W.H. Channing
William Henry Channing (1810 - 1884) was a clergyman, philosopher, poet and prolific journalist, contributing to a number of magazines such as the North American Review, The Dial and The Christian Examiner. Born in Boston, he graduated from the Harvard Divinity School in 1833 and served at Unitarian churches in New York, Ohio, Washington, D.C., and England before becoming Chaplain of the U.S. Congress. Channing also became a leader in a movement of Christian socialism, and was a strong supporter of women's rights (Susan B. Anthony was a member of his congregation in Rochester, New York). He married Julia Allen in 1836 and they had three children. In 1850, he was appointed to the National Women’s Rights Committee. Channing was also a close friend of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
W.H. Channing’s touching poem reminds us of the joys that come with simplicity of life. The mainspring of that life is a heart that is open to seeing – and celebrating – the wonder and opportunity in every moment. Continue reading →
