Channing, William Henry

William Henry (1810-1884), an American clergyman. He was born in Boston, graduated from Harvard in 1829, entered the Unitarian ministry, preaching with much success in several American cities. He was a fine extemporaneous speaker. Later he settled in England as pastor of Hope Street Chapel in Liverpool. He was for two years chaplain of the Senate at Washington, but after the Civil War resided continuously in England. He published Memoirs of Dr. William Ellery Channing, Life and Writings of James H. Perkins, and, in connection with Ralph Waldo Emerson and James Freeman Clarke, Memoirs of Madame Ossoli.

To live content with small means--to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion--to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich--to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly--to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart--to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never. In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.--William Henry Channing.