“Yes,” remarked Arnold in speaking of this, “the cross remains, and in the straits of the soul makes its ancient appeal.” This recalls an incident mentioned in a lecture, when the speaker described a scene in Paris in which a number of men, when a cathedral was dedicated on a hill, attempted to blot out the illumination of the cross on the spire by raising large clouds of smoke with chemicals. “Instead of blotting it out,” said the lecturer, “the cross stood out in greater magnificence and splendor.” Never does the Cross fail men in their need; but “His cross like a far-seen beacon stands In the midst of a world of sin; And stretched out are His bleeding hands To gather the wanderers in.” The truth of reliance upon the Christ of the Cross is well brought out in “Rock of Ages” The original title of this hymn was “A Living and Dying Prayer for the Holiest Believer in the World.” But, as a matter of fact, the hymn is a favorite of the best saint and the worst sinner. It can be used appropriately in every condition of life. In a shipwreck off the Bay of Biscay, the last man who left the ship said he heard the passengers singing, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee!” The glory of the Cross found an impressive testimony in Henry Drummond’s Hymn on His Last Sunday Death called the brilliant Henry Drummond hence while he was still in the prime of life. On the afternoon of the last Sunday he spent on earth this noble Scotchman, with his scientific mind and evangelical spirit, heard his friend, Dr. Barbour, play to him the music of the hymn, “Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Languid?” and other hymn tunes. There was no response. Then he tried the old Scots melody of “Martyrdom,” to which Drummond beat time with his hand, and joined in the words: “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, Or to defend His cause; Maintain the honor of His word, The glory of His cross.” When they finished singing this hymn by Isaac Watts, Drummond said, “There’s nothing to beat that, Hugh.” The following Thursday he passed to greet his Lord of whom he had been a radiant follower. The everlasting Gospel of the Cross is assuredly The Only Word for Discord and Distress