William Ellery Channing (1780 – 1842) was the foremost Unitarian preacher in the United States in the early nineteenth century and one of Unitarianism’s leading theologians. He was a grandson of William Ellery, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. Channing was known for his articulate and impassioned sermons and public speeches, and as a prominent thinker in the liberal theology of the day. His religion and thought were among the chief influences on the New England Transcendentalists, though he never officially subscribed to its views.
Quotes by William Ellery Channing…
One great thought breathed into a man may regenerate him.
His individual dignity, not derived from birth, from success, from wealth, from outward show, but consisting in the indestructible principles of his soul — this ought to enter into his habitual consciousness.
The idea of God is the idea of our own spiritual natures enlarged to infinity.
In this patient, though uncheered obedience, we become prepared for light. The soul gathers force.
