He then listened to my poor endeavours to point out the way of humility as if I had been worthy to teach him- See page 153 PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM OLIPHANT, AND SOLD BY M. OGLE, AND W. COLLINS, GLASGOW; J. FINLAY, M.DCCC.XXVII. A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR. WHEN we have perused the works of an author with sensations of pleasure, still more, should we have derived improvement from them; we naturally wish to become acquainted with the history of one to whom we have been thus indebted. Any attempt to gratify such a desire regarding the author of "The Decision," &c. appears to be almost venturing on forbidden ground. The genuine modesty of her character, made her wish to remain unknown as the author of those works, till fully conscious she was about to depart from this world, and to enter upon that eternal state, to the contemplation of which it had been her constant endeavour to lead the thoughts and the hearts of her readers. When at length she released her friends from their promise of secrecy, her motive for doing so was at the same time made known; but she certainly never thought of any Memoir of herself appearing before the public; and, as there can be no reference made to any private papers or letters, it is only a very short and imperfect outline that can be attempted. The author of "The Decision" (the only name by which she was known during the publication of her works) was the fourth daughter of Robert Kennedy, Esq. of Pinmore, in the county of Ayr, and Robina, daughter of John Vans Agnew, Esq. of Barnbarrow, in the county of Galloway. She was born at Pinmore, in the year 1782; but accompanied her parents at an early age to the neighbourhood of Edin1: burgh, and in Edinburgh she chiefly resided during the remainder of her life. At an early period she was remarked to be of an inquiring turn of mind, and to have much observation. She was fond of reading, learnt rapid |