence, of their dearest earthly friend. As observed to one of his most intimate companhe stood among them in the twilight, and the ions, as this softer experience dawned upon his flickering blaze revealed his high and placid mellow faculties,-that perhaps he had made a brow, the eyes of one of those motherless chil- grand mistake--perhaps the most happy and satdren—(in whose mind his image was associated isfactory life was one passed in the free and earnwith the sweetest counsels of maternal tender- est exercise of the affections and sympathies. ness, and upon whom his priestly hand had been Egotism was a striking trait in Dr. Channing. laid in baptism)-instinctively sought his face He was jealous of the least encroachment upon with a penetrating glance,—a silent appeal for his own individuality. The first person singular some word of solace in that dark hour. At constantly appears on every page of his writings; length he spoke—but it was to exclaim, "What and we learn from the letters now first published, a mysterious Providence!" The scene had awa- that his views of mental philosophy correspondkened a speculative reverie, and not one tear of ed with this egotistical instinct. There is a cucommiseration. His mind was busy in the at-rious subject of speculation and one which we tempt to reconcile to itself a sad visitation; but believe has not yet been satisfactorily discussed— his heart swelled not at the sight of the young the relation of egotism to genius and virtue. A band left alone to the perils of the world. And peculiar self-confidence, in a certain sphere, uniwhen he rose to depart, and looked back upon formly characterizes great men in every departthem, it was only to remark, I am going to ment. Indeed, an ingenious writer * almost my solitary home." His own family had not yet makes it appear, that decision of character is returned from their country residence. In a few the essence of all superiority—and this is but the days at least, their presence would brighten his result of personal conviction-or faith in the refireside, while those he left, were destined for sults of one's own thoughts. Where this quality years to a home made solitary by death! This predominates-if united with any real moral or incident illustrates the truth we design to sug- intellectual ability, it renders its possessor, in a gest that the sympathetic and reflective char- measure, oracular. His opinions are rather anacter have distinct provinces of action, and that nounced as truths than suggested as possibilities. any one who, from the perusal of these interest- His calm trust in himself communicates itself to ing memoirs, should deem their subject a model his writings and acts, and hence the authority to be practically adopted, with a view to attain they exert over the multitude. We deem this the same moral results, would commit an egre- vivid sense of personality-this disposition to gious error. The truth is, the essence of Dr. view all subjects in the light of conscious reflecChanning's life appears in his writings. There tion, as the trait which gives nerve and clearness he emitted the vital aura of his few days of health. to Dr. Channing's diction, and impressiveness to There he embodied the energy of feeling which his style. He had the serious, collected air of other and less distinguished men give to the of- one who had enjoyed special revelations; who fices of friendship and love. He found, at an early occupied a higher platform than his fellows, and age, that he must decide between the free exercise like the mystics of the east,-by a singular disof social habits and feelings, and a sphere of utili- cipline and seclusion, had attained clearer glimpty based essentially upon contemplation. Had he ses of the unseen and the eternal. Egotism, if it possessed a greater mobility of character, power

66

of adaptation, and facility of intercourse; espe- John Foster.