Thomas, William (1)

an English prelate, was born at Bristol, Feb. 2, 1613, and received his primary education in the school of Carmarthen, where his grandfather lived. He entered St. John's College, Oxford, in 1629, and removed, later, to Jesus College, of which he was afterwards chosen a fellow and appointed tutor. His ordination as deacon took place at Christ Church, June 4, 1637, and as priest in the year following. His first preferment was the vicarage of Penbryn, Cardiganshire. He became chaplain to the earl of Northumberland, who presented him to the vicarage of Laugharne, with the rectory of Llansadwrhen) annexed. In 1644 a party of Parliament horse came into town threatening to kill Mr. Thomas if they found him praying for the queen. They did interfere with, the service, but were so struck with his composure and. patience that they left him without further disturbance. Soon after, the Parliament committee deprived him of his living of Laugharne, from which time till the Restoration he endured great hardships, being obliged to teach a private school for his support. At the Restoration, Mr. Thomas was reinstated in his living, and by the king's letters-patent made chanter of St. David's. In 1661 he was presented to the rectory of Llanbedr in the Valley, Pembroke County, and made chaplain to the duke of York, through whose influence he was promoted to the deanery of Worcester, Nov. 25,1665; and was presented to the rectory of Hampton Lovett in 1670.. Here he removed his family, quitting the living of Laugharne. In 1677 he was promoted to the see of St. David's and held the deanery of Worcester in commendam. Having been bishop of St. David's six years, he was translated to the see of Worcester, where he effected several reforms. He died June 25,1688. Bishop Thomas published, An Apology for the Church of England (1678-79, 8vo): —Assize Sermon (1657): —The Mammon of Unrighteousness, a sermon. His Letter to the Clergy, and an imperfect work, Roman Oracles Silenced, were published after his death. See Chalmers, Biog. Dict. s.v.