Elizabeth Cairns (memoirist) facts for kids

Elizabeth Cairns (1685 – 1741) was a Scottish woman who lived a simple life. She was a working-class person who became known as a preacher and a writer. She wrote about her own life experiences.

Cairns was born in Blackford, Scotland. Her father was a poor shepherd who followed a special religious group called the Covenanters. From a very young age, when she was just five years old, Elizabeth and her sister had to take care of sheep all by themselves.

Elizabeth Cairns: A Life of Faith

Elizabeth Cairns had many different jobs throughout her life. She worked as a shepherd, looking after sheep. She also worked as a servant in people's homes and even as a schoolteacher.

Her Spiritual Journey

Elizabeth's life was deeply connected to her faith. She was a Calvinist, which is a type of Christian belief. She wrote about her life as a "spiritual journey." This means she saw her life as a path guided by her beliefs and connection to God. She felt strong and supported by special spiritual experiences she had. These experiences helped her through difficult times.

Her Writings

Elizabeth Cairns wrote a book about her life. It was called Memoirs of the life of Elizabeth Cairns written by herself some years before her death; and now taken from her own original copy with great care and diligence. This book was published in Glasgow in 1762, after her death. It shares her personal story and her strong faith.