Archibald Simson facts for kids

Archibald Simpson was an important Scottish church leader. He was born in 1564. His father, Andrew Simpson, was also a minister. Archibald studied at the University of St Andrews. He became a minister, just like his father.

Archibald Simpson's Life Story

Early Years and Education

Archibald Simson was born in 1564. He was likely born in Dunbar, Scotland. His parents were Andrew Simson and Violet Simson. Violet was the sister of Patrick Adamson, who was an archbishop. Archibald's brother was Patrick Simson.

Archibald went to the University of St. Andrews. He finished his studies in 1585. The next year, he started helping his father. His father was a minister in Dalkeith, Midlothian. When his father passed away, Archibald took over the church.

He became known as a good poet. He even caught the attention of Sir John Maitland. Sir John was a powerful Scottish leader. Thanks to Sir John, Dalkeith became its own parish in 1592.

Standing Up for the Church

Archibald Simson believed the church should be independent. He thought it should not be controlled by the king. In 1605, he arrived late to a big church meeting. This meeting, called the General Assembly of Aberdeen, went against the king's wishes.

Even though he was late, Archibald supported the meeting's decisions. He told others he agreed with everything. Because of this, he was called before the Privy Council. This was a group of the king's advisors. He promised to act more calmly in the future.

Later, five ministers were put on trial. They were accused of treason for holding the meeting. Archibald went to support them. He showed he still believed in the church's independence.

Facing Challenges

In 1615, Archibald was attacked. A man named Robert Strachan hurt him. Strachan had to do public penance for this. He had to stand in sackcloth in churchyards.

In 1617, Archibald again stood against the king. A new law was proposed in Parliament. It would let the king make church rules. He could do this with advice from bishops. Many church leaders worried about this.

Archibald and 54 other ministers wrote a protest. They said the law would break church rules. They believed church laws should be made by church meetings. Archibald was chosen to give this protest to the king. He gave a copy with only his signature.

The proposed law was stopped. But King James was very angry. Archibald was called before the Court of High Commission. This court had power over church matters. He lost his job and was sent to Aberdeen.

In December, he admitted his "offence." He was then allowed to return to his church. He was called to court again in 1620. But a powerful friend, William, Earl of Morton, helped him. Archibald did not have to go to court. He passed away in December 1628 in Dalkeith.

Family

Archibald Simson was married twice.

• His first wife was Katherine Crichton. She passed away before 1607. They had three children:
  • Christian
  • Elizabeth
  • Jean
• His second wife was Elizabeth Stewart. They married before September 1607. She was still alive when Archibald passed away.

Works

Archibald Simson was also a writer. He wrote several books and poems. Many of his works were about religious topics.

Some of his known works include:

• Christes Testament unfolded; or seauen godlie and learned Sermons on our Lords seauen last Words spoken on the Cross (1620)
• Heptameron; the Seven Days; that is, Meditations and Prayers upon the Worke of the Lords Creation (1621)
• Samsons seaven Lockes of Haire allegorically expounded (1621)
• Hieroglyphica Animalium, Reptilium, Insectorum, &c. quæ in Scripturis Sacris inveniuntur (1622–4)
• A Sacred Septenarie, or a Godly Exposition of the seven Psalmes of Repentance (1623)
• Life of Patrick Simson (printed in 1845)

He also wrote a congratulatory poem for King James VI. It was called Philomela Dalkeithiensis. Some of his writings are still in manuscript form today. These include Historia Ecclesiastica Scotorum and Annales Ecclesiæ Scoticanæ.