WILLIAM, D.D. a learned divine, born at London in 1661, was the son of an apothecary, and took his degrees at Oxford. His eminent worth and learning recommended him to Dr Mew bishop of Winchester, who made him his chaplain, gave him two livings in Hampshire, and conferred on him a prebend in the cathedral of Winchester. He acquired an unusual share of critical learning. Thus situated in life, the labours of Mr Lowith appear to have been strictly confined within the limits of his own province, and applied solely to the peculiar duties of his function: yet, in order that he might acquit himself the better in theology, he had pursued his studies with a more general and extensive view. Few were more deeply versed in critical learning; there being scarcely any ancient author, Greek or Latin, profane or ecclesiastical, especially the latter, but what he had read with accuracy, constantly accompanying his reading with critical and philological remarks. Of his collections in this way he was upon all occasions very communicative. Hence his notes on Clements Alexandrinus, which are to be met with in Potter's edition of that father. Hence his remarks on Josephus, communicated municated to Hudson for his edition, and acknowledged in the preface; as also those larger and more numerous annotations on the Ecclesiastical Historians, inserted in Reading's edition of them at Cambridge. The author of Bibliotheca Biblica was indebted to him for the same kind of assistance. Chandler, late bishop of Durham, while engaged in his "Defence of Christianity, from the Prophecies of the Old Testament, against the Discourse of the Grounds and Realons of the Christian Religion," and in his "Vindication of the Defence, in answer to The Scheme of Literal Prophecy considered," held a constant correspondence with him, and consulted him upon many difficulties that occurred in the course of that work. The most valuable part of his character was that which least appeared in the eyes of the world, the private and retired part, that of the good Christian and the useful parish priest. His piety, his diligence, his hospitality and beneficence, rendered his life highly exemplary, and greatly enforced his public exhortations. He married Margaret, daughter of Robert Pitt, Esq. of Blandford, by whom he had two sons and three daughters. (See the next article). He died in 1732, and was buried by his own orders in the churchyard at Buriton. He published, 1. A Vindication of the Divine Authority and Inspiration of the Old and New Testaments; 2. Directions for the profitable reading of the Holy Scriptures; 3. Commentaries on the Prophets; and other works.