38 
MEMOIR OF RAY. 
All which I mention,” adds this amiable writer, 
“ not only out of the great respect I bear to Mr 
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 tjie 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. 
