We ourselves can die with comfort and even with joy if we know that death is but a passport to blessedness, that this intellect, freed from all material chains, shall rise and shine.

He was baptized as an infant by Bishop Francis Asbury. In 1859 Bishop Simpson changed his residence from Pittsburgh to Evanston Illinois where he accepted the position of President of the Garrett Biblical Institute (now Garrett–Evangelical Theological Seminary). Matthew's uncle also was Matthew Simpson who also emigrated from Ireland to America in 1793.

For the Brisbane Bears player see Matthew Simpson (footballer).