Patrick Simson facts for kids

Patrick Simson (1556–1618) was an important Scottish minister. He served in Stirling during the time of King James VI. Patrick was known for standing up for his beliefs. He was against a church system called Episcopalianism. This system had bishops leading the church.

Even though he disagreed with the King on this, King James respected him. Patrick was born in Perth in 1556. He came from a family of church leaders. His father, Andrew Simson, was also a minister.

Patrick Simson's Early Life & Education

Patrick Simson was born in Perth in 1556. His father, Andrew Simson, was a very good Latin scholar. Patrick learned a lot from him. At age 14, he went to St. Mary's College in St. Andrews. He earned his degree in 1574.

Later, he studied privately in England. There, he became very good at Greek. He also learned a lot about ancient history. In 1577, he became a minister in Spott. He also taught Greek in Dunbar. Around 1580, he moved to Cramond.

Standing Up for His Beliefs

In 1584, church leaders were told to agree with episcopacy. This meant promising to obey bishops. Patrick Simson refused to sign this agreement. His uncle, Patrick Adamson, was an archbishop. But Patrick Simson still stood firm.

In 1590, the church leaders sent Simson to Stirling. Stirling was a royal city then. He spent 27 years serving there. He had influence with the King and important nobles.

When the King tried to bring back bishops, Simson strongly opposed it. He was offered a high church position. He was also offered money. But he turned them down. He did not want to agree with the changes.

Patrick Simson signed a protest against bishops in 1606. He also helped ministers who were in trouble. He was a moderate person. He tried to keep peace in the church. He was always loyal and respectful to the King.

A Dedicated Minister & Scholar

Patrick Simson was a constant student. He even learned Hebrew after he turned 50. He loved studying early church history. Other ministers often asked him for advice. He was a successful preacher and pastor.

His church members loved him very much. He helped bring peace to Stirling. The city used to have street fights. He stayed in his post even during a plague. He risked his life to help his community.

When he was very ill, many people visited him. They wanted his blessing. Patrick Simson died on March 31, 1618. He was 62 years old. He was buried in the church in Stirling. People remembered him as a "famous and worthy" leader.

Patrick Simson's Family

Patrick Simson married Martha Barroun first. She was the daughter of the leader of Edinburgh. They had three sons who became ministers. They also had a daughter named Lilias. She married John Gillespie, another minister.

After Martha passed away, he married a daughter of John Barroun.

Patrick Simson's Writings

Patrick Simson wrote several books. They were about church history.

• A Short Compend of the History of the first Ten Persecutions moved against Christians (1613–1616)
• A Short Compend of the Growth of the Heresies of the Roman Anti-christ (1616)

His brother later combined and republished these works. The new title was The History of the Church since the Days of our Saviour Jesus Christ until the Present Age (1624).