Biography of John Simson

John Simson was an alumnus of the University who was Professor of Divinity from 1708 to 1740.

Simson was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh and studied Divinity at Glasgow in 1694 before continuing his theological studies in the Netherlands. He was Minister of Traquair from 1705 until his appointment to the University Chair in 1708.

During his professorship, Simson was accused of teaching Arminianism (in 1714) and Arianism (1726). His protestations of orthodoxy were upheld by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in the former case, but in 1729 he was found guilty of heresy and prohibited from preaching and teaching. He continued to enjoy his salary and his College house during the eleven years he remained in the Chair, while his teaching duties were performed by the Principal, Neil Campbell.

Summary

John Simson
Clergyman and Theologian
Born 13 July 1667, Cambaston, Scotland.
Died 2 February 1740.
University Link: Alumnus, Professor, University Librarian
GU Degree:
Occupation categories: clergy; theologians
NNAF Reference: GB/NNAF/P162609
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Record last updated: 15th Aug 2017

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus
• Professor
• University Librarian

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Divinity