Editing Matthew Simpson (section)

==American Civil War==
Before the Civil War, debates over slavery were highly contentious among Northern Methodists, but Simpson did not take sides, playing instead a moderate and cautious role. With the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, he became a staunch champion of the Union and helped his denomination take a leading role in providing chaplains, volunteers and civilian support for the war effort.<ref>Clark, ''The Life of Matthew Simpson'' (1956) pp. 213, 219</ref>
 
Simpson became a trusted friend of President [[Abraham Lincoln]], who considered his advice of great value.  He attended the family at Lincoln's death and gave the sermon at his funeral in [[Springfield, Illinois|Springfield]].<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Morris|editor1-first=Benjamin Franklin|title=Memorial Record of the Nation's Tribute to Abraham Lincoln ... Compiled by B. F. Moore|date=1866|publisher=W.H. & O.H. Morrison|page=234|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sr9cAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA234}}</ref>  During the War, Bishop Simpson delivered a number of speeches in behalf of [[Union (American Civil War)|the Union]].  He was urged by the Secretary of War to undertake the organization of the [[freedmen]] at the establishment of the Freedman's Bureau.  After the war, Bishop Simpson was invited by [[U.S. Grant|President Grant]] to go as a [[commissioner]] to [[San Domingo]] but he declined both offers.