Read this excerpt Emerson wrote about John Brown and answer the question. It is easy to see what a favorite he will be with history, which plays such pranks with temporary reputations. Nothing can resist the sympathy which elevated minds must feel with Brown, and through them the whole civilized world, and if he must suffer, he must drag official gentlemen into an immortality most undesirable, of which they have already some disagreeable forebodings.

Why did the author most likely include this description of John Brown?

to highlight Brown's knowledge of his potential impact on history
to indicate that high opinions of Brown will likely be impermanent
to present offensive warnings about the limitations of Brown's heritage
to emphasize an enduringly compassionate tone toward Brown's legacy