BEVERIDGE, William, English divine: b. Barrow, Leicestershire, 1637; d. Westminster 1708. He studied at Saint John's College, Cam bridge, devoting his attention particularly to Oriental literature. In 1658 he published a work on Eastern tongues, especially Hebrew, Chaldee, ,Syriac, Arabic and Samaritan, accom panied with a Syriac grammar. In 1660 he took orders, and obtained the vicarage of Ealing in Middlesex, where he wrote a useful (Intro duction to Chronology.) In 1672 he was ap pointed to the rectory of Saint Peter, Cornhill, London, and the same year published his (Syn odicon) in two folio volumes, containing the Apostolic canons, decrees of the councils re ceived by the Greek Church, and the canonical epistles of the early Fathers. This work called forth an opponent, to whom Beveridge replied in a (Vindication.) In 1674 he obtained a pre bend in Saint Paul's, and in 1681 was appointed archdeacon of Cokhester. In 1684 he became
prebendary of Canterbury, and in 16f38 was appointed chaplain to William and Mary. Shortly after, the see of Bath and Wells was offered him; but as it had become vacant by the conscientious refusal of Bishop Ken to take the new oaths, Beveridge, to his honor, de clined to accept it. The episcopal dignity, how ever, was only delayed; in 1704 he became bishop of Saint Asaph. Among his best-known works are 'The Church Catechism Explained); 'Private Thoughts upon a Christian Life) ; and 'The Great Necessity and Advantage of Public Prayer and Frequent Communion.) Collective editions of his works were published in 1824 and in 1842-46. Consult Burnet's (Own Times' ; and the 'Life' by Horne.