S. N. KENT by S. N. Kent

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1875

S. N. KENT

By S. N. Kent

From an Old Pilgrim.

I want to say a few words to the readers of the REVIEW. I embraced the doctrine of the second coming of Christ in 1836 from reading Bro. Miller’s book, and when he came to Haverhill, Mass., I hailed him with joy. I heard him lecture fifty-three times; a more devout and Christian-like man I never saw.

I looked for the Lord in 1843, but shared in the sad disappointment; I never could believe in setting time again. I never gave up a portion of truth; I believed the work to be of God.

I was unacquainted with the seventh-day people and their views until, through the kindness of Bro. Smith of Manchester, I obtained papers which led me to search for truth, which I found in the third angel’s message and in keeping the Sabbath.

About two years ago myself, with three of my family, commenced keeping the Sabbath. There are no Sabbath-keepers within ten miles of us.

I attended the New England Conference at South Lancaster, Mass.; it reminded me of 1843. It was truly a blessing to me. Let me say, dear brethren, in the language of Peter, “To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Lord Jesus Christ; grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren, or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

My brethren and sisters, we see how much is depending on us; the signs are multiplying on every hand. Soon Jesus will come to take his faithful children home. May I among them stand.

S. N. KENT

Candia, N. H., Dec. 27, 1874.