PREFACE. IT has for some time been in contemplation to publish a slight sketch of the Life of the late Mrs. Trimmer, from an idea that it might be interesting to those who are acquainted with her writings, and also from the hope, that a recital of the virtues which adorned her character might be beneficial to others. The delay which has taken place in the publication was, in the first instance, occasioned by the doubt whether the Journal of her Prayers and Meditations should be introduced in its original form, and afterwards by the difficulty of making selections from it. This Journal was written in the most secret hours of retreat, and without the least |