Please note there is a printing error in volume 12, pages 18-19. The price of the set has been reduced and the missing pages have been made available above.
Why Should We Read Thomas Boston?
It is said that Thomas Boston (1676-1732) did more to cultivate true Christian devotion in Scotland than any other minister in his generation. Boston’s emphasis on God’s free offer of grace and Christ’s meritorious work for the sinner pierced to the very marrow of Christian theology.
This republication of Boston’s collected works, which includes an introduction to his life and theology by Joel R. Beeke and Randall J. Pederson. Gospel ministers can get a taste of the sound exegesis and experiential piety that have encouraged a vibrant Reformed spirituality for over 200 years.
Table of Contents:
Volume 1 - Commentary on the Shorter Catechism (volume one)
Volume 2 - Commentary on the Shorter Catechism (volume two)
Volume 3 - Sermons, Chiefly on Communion Occasions, The Crook in the Lot
Volume 4 - Sermons on Various Practical Subjects
Volume 5 - The Art of Man-Fishing, The Distinguishing Characteristics of True Believers, The State and Character of True Believers
Volume 6 - Miscellaneous Questions, Miscellaneous Tracts, Paraphrase on the Epistle to the Galatians, Practical Discourses
Volume 7 - A Brief Explication of the First Part of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, The Marrow of Modern Divinity (On the Covenants, the Gospel and the Law), Everlasting Espousals, The Mystery of Christ in the Form of a Servant, The Peculiar Mercy and Business of Life Opened Up and Applied, The Evil and Danger of Schism (see Clarkson's Plain Reasons for a refutation), The Necessity and Foundations of a Throne of Grace for the Behoof of Poor Sinners, The Evidences and Causes of the Decay of Religion in the Soul Discovered (and Its Cure)
Volume 8 - Human Nature in Its Fourfold State, A View of the Covenant of Grace from the Sacred Records
Volume 9 - Sermons on Various Practical Subjects
Volume 10 - Sermons on Various Practical Subjects, Sermons on the Name and Attributes of Christ, The Christian Life Delineated in Several Practical Discourses
Volume 11 - Discourses on Prayer, A View of the Covenant of Works from the Sacred Records, A Memorial Concerning Personal and Family Fasting and Humiliation,
Volume 12 - The Author's Address to His Children, Memoirs
Author
Thomas Boston (1676–1732) was born in Duns, Scotland, the youngest of seven children. He experienced a spiritual awakened when only eleven years old under the preaching ministry of Henry Erskine, the father of Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine. After an education at Edinburgh University, Boston devoted thirty-three years to gospel ministry—first in the parish of Simprin for seven years and then in Ettrick for the remainder of his life. At the denominational level, Boston took a lead in what became known as the Marrow Controversy (1717–1723), where he sought to correct the legalistic tendency in Scottish preaching by emphasizing God’s free offer of grace and Christ’s meritorious work for the sinner.
Endorsements
“In the galaxy of the Scottish church—Ecclesia Scotticana—few if any stars shine more brightly than that of Thomas Boston, pastor and theologian par excellence. Indeed, in an era of celebrity pastors, when numbers of followers or subscribers to social media channels or size of congregation all too easily serve as the false measure of a man’s ministry and the model to imitate, Thomas Boston is like a spiritual polestar to guide us by a better way to a better destiny. The Complete Works of Thomas Boston are a spiritual treasure trove waiting to be opened. Here too, thankfully, younger ministers of the gospel can learn what authentic Christian ministry looks like, feels like, and sounds like. I, for one, cannot adequately express my gratitude for Boston’s Works or my appreciation of the vision and commitment of the publishers who have made it possible for us to benefit once more from his ministry.” — Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary
“If we may describe anyone as a pastor-theologian, Thomas Boston surely fits the definition in an eminent way. He made a mature and clear covenant theology of grace warm, personal, and practical in his many sermons. Overcoming natural diffidence, he gave clear and unswerving leadership to those in the church who were defending grace and the gospel in all their freeness. In Boston’s sermons Christ is constantly exalted and commended in His fullness and sufficiency. The reprinting of these volumes would do inestimable service if, through the Lord’s blessing, they were to assist in raising up heart-taught, humble pastor-theologians in our generation.” — Matthew Vogan, general manager of Reformation Scotland
May have been influenced by the introduction to Boston’s life and ministry, I do have the impression that Boston’s works presented here demonstrate a spirit of exceptional Pastoral care. He talked about theology, but not for mere intellectual satisfaction; he dealt with practical issues, but not to gratify man’s lust. Boston’s works have a lot to do with catechizing his flocks and building up the church, i.e., directing people to God. In this respect, Boston is in the same school of Wilhelmus A Brakel: while Brakel’s approach may be considered as more systematical, Boston’s may be more surgical. Grateful to have such books.
5
Early Review of Boston's Works
Posted by Matthew Williams on 27th Jun 2023
I became aware of Boston's existence through Beeke and Pederson's book, Meet the Puritans. I really appreciated his pastor's heart revealed in the short biography of his life, so I purchased his works to learn from him. I am currently reading through volume one and find Boston to be brilliant and understandable. He is teaching me a great deal. The content is excellent. The binding of the books is high in quality, and the paper quality is excellent. For these reasons, I would give this series a 5 star rating. The books are not in a modern type/font, but they are still legible (just not my preference). So far, the only negative I have seen is on page 94, where the inner margin cuts off part of the text, amounting to missing letters up to missing most of some words. The content can be figured out without too much trouble though. Not sure if this is just my copy or an issue in printing. Overall very much enjoying the content and the quality of the books.
5
Works of Thomas Boston
Posted by Matthew Hannegan on 22nd Jun 2023
It is with gratitude to RHB for these works, I was introduced to Thomas Boston while listening to the teaching series, "The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson. While teaching of the marrow controversy, legalism, antinomianism, and Gospel assurance; he often quoted Boston and mentioned a work by Boston called, "Human nature in its fourfold state". Thinking to myself I have read this and what a delight and exposition I've found. Now to have his complete works will be of great help in this pilgrimage.
5
Experiential Theology for the Church
Posted by Marcus Knight on 17th Mar 2023
I am not one to write book reviews. Although I have read many good books by the Puritans and the Reformers, I have not read any that have the best blend of Reformed doctrine and experiential application as does Thomas Boston. I was given a copy of Human Nature in its Fourfold State by my Pastor last year and from page 1 I knew I had come across a great work for my soul. I just received my set and began in Volume 1 on the Shorter Catechism. I am convinced (although I recognize all of us are different and have not read everything to be able to make a true comparison) that Boston is the best model of true preaching for todays Church. Most preachers in the Reformed camp, whether Baptist, Presbyterian etc can preach good theology but rarely does a modern preacher grip the conscience with the written word preached as does Boston. I pray that many men would not only read these volumes but seek to have this balance for the sake of the souls who come into the churches week after week to hear the Word of God.
