Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SIMSONIAN, adj., n. Sc. Church Hist.: relating or adhering to the tenets of John Simson, professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow from 1708–1740, who was censured by the General Assembly for heretical views about universal salvation in 1714 and 1726 and finally suspended from teaching in 1729; as a n., one who supported Simson's doctrine. Hence Simsonianism. Hist.Sc. 1718 News from Bathgate 13, 38:
His Principles are pure Simsonianism. . . . He may a rank Simsonian be for us or Prelatist.Sc. 1730 J. Glas Remarks on Mems. Synod of Angus 81:
Jurants and Nonjurants, Simsonians and Anti-Simsonians.
