Page:Dictionary of National Biography volume 08.djvu/393

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Campbell
389
Campbell

led him to teach the 'universality of the atonement.' This gave great dissatisfaction to some of his parishioners, who in 1829 petitioned the presbytery about it. This petition was, however, withdrawn. The nature of his views may be gathered from his 'Sermons and Lectures,' published at Greenock in 1832. About this time he became a warm friend of Edward Irving. As Campbell did not modify his views, in March 1830 a petition from twelve of his parishioners became the foundation for a presbyterial visitation and ultimately of a 'libel' for heresy. The 'libel' was duly considered and found relevant. The case now went up to the synod, and thence to the general assembly, which, after a hasty examination, found Campbell guilty of teaching heretical doctrines concerning 'assurance' and 'universal atonement and pardon,' and deprived him of his living. The effect of the sentence being to close the pulpits of the national church against him, Campbell spent two years in the highlands as an evangelist. His friend Edward Irving had at this time founded the catholic apostolic church, and some of his followers made considerable efforts to persuade Campbell to join it. His refusal to do so did not break his friendship with their leader, and Irving's last days were soothed by his intercourse with Campbell. From 1833 to 1859 he ministered to a fixed congregation in Glasgow with such success that a large chapel had to be erected for his use in 1843. He was, however, careful to avoid any attempt to found a sect. In 1838 he married Mary, daughter of Mr. John Campbell of Kilninver, and in 1851 he published a small volume on the eucharist, entitled 'Christ the Bread of Life,' and five years later a work called 'The Nature of the Atonement,' a theological treatise of great value which passed through five editions, and has had considerable influence on religious thought in Scotland. In 1859 his health gave way, and he was compelled to give up all ministerial work, many of his congregation by his advice joining the Barony church, of which Dr. Norman McLeod was pastor. From the time Campbell left Row he never received any remuneration for his labours. In 1862 he published 'Thoughts on Revelation.' His health compelled a retired life, varied by occasional intercourse with such friends as Thomas Erskine of Linlathen, Dr. Norman McLeod, Bishop Ewing, the Rev. F. D. Maurice, and Mr. D. J. Vaughan. In 1868 he received unsought the degree of D.D. from the university of Glasgow. In 1870 he removed to Roseneath to live, and in the following year commenced 'Reminiscences and Reflections,' an unfinished work which was published after his death (1873) under the editorship of his son, the Rev. Donald Campbell. In 1871 a testimonial and address were presented to him by representatives of most of the religious bodies in Scotland. Dr. Campbell died on 27 Feb. 1872, and was buried in Roseneath churchyard. Long before his death he had come to be looked up to as one of the intellectual leaders of the time, and in religious questions his opinion carried more weight than that of any other man in Scotland. Besides the works before mentioned, Dr. Campbell published 'The whole Proceedings in the Case of the Rev. John McLeod Campbell,' 1831, and various single sermons.

[J. McL. Campbell's Reminiscences and Reflections; Donald Campbell's Memorials of John McLeod Campbell, D.D.; Oliphant's Life of Edward Irving; Hanna's Letters &c. of T. Erskine; Life of Bishop Ewing; St. Giles' Lectures on Scottish Divines; Story's Life of R. Story of Roseneath; information kindly communicated by the Rev. Donald Campbell, M.A., vicar of Eye. An admirable account of Dr. Campbell's views is given in Scottish Influence upon English Theological Thought, by Dr. J. Vaughan (Contemporary Review, June 1878).]


CAMPBELL, NEIL (d. 1627), bishop of Argyll, was parson at Kilmartin and chanter of the diocese in 1574. He was a member of the assembly in 1590, and one of the assessors appointed by the moderator. In 1606 he was promoted to the bishopric of Argyll, but held it for only two years, resigning it in favour of his son in 1608. He had a very high reputation personally and as a pastor, and when other bishops were lampooned he alone was not. 'Solus in Ergadiis præsul meritissimus oris.' He was a member of the assembly 8 June 1610, having continued to discharge his duties as pastor. He died in 1627. Two of his sons were promoted to bishoprics, John to Argyll and Neil to the Isles.

[Keith's Scottish Bishops, p. 290; Hew Scott's Fasti, iii. 11.]


CAMPBELL, Sir NEIL (1776–1827), general, second son of Captain Neil Campbell of Duntroon, was born on 1 May 1776. He was gazetted an ensign in the 6th West India regiment on 2 April 1797, and exchanged into the 67th regiment on 29 Oct. 1798. He was for a time the commanding officer in the Caïcos or Turks Islands, and was publicly thanked by the inhabitants. On 23 Aug. 1799 he purchased a lieutenancy in the 57th regiment, and in 1800 returned to England and volunteered to join the