BATES, WILLIAM (1625-1699), English Nonconformist divine (one of the ejected ministers in 1662), was born in London. He was rector of St. Dunstan's, London, and was one of the commissioners at the conference in the Savoy, for reviewing the public liturgy, and was concerned in drawing up the exceptions to the Book of Common Prayer. With other moderate churchmen he made efforts in 1668, and again in 1674, towards a compre hensive settlement, but the bishops were uncompromising.
Bates published Select Lives of Illustrious and Pious Persons in Latin ; his other works, treating of practical theology, were printed after his death ; again in 1723 ; and in 1815.