The first two volumes in The Complete Works of Thomas Boston comprise what has been called Boston’s Body of Divinity. Boston gives a thoroughly pastoral treatment of the major doctrines of the Christian faith arranged in the form of expositions on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Complete with an introduction to his life and theology by Joel R. Beeke and Randall J. Pederson, these volumes provide an excellent starting point for those who want to benefit from Boston’s experiential piety. 

Endorsement

“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. Here in The Doctrines of the Christian Religion, we can enjoy Boston’s rich ministry as we study with him the Shorter Catechism. Here is a spiritual treasure trove waiting to be opened.” 

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary 

About the 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.