Matthew Arnold had a brother-in-law, Mr. Cropper, who lived
in Liverpool, and attended Sefton Park Church, where Dr. John
Watson (“Ian Maclaren”) ministered. Visiting Mr. Cropper, Mr.
Arnold accompanied him to church one Sunday morning, which
proved to be Arnold’s last Sunday on earth. Dr. Watson preached
on “The Shadow of the Cross”; and the congregation afterward
sang the familiar hymn, “When I survey the wondrous cross.” At
lunch that day Mr. Arnold referred to an illustration which
the preacher had drawn from the Riviera earthquake. “In one
village,” said Dr. Watson, “the huge crucifix above the altar,
with a part of the chancel, remained unshaken amid the ruins,
and round the cross the people sheltered.” “Yes,” remarked
Arnold in speaking of this, “the cross remains, and in the
straits of the soul makes its ancient appeal.” (Text.)
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