WHITGIFT (John), archbishop of Canterbury, was born in 1530, at Great Grimsby, in Lincolnshire. He was educated at Pembroke-hall, Cambridge, where John Bradford, the martyr, was his tutor. In 1555 he was chosen fellow of Peter-house, and passed through the reign of Mary without molestation. In 1560 he became chaplain to Dr. Coxe, bishop of Ely, who gave him the rectory of Teversham in Cambridgeshire. In 1563 he was appointed lady Margaret's professor of divinity; and in 1567 he became master of Pembroke-hall. Soon after this he was made regius professor of divinity, and promoted to the mastership of Trinitycollege. In 1571 he was advanced to the deanery of Lincoln; and about this time he published an "Answer to the Admonition to the Parliament," which involved him in a controversy with Cartwright. In 1577 he was made bishop of Worcester, and vice-president of the marches of Wales. On the death of archbishop Grindal, in 1583, he was raised to the primacy, which situation he filled with a firmness that was rendered peculiarly necessary at a time when the church had to contend with foreign and domestic enemies. This, however, irritated the nonconformists, and the archbishop was vilified as a persecutor in a number of libels; the grossest of which went under the name of "Martin Marprelate." In 1595 he began the foundation of his hospital at Croydon; and the same year he saved that of Harbledown, in Kent, from being alienated. On the death of queen Elizabeth, the puritans took courage; but the conference at Hampton-court destroyed the hopes which they had formed at the beginning of a new reign. The archbishop died at Lambeth, February 29. 1603.

- Life by Strype.

WHITTINGHAM (William), a puritan divine, was born at Chester in 1524. He became fellow of All Souls college, Oxford, and afterwards student of Christ-church; but in 1550 he went abroad, and married the sister of Calvin. He took an active part in the troubles of Frankfort, occasioned by the opposition to the rites and ceremonies of the church of England. In the reign of Elizabeth he was made dean of Durham, where he committed sad outrages in the church by destroying the antiquities and monuments. He translated five of the Psalms in the version of Sternhold and Hopkins. He died in 1579. Hutchinson's Durham. WHITTINGTON (Robert), a schoolmaster, was born at Lichfield about 1480.

He was

educated in the school belonging to Magdalen-college, Oxford; and in 1501 kept one himself in London. In 1518 he was laureated, and made doctor of grammar, at Oxford, being the last who received that degree. He died about 1540, having published several school books of reputation. — Wood.

WHITWORTH (Charles, lord), was born at Admaston in Staffordshire. He became secretary to the English ambassador & Vienna; and afterwards commenced his own diplomatic career at the court of Petersburgh. He went also on several other embassies; and died in 1724. His Account of Russia" was published by Horace Walpole, at Strawberry-hill, with some account of the author.

WHYTT (Robert), a physician, was born at Edinburgh in 1714. He received his edacation at St. Andrew's, and next at Edinburgh, from whence he went to Rheims, where he took his doctor's degree in 1736 The year following he settled at Edinburgh, and in 1746 obtained the chair of medicine in that university. In 1752 he was elected a member of the Royal Society of London, in 1761 appointed first physician to the king in Scotland; and in 1764 chosen president of the Royal College of Physicians at Edin burgh. He died April 15. 1766. His works have been published in one volume, quarto. — Encyclop. Brit.

WICKLIFFE, or WYCLIFFE (John), the "Morning Star of the Reformation," was born at a village of the same name, Yorkshire, in 1924. He became a cu moner of Queen's college, and afterwards of Merton-college, Oxford, where, in 1560, be distinguished himself by asserting the rights of the university against the Friars, wie inveigled the students from the colks to their convents. Wickliffe wrote soct tracts against those mendicants; for which he was chosen master of Baliol-college, and soon afterwards archbishop Islip appointed him warden of Canterbury-hall. On the death of that prelate, his successor Langham issued a mandate, depriving Wicklitle of the wardenship, which the scholars refused to obey. Wickliffe himself appealed to the pope, who confirmed the decree of the archbishop. About this time, Wickliffe having gained the favour of John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, was appointed king's chapa, and presented to the living of Lutterworth in Leicestershire. In 1372 he took his doctor's degree, and read lectures in divinity. Na long after this, he was nominated one of t king's commissioners, to require of the pope that he would not interfere in ecclesiastical benefices. This treaty was carried on st Bruges; but nothing was concluded, upon which the parliament passed an act the papal usurpations. This encouraged Wickliffe to go on in exposing the of the pope, who, in 1977, denounced the

st

reformer as a heretic, and required the archbishop of Canterbury and the bishop of London to proceed in judgment upon him. Wickliffe, however, was supported by the duke of Lancaster and earl Percy, who appeared with him at St. Paul's, Feb. 19. 1378. High words ensued on that occasion between the bishop of London and the temporal lords; in consequence of which the populace took the bishop's part, and plundered the duke's house in the Savoy. Wickliffe, being thus countenanced at court, undertook a translation of the Scriptures into English, which work he accomplished, and thereby increased the number of his enemies. Of this version, which was made from the Vulgate, several copies are extant; but only the New Testament has been yet printed. In 1381 Wickliffe ventured to attack the doctrine of transubstantiation, in a piece entitled "De Blasphemia," which being condemned at Oxford, he went thither and made a declaration of his faith, and professing his resolution to defend it with his blood. The marriage of the king with Anne of Luxemburg proved very advantageous to Wickliffe; for she was a most exemplary princess, and a great friend to scriptural knowledge. By her means the writings of the English reformer were sent to Germany, where they afterwards produced an abundant harvest. On leaving Oxford, Wickliffe received a citation from the pope to appear at Rome; but he answered, that "Christ had taught him to obey God rather than man." He died of the palsy, at Lutterworth, in 1384. — Life by Lewis.

WICQUEFORT (Abraham de), a Dutch statesman, was born in 1598. When young he went to France, where he was appointed the resident minister of the elector of Brandenberg, and held that office thirty-two years; but at last he was sent to the Bastile, on the charge of having communicated intelligence to Holland. On recovering his liberty, he returned to his native country, and was employed by De Witt in writing the History of the United Provinces, before the completion of which he was taken up and sentenced to perpetual imprisonment. In 1679 he made his escape, and went to the court of the duke of Zell; but when he died is unknown. His works are 1. L'Histoire des Provinces Unies des Pays-Bas, depuis le parfait établissement de cet Etat par la paix de Munster. 2. L'Ambassadeur et ses Fonctions, 2 vols. 4to. 3. Mémoires touchant les Ambassadeurs et les Ministres Publics. -Moreri.

WIELAND (Christopher Martin), a German poet, was born at Biberach in 1733. After residing some years in Switzerland, he returned to his native place, where he became director of the chancery. The elector of Mentz appointed him professor of philosophy and belles-lettres at Erfurt; and the duke of

WIERUS (John), a physician, was born in 1515, at Grave, in the duchy of Brabant. He studied under Cornelius Agrippa, and became physician to the duke of Cleves. He died in 1588. His principal work is a treatise, De Præstigiis et Incantationibus," in which he maintains that the persons accused of sorcery were hypochondriacs. Eloy, Dict. Hist.

WIGAND (John), one of the reformers, was born at Mansfeld, in Saxony, in 1523. He studied at Wittemberg, and was the first person ordained after the Protestant form. In 1553 he was chosen superintendant of Magdeburg, where he had a concern in the famous "Centuries,” a work compiled in opposition to Baronius. In 1560 he became professor of divinity at Jena; from whence he removed to Weimar, and afterwards to Konigsberg, where be was successively divinity professor and bishop. He died in 1587. His theological works are numerous. He was also a botanist, and wrote a treatise "De succino Borussico, de Alce, de Herbis Borussicis, et de Sale."-Melch. Adam.

On

WILCOCKS (Joseph), an eminent prelate, was born in 1673, and educated at Magda len-college, Oxford, where he was chosen demy at the same time with Addison. entering into orders, he became chaplain to the factory at Lisbon; and after his return was appointed preceptor to the daughters of the prince of Wales, for which he was rewarded with a prebend of Westminster; and in 1721 made bishop of Gloucester, from which, in 1731, he was translated to Rochester. He died in 1756. His son, Joseph Wilcocks, esq., was born in 1723. He received his education in Westminsterschool, from whence he was elected to Christ-church, Oxford, where he took the degree of master of arts in 1747. While in Italy, he discovered some Etruscan antiquities and paintings, of which he gave an account in the Philosophical Transactions. He died in 1791. His work, entitled "Roman Conversations," 2 vols., is a proof of his learning, and the " Sacred Exercises," used in Westininster-school, of his piety. — Gen. Biog. Dict.

WILD (Henry), a learned tailor, was born at Norwich in 1684. He acquired a knowledge of the Hebrew .anguage; after which he proceeded to study the Arabic, Persic, Greek, Latin, Chaldaic, and Syriac. Dean Prideaux sent him to Oxford, where he gained a subsistence by teaching the oriental tongues; but in 1720 he removed to London under the patronage of Dr. Mead. When he died is not known. He published,

in 1794, a translation from the Arabic of "Mohammed's Journey to Heaven." Gent. Mag.

WILD (Robert), a presbyterian divine, was born at St. Ives, in Huntingdonshire, in 1609. He was educated at Cambridge; but proceeded to his doctor's degree at Oxford. In 1648 he became rector of Aynhoe in Northamptonshire, from whence he was ejected at the Restoration. He then went to Oundle, where he died in 1679. He published some poems, which are characterized by more humour than genius. He was also the author of a comedy, called "The Benefice.". Calamy. Wood. WILDBORE (Charles), a mathematician, was born in Nottinghamshire. He received his education at a charity-school; but by application, he acquired a profound knowledge of the mathematics; and sufficient learning to take orders. He obtained the living of Sulney, in his native county, and died there in 1802. Many of his articles are in Martin's Magazine, the Ladies' Diary, and Hutton's Miscellanea Mathematica. He was also the editor of the Gentleman's Diary; and corrector of the sheets of the Philosophical Transactions. Gent. Mag.

WILKES (John), a political character, was born in Clerkenwell, where his father was a distiller, in 1727. He finished his education at Leyden; and, on his return to England, married a lady of fortune, from whom, on account of his cruelty to her, he was soon separated. He obtained the rank of colonel of the Buckinghamshire militia, and a seat in parliament for Aylesbury; but, on publishing a virulent paper called the "North Briton," he was expelled the House of Commons; and convicted in the court of King's Bench. Previous to this, however, he had gained a verdict in the Common Pleas against the secretary of state, for an illegal seizure of his papers by a general warrant. In the mean time, Wilkes incurred another prosecution for printing an obscene poem, called an "Essay on Woman;" and for not appearing to receive judgment, Iwas outlawed. He then went to France, where he resided till 1768, when he was elected for Middlesex ; but was prevented from taking his seat, and committed to the King's Bench prison, which occasioned dreadful riots in St. George's Fields. Upon this Wilkes published another libel, for which he was again expelled the House of Commons; but was re-chosen, and the elec tion as repeatedly declared void. His popularity was now at its height, and a large subscription was made for the payment of his debts. In 1770 he was chosen an alderman of London, and in 1774 lord mayor. The same year he was returned again for Middlesex, when he was permitted to take his seat without farther opposition. In 1779, after three unsuccessful attempts, he was elected chamberlain of London. He

died Dec. 26. 1797. His letters and life were published after his death, in 5 vols. 8vo.

WILKIE (William), a Scotch poet, was born at Dalmeny, in West Lothian, in 1721. He was educated at Edinburgh, and became a minister. In 1753 he published an epic poem, called "The Epigoniad;" and in 1759 he was chosen professor of philosophy at St. Andrew's, where he obtained the degree of doctor in divinity. In 1768 he printed a volume of Fables in the manner of Gay. He died in 1772. — Encyclop. Brit.

WILKINS (David), a learned divine, was born in 1685. He received the degree of doctor in divinity, at Cambridge, in 1717, being then keeper of the archiepiscopal library at Lambeth, and rector of Mongham Parva in Kent. He afterwards became successively rector of Great Chart in the same county; of Hadleigh in Essex; commissary of Bocking; prebendary of Ely, and archdeacon of Suffolk. He died in 1745. He published — 1. Novum Testamentum Copticum, 4to. 2 Leges Saxonicæ, folio. 3. An edition of Selden's works, 6 vols. folio. 4. Concilia Magnæ Britanniæ, 4 vols. folio.-Nichols's Bowyer.

WILKINS (John), an English prelate, was born in 1614, at Fawsley, in Northamptonshire, in the house of his grandfather, John Dod, the nonconformist. He was educated at Oxford, first in New Inn-hall, and next in Magdalen-hall. In the civil war be adhered to the parliament; was made warden of Wadham-college, and created doctor in divinity. Here he formed the philosophical association, which, after the Restoration, was named the Royal Society. In 1656 he married the widow of Dr. French, and sister to Oliver Cromwell, from whom, as the marriage was contrary to the statutes, he obtained a dispensation. In 1659 he was appointed master of Trinity-college, Cambridge, from which he was ejected the year following. He then became preacher to the society of Gray's Inn, and rector of St. Lawrence Jewry. In 1668 he was consecrated bishop of Chester. He died in London, Nov. 19 1672. He published-1. The Discovery of a New World, or a Discourse on the World in the Moon, 8vo. 2. A Discourse concerning a New Planet. S. Mercury, or the Secret and Swift Messenger. 4. Mathematical Magic. All these were reprinted in one volume, octavo, 1708, and since is two vols. 5. Ecclesiastes, or a Discourse on Preaching. 6. A Discourse concerning Providence. 7. Discourse concerning the Gift of Prayer. 8. An Essay towards a real Character and Philosophical Language, folio. After his death appeared his sermODA, and a treatise "On the Principles and Dats of Natural Religion," 8vo. — Bag, Bra.

WILLAN (Robert), a physician, was hera in 1757, at Hill, near Sedburgh, in Yorkshire. His father was a physician and a Quaker, in which profession the son was also

educated, though some years afterwards he quitted the society. He graduated at Edinburgh in 1780, and the year following settled at Darlington, where he published a tract, entitled "Observations on the Sulphur Water at Croft." Soon after this he removed to London, and became physician to the dispensary in Carey-street. In 1791 he was admitted a member of the Society of Antiquaries. He died of a dropsy, at Madeira, His other works are 1. The Life of Christ, harmonized from the Gospels, 8vo. 2. Reports on the Diseases of London, 12mo. 3. A Treatise on Cutaneous Diseases, 4to. 4. Another on Vaccination, 4to.; and papers in the Medical Journal. - Life by Bateman.

in 1812.

WILLET (Andrew), a learned divine, was born in 1562 at Ely, of which church his father was prebendary. He became a student of Peter-house, Cambridge, from whence he removed to a fellowship in Christ's college, where he resided many years. He succeeded his father at Ely in 1598, and also in the living of Barley in Hertfordshire. He died in 1621. His principal work is entitled "Synopsis Papismi," in folio. Wilford's Memorials. WILLIAMS (Anna), an ingenious lady, was the daughter of Zachary Williams, a Welch surgeon, who ruined himself by a project for the discovery of the longitude. She was born at Swansea in 1706, and, at the age of twenty-four, accompanied her father to London, where she lost her sight by a cataract. In this melancholy state she became known to Dr. Johnson, who gave her an asylum in his house, and procured her a benefit at Drury-lane. She also published, by subscription, in 1766, a volume of miscellanies, in prose and verse, consisting partly of her own compositions and those of her friends. She died in 1783. She translated the "Life of Julian" from the French. - Boswell's Life of Johnson.

WILLIAMS (Sir Charles Hanbury), a statesman, was the son of John Hanbury, a Southsea director, who died in 1733. The name of Williams he obtained by virtue of the will of his godfather, Charles Williams, esq., of Caerleon. He was born in 1709, and received his education at Eton; after which he made the tour of Europe. In 1733 he was elected for the county of Monmouth; and in 1739 was appointed paymaster of the marines. In 1746 he was installed knight of the Bath, and sent on an embassy to Dresden; from whence he proceeded to St. Petersburg to negociate a secret treaty between the two countries, for the security of Hanover. Though he fulfilled the object of his mission, he was ill requited for it by the king and his minister; which brought on a fit of insanity, and he died in that state at his seat in Monmouthshire, in 1759. He wrote a paper in the "World," and several poems. Gen. Biog. Diot.

WILLIAMS (Daniel), a dissenting minister, was born about 1644, at Wrexham, in the county of Denbigh. He entered into the ministry at the age of nineteen; and soon after went to Ireland, where he officiated near twenty years to a presbyterian congregation in Dublin. In 1687 he returned to England; and, on the death of Mr. Baxter, succeeded him at Pinner's hall; but, a controversy arising on points of doctrine, he removed to Salter's hall. In 1709 he was honoured with the degree of doctor in divinity, while on a visit in Scotland. He died Jan. 26. 1715-16; leaving the bulk of his estate to charitable uses; and his library for the benefit of the body of dissenting ministers. The works of Dr. Williams were published in 2 vols. 8vo., 1738, with an account of his life.

WILLIAMS (David), a literary character, was born in Cardiganshire in 1738. He became a dissenting minister, first at Frome in Somersetshire, next at Exeter, and afterwards at Highgate. But, in 1776, he opened a chapel, near Cavendish-square, on the avowed principle of deism. In a short time, however, this temple of infidelity was deserted; and the preacher had recourse to private teaching and literary speculations. One of these was a splendid edition of Hume's History; but in consequence of the part taken by him in the French Revolution, he was dismissed from this concern. Mr. Williams will be longest remembered as the founder of the "Literary Fund." He was himself supported by that excellent institution at the close of life, which terminated June 29. 1816. He published "Lectures on Education," 3 vols.; "Lectures on Political Principles;" a "History of Monmouthshire," 2 vols. 4to.; and other works. — Gent. Mag.

WILLIAMS (Griffith), bishop of Ossory, was born at Caernarvon in 1589. He was educated at Jesus-college, Cambridge, where he took his degrees in arts. On entering into orders, he obtained the lectureship of St. Peter's, Cheapside, London, where he gave such offence to the Puritans, that they got him suspended. The chancellor Egerton, however, presented him to a living in Wales; and he was also made chaplain to the king, prebendary of Westminster, and dean of Bangor. In 1641 he was advanced to the see of Ossory; but the Rebellion breaking out the same year, he was obliged to fly to England. He suffered much for his loyalty; but at the Restoration recovered his bishopric, and died at Kilkenny in 1672. He wrote-1. Seven Golden Candlesticks, holding the seven Lights of Christian Religion, 4to. 2. The true Church shewed to all Men, folio. 3. The Right Way to the best Religion, folio. 4. The great Antichrist revealed, folio. 5. The persecution and oppression of John Bale and Griffith Williams, bishops of Ossory, 4to. — Wood.

WILLIAMS (John), a prelate and statesman, was born at Aberconway in Caernarvonshire, March 25. 1582. He was educated at the school of Ruthin, and next at St. John's college in Cambridge, where he obtained a fellowship. In 1611, he became chaplain to the lord chancellor Egerton, who gave him several preferments, and left him a collection of papers, which qualified him for the high office he afterwards attained. In 1619, he was promoted to the deanery of Salisbury, and the year after removed to that of Westminster. In 1621, he was made bishop of Lincoln and keeper of the great seal, which last situation he filled to the satisfaction of James I., whose funeral sermon he preached; but soon after he was dismissed from his post. He was also prosecuted in the star-chamber, on a charge of betraying the king's secrets, for which he was heavily fined, suspended from his dignities, and confined in the Tower above three years. On the meeting of the long parliament, he obtained his release; and when the earl of Strafford was impeached, he delivered it, as his opinion, that the bishops ought not to be present in the house of peers on such an occasion, by which means the bill of attainder passed; and Lord Clarendon says, that it was through his advice the king gave his assent to that fatal measure. In 1641, he was translated to York; but soon after, he and eleven of his brethren, were sent to the Tower, for protesting against all acts passed while they were prevented by the mob from attending in their places. In the rebellion, the archbishop fortified Conway castle for the king; but being unable to stem the torrent which overwhelmed the church and state, he devoted the remainder of his days to religious exercises, and died in Wales, March 25. 1650. He wrote, among other things, a celebrated work, entitled "The Holy Table, Name, and Thing," against the ceremonies introduced by archbishop Laud. Life by

Hacket.

WILLIAMS (John), another learned prelate, was born in Northamptonshire in 1634. He took his degrees at Magdalen-hall, Oxford, and in 1673 was collated to the rectory of St. Mildred in the Poultry, to which was added a prebend in the church of St. Paul's. After the revolution he was promoted to a prebend of Canterbury, and in 1696, advanced to the bishopric of Chichester. He died in 1709. His works are

1. Sermons preached at Boyle's lecture. 2. History of the Gunpowder Treason; and some tracts against the papists and socinians. Wood.

WILLIAMS (Sir Roger), a gallant officer, was born in Monmouthshire, and educated at Oxford. On leaving the university, he served as a volunteer under the duke of Alva; and, in 1581, was with General Norris in Flanders, where he distinguished him

self in many actions. He died in 1595. — He wrote 1. The actions of the Low Countries, 4to. 2. A brief discourse of war, 4to. 3. Advice from France. - Woad. WILLIAMSON (sir Joseph), a statesman, was born about 1630, at Bridekirk in Cumberland, of which parish his father was vicar. He was educated at Westminster school, and next at Queen's college, Oxford, where he was elected to a fellowship. After the restoration he became one of the clerks of the council, and was knighted. He was also one of the plenipotentiaries at the treaty of Cologne, and at his return was created doctor of laws. In 1674, he became principal secretary of state; but in 1678, the house of commons sent him to the Tower, for granting commissions to popish recusants. This king, however, released him the same day; and Sir Joseph resigned his place soon after. The same year he married Lady Clifton. who brought him a large estate. He ded in 1701; and left a valuable collection of manuscripts, with six thousand pounds, to the college where he had been educated. He also founded a mathematical school at Rechester. Gen. Biog. Dict.

WILLIS (Thomas), a physician, was born at Great Bedwin, in Wiltshire, in 1621. He studied at Christ church, Oxford, and in 1646, took his bachelor's degree in physic, and entered upon practice. In 1660, was inade Sedleian professor of natural losophy, and the same year proceeded to his doctor's degree. He was also one of the first members of the royal society. He died in Westminster in 1675. His princi works are 1. Cerebri Anatome, 8va Pathologia Cerebri et Nervosi, 4to. 3. De Anima Brutorum, 8vo. 4. PharmacETTE Rationalis, 4to. All his works were priate at Amsterdam in 1682, 4to.; and "Practice of Physic" in English, in 196 folio. Biog. Brit.

WILLIS (Browne), grandson of the preceding, was born at Blandford in Darsshire, in 1682. He was educated at W minster school, and next at Christ church Oxford. In 1705, he was returned to parliament for Buckingham. On the reviva, d the society of antiquaries, Mr. Willis becars a member of it, and, in 1790, the degret d doctor of laws was conferred on him bị thư university of Oxford. He presented to fal seat of learning his cabinet of coins, to wa he afterwards made considerable adias He died at Whaddon-hall, in 1760 B published-1. Notitia Parliamentara i vols. 8vo. 2. A Survey of the Cathedras St. David's, Llandaff, St. Asaph, mai Es gor, 2 vols. 8vo. 3. A Survey of a Cathedrals of England, $ vols. 4ta History of the mitred parliamentary Alis 2 vols. 8vo. 5. An address to the pro of Livings, 4to. 6. An edition of Ertas Thesaurus, 4to. 7. History of Bus f ham, 4to. -- Gen. Biog. Dict.

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