38 MEMOIR OF RA.Y. 



All which I mention," adds this amiable writer 

 " not only out of the great respect I bear to Mf 

 Willughby's memory, but for an example to persons 

 of great estate and quality, that they may be ex- 

 cited to answer the ends for which God gives them 

 estates, leisure, parts, and gifts, and a good genius ; 

 which was not to exercise themselves in vain or 

 sinful follies, but to be employed for the glory, and 

 in the service, of the Infinite Creator, and in doing 

 good offices in the world."* 



This event exercised a considerable influence 

 on Ray's future life. He was appointed one of Mr 

 Willughby's executors, and at the same time charged 

 with the care and education of his two infant sons ; 

 while, as a still further token of esteem, an annuity 

 for life was bequeathed to him. In execution of the 

 trust thus confided to him, it became necessary that 

 he should take up his residence at Middleton-Hall, 

 where ample occupation awaited him, in addition to 

 what arose from the superintendence of his youthful 

 charge, in arranging and completing the MSS. of 

 his lamented friend. He was likewise obliged to 

 interrupt his simpling excursions (as Derham calls 

 them), and to decline the generous invitation sent 

 to him about this time by Dr Lister, to come and 

 live with him at York, where he then practised as a 

 physician. 



While yet absorbed in grief for the loss of his 



* Derham's Life of Ray, p. 48. 



