Patrick Simson

Article summary

Patrick Simson (1566-1618) was a Presbyterian minister who served in Stirling during the reign of James VI of Scotland. Despite his opposition to Episcopalianism, he had the respect of King James and several of his court. He was born in Perth in 1556. He was from a prominent church family and was the son of Andrew Simson, minister of Dunbar. He was educated at St. Mary's College, St Andrews, graduating with an M.A. in 1574. He became a reader at Borthwick and completed his education at Bridgestock in England stopping there while intended for Cambridge as he met a gentleman who allowed him use of his library. He was admitted to Spott in 1577 and translated to Cramond in 1582. He was admitted to the vicarage there on 30 August 1586. He was translated and admitted to Stirling on 7 August 1590. He was presented by James VI on May 1591. When preaching before the King in 1598 he exhorted him to beware "lest he drew on himself secret wrath by setting up manifest idolatry." Immediately after the sermon his Majesty arose and "forbade him to meddle in these matters." He was a member of twelve out of fifteen Assemblies held prior to 1610. Simson was proposed by Assembly of 1606 "Constant Moderator" of Presbytery, but he lost to James Nicolson. He drew up a Protest to Parliament against the introduction of Episcopacy on 1 July 1606.…

Key claims

1. date of birth: 1556 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
2. date of birth: 1556 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
3. date of birth: 1590 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
4. date of death: 1618-03-31 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
5. date of death: 1618-03-31 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95

Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. The record states that the date of birth is "1556". What evidence would count against this claim?
3. The record states that the date of birth is "1556". What evidence would count against this claim?
4. The record states that the date of birth is "1590". What evidence would count against this claim?
5. The record states that the date of death is "1618-03-31". What evidence would count against this claim?
6. The record states that the date of death is "1618-03-31". What evidence would count against this claim?
7. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
8. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

1. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1357832105