WILLIAM, a most learned English writer and bishop, was born in Berkshire in England in 1627. He was educated under his father, rector of Sonning, and vicar of Tyehurst in Berkshire; then went to Oxford, and took orders. In 1662 he was made prebendary of Rippon; and in 1666 chaplain to the king. In 1667 he took the degree of doctor of divinity; in 1672 he was installed dean of Bangor; and in 1680 was consecrated bishop of St Asaph. He was one of the five bishops who, with Archbishop Sancroft, were committed prisoners to the Tower of London, for subfcribing a petition to the king against distributing and publishing his declaration for liberty of conscience. Soon after the revolution he was made almoner to King William and Queen Mary: in 1692 he was translated to the bishopric of Litchfield and Coventry; and in 1699, to the see of Worcester, where he sat till his death, which happened in 1717, the 91st year of his age. Dr Burnett gives him an exalted character, and his works are highly esteemed.