"Gay (1.) was a scholar of Peter Blundell's foundation, and in 1724 succeeded to a fellowship on the same foundation. This fellowship, of which there are two at this college, is tenable for ten years; and all our fellows are compelled to proceed regularly to the degree of B.D. (seven years after they have taken that of M.A.). Mr. Gay was M.A. in 1725, and might have proceeded to B.D. in 1732: but he never took any higher degree than M.A. He must therefore have vacated his fellowship before 1732. I find no mention of his name in our College Office-book later than 7th May, 1730. He was probably presented during that year to the vicarage of Wilshamstead (which of course would render void his fellowship), and subsequently entered upon another kind of fellowship, one of the results of which was Gay (3.). "Of Gay (2.) I find it recorded that he was appointed Chapel Clerk in 1719; that he was B.A. 1722, and M.A. 1731. As far as dates are concerned, it might be questioned which of the brothers (1. or 2.) was the author of the 'Preliminary Dissertation.' In our University Library I can find only two editions of Law's translation of Archbishop King's work, viz. the 2nd edit., 1732, which contains the 'Preliminary Dissertation,' but no mention of its author; and the 4th edit., Camb. 1758, at the end of the Preface to which are these words: 'The following Dissertation was composed chiefly by the _late_ Rev. Mr. Gay.' The author of the Dissertation must therefore have died in or before 1758. But in the entry of Gay (4.) 1762 (who was without doubt nephew of 1.), I do not find 'defuncti' attached to his father's name, which it has always been usual to add, in the case of the father being deceased. "I am convinced in my own mind that the Mr. Gay of Sidney College, mentioned by Paley in his life of Bishop Law, was Gay (1.). There would be no difficulty, I should think, in ascertaining the time of Mr. John Gay's decease. The present vicar of Wilshamstead could no doubt readily inform you. If it should be found that Mr. John Gay died before 1758, then there can be no question but that he is Bishop Law's _late_ Mr. Gay. "Fellow of Sidney College." VERMIN, PAYMENTS FOR DESTRUCTION OF, AND ANCIENT NAMES. (Vol. iv., p. 208.)