John Kent, though not a preacher of the Gospel, was one who had a rich and gracious experience of the power of the truth as it is in Jesus, and was able by his pen to write most gloriously of the grand distinguishing truths of God's electing love, Covenant favour, sovereign grace, the safety and security of God's chosen. He loved to set them forth in opposition to error, as picking up the lost, guilty, ruined sons of Adam from the lowest depths of the Fall, and placing them among the beloved sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. The atoning blood and justifying obedience of Christ were themes on which he delighted to dwell. He is chiefly known amongst us now by his many…

John Kent was born in the town of Bideford, Devonshire, December, 1766. His parents were amongst the poor of this world, yet "rich in faith." They had a numerous family, for whose support they labored hard yet their chief concern, their earnest prayer was, that their souls might be fed with "that bread which endureth unto everlasting life," that so they might become manifestively those whom "God had chosen to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth;” and they lived to bless God for gracious answers to these supplications, four of their children having been early called to know the Lord, amongst whom was John, the youngest, author of "Gospel Hymns." At the age of 14, he was apprenticed to his…