What do you think?
Rate this book
Repentance: Turning from sin to God: what it is and why it's necessary
The most important message for every person is that of the need for repentance - by one of the last great Puritan preachers, Thomas Boston (1676-1732). With wonderful exposition, Boston opens up a multitude of scripture passages on an issue that it is the duty of every Christian to tell the world of - the impending judgment that awaits each one of us, the call for repentance now, and a message of hope and assurance only to be found in Christ.
- GenresTheology
Paperback
First published December 5, 2005
43 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Boston
453 books26 followersThomas Boston was a Scottish church leader.
He was born at Duns. His father, John Boston, and his mother, Alison Trotter, were both Covenanters. He was educated at Edinburgh, and licensed in 1697 by the presbytery of Chirnside. In 1699 he became minister of the small parish of Simprin, where there were only 90 examinable persons; previously, he was a schoolmaster in Glencairn. In 1704 he found, while visiting a member of his flock, a book brought into Scotland by a commonwealth soldier. This was the famous Marrow of Modern Divinity, by Edward Fisher, a compendium of the opinions of leading Reformation divines on the doctrine of grace and the offer of the Gospel, which set off the Marrow Controversy.
Its object was to demonstrate the unconditional freeness of the Gospel. It cleared away such conditions as repentance, or some degree of outward or inward reformation, and argued that where Christ is heartily received, full repentance and a new life follow. On Boston's recommendation, James Hog of Carnock reprinted The Marrow in 1718; and Boston also published an edition with notes of his own. The book, being attacked from the standpoint of high Calvinism, became the standard of a far-reaching movement in Scottish Presbyterianism.
The Marrow men were marked by the zeal of their service and the effect of their preaching. As they remained Calvinists they could not preach a universal atonement; rather they were particular redemptionists. In 1707 Boston was translated to Ettrick, Scotland. He was the only member of the assembly who entered a protest against the lightness of the sentence passed on John Simson, Professor of Divinity at Glasgow, who was accused of heterodox teaching on the Incarnation.
Boston has been described as a man of singular piety and amiability, although unduly introspective. His autobiography is an interesting record of Scottish life, full of sincerity and tenderness, and not devoid of humorous touches, intentional and otherwise. His books include The Fourfold State, one of the religious classics of Scotland; The Crook in the Lot, a little book noted for its originality; and his Body of Divinity and Miscellanies. These works had a powerful influence over the Scottish peasantry. Among his works is a learned treatise on Hebrew points. His Memoirs were published in 1776 (ed. GD Low, 1908). An edition of his works in 12 volumes appeared in 1849.
He was born at Duns. His father, John Boston, and his mother, Alison Trotter, were both Covenanters. He was educated at Edinburgh, and licensed in 1697 by the presbytery of Chirnside. In 1699 he became minister of the small parish of Simprin, where there were only 90 examinable persons; previously, he was a schoolmaster in Glencairn. In 1704 he found, while visiting a member of his flock, a book brought into Scotland by a commonwealth soldier. This was the famous Marrow of Modern Divinity, by Edward Fisher, a compendium of the opinions of leading Reformation divines on the doctrine of grace and the offer of the Gospel, which set off the Marrow Controversy.
Its object was to demonstrate the unconditional freeness of the Gospel. It cleared away such conditions as repentance, or some degree of outward or inward reformation, and argued that where Christ is heartily received, full repentance and a new life follow. On Boston's recommendation, James Hog of Carnock reprinted The Marrow in 1718; and Boston also published an edition with notes of his own. The book, being attacked from the standpoint of high Calvinism, became the standard of a far-reaching movement in Scottish Presbyterianism.
The Marrow men were marked by the zeal of their service and the effect of their preaching. As they remained Calvinists they could not preach a universal atonement; rather they were particular redemptionists. In 1707 Boston was translated to Ettrick, Scotland. He was the only member of the assembly who entered a protest against the lightness of the sentence passed on John Simson, Professor of Divinity at Glasgow, who was accused of heterodox teaching on the Incarnation.
Boston has been described as a man of singular piety and amiability, although unduly introspective. His autobiography is an interesting record of Scottish life, full of sincerity and tenderness, and not devoid of humorous touches, intentional and otherwise. His books include The Fourfold State, one of the religious classics of Scotland; The Crook in the Lot, a little book noted for its originality; and his Body of Divinity and Miscellanies. These works had a powerful influence over the Scottish peasantry. Among his works is a learned treatise on Hebrew points. His Memoirs were published in 1776 (ed. GD Low, 1908). An edition of his works in 12 volumes appeared in 1849.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 17, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S REPENTANCE ABOUT?
This is a collection of sermons preached by Thomas Boston to his congregation in the parish of Ettrick in the early eighteenth century.
The sermons were selected from the sixth volumes of his collected works, and really weren't conceived of as a set by him. They're all on the theme of Repentance, from a variety of texts of Scripture.
They are warm, pastoral, clear, and firm. Pretty much everything you want and expect in a collection of Eighteenth-Century Presbyterian sermons.
TWEAKING BOSTON
There were some layout changes and restructuring of the original texts for this book (it's too long to detail it here)—basically taking works from the early 1700s and making them read like something that was written in the early 2000s.
It bugged me. It might make it easier to read and more approachable to contemporary readers, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
Modernization of spelling and punctuation don't bother me that much (I prefer to read it without the editing, but I'm weird that way). It's the other tweaks that get to me.
THE INTRODUCTION
Not at all surprisingly to anyone who's ever read anything J.I. Packer ever wrote about Puritans and their successors the Introduction he wrote is almost as good as the rest of the book. It's simply impossible to read that and not get ramped up for the rest.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT REPENTANCE?
I like Boston—I've never not profited from time with his work. The Crook in the Lot is one of the greatest works I've ever read.
However (you knew there was a "but" coming), I'm not entirely convinced this collection is the best representation of either the doctrine or the preacher. As Packer notes, by the time of the later Puritans and then Boston, the emphasis on repentance had shifted from the penitent life (as espoused by Luther, Calvin, Book of Common Prayer, etc.) to the initial act of repentance of the convert. It's that focus that dominates this book.
It's good that it does. It's important that it does. There's not a word that Boston says on that point that is incorrect. But, I really could've used more about what repentance should look like every day, calls to/reminders for the believer to shape their lives that way. I realize that says more about me than the work, but given the title, that's what I expected.
It's a good collection of sermons. Boston's way with words is rare and great to read. I just didn't appreciate this as much as I'd hoped to.
---
WHAT'S REPENTANCE ABOUT?
This is a collection of sermons preached by Thomas Boston to his congregation in the parish of Ettrick in the early eighteenth century.
The sermons were selected from the sixth volumes of his collected works, and really weren't conceived of as a set by him. They're all on the theme of Repentance, from a variety of texts of Scripture.
They are warm, pastoral, clear, and firm. Pretty much everything you want and expect in a collection of Eighteenth-Century Presbyterian sermons.
TWEAKING BOSTON
There were some layout changes and restructuring of the original texts for this book (it's too long to detail it here)—basically taking works from the early 1700s and making them read like something that was written in the early 2000s.
It bugged me. It might make it easier to read and more approachable to contemporary readers, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
Modernization of spelling and punctuation don't bother me that much (I prefer to read it without the editing, but I'm weird that way). It's the other tweaks that get to me.
THE INTRODUCTION
Not at all surprisingly to anyone who's ever read anything J.I. Packer ever wrote about Puritans and their successors the Introduction he wrote is almost as good as the rest of the book. It's simply impossible to read that and not get ramped up for the rest.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT REPENTANCE?
I like Boston—I've never not profited from time with his work. The Crook in the Lot is one of the greatest works I've ever read.
However (you knew there was a "but" coming), I'm not entirely convinced this collection is the best representation of either the doctrine or the preacher. As Packer notes, by the time of the later Puritans and then Boston, the emphasis on repentance had shifted from the penitent life (as espoused by Luther, Calvin, Book of Common Prayer, etc.) to the initial act of repentance of the convert. It's that focus that dominates this book.
It's good that it does. It's important that it does. There's not a word that Boston says on that point that is incorrect. But, I really could've used more about what repentance should look like every day, calls to/reminders for the believer to shape their lives that way. I realize that says more about me than the work, but given the title, that's what I expected.
It's a good collection of sermons. Boston's way with words is rare and great to read. I just didn't appreciate this as much as I'd hoped to.
March 27, 2015
Excellent book about the great doctrine of repentance from sins and turning to God in faith.
December 19, 2020
Boston speaks powerfully to those who are hesitating to repent. Based mainly on sermons to his Ettrick congregation, where no doubt many attended from social convention, readers are taught what repentance is, the need for humility and turning to God from sin.
Repentance is urgent. You may die any day. Most of the book warns against delaying repentance. Do not think God will ignore your sin. Do not look at the prosperous wicked and think they will get away with slighting God. You will not escape the Almighty Judge of all the earth. Christian, do not envy the wicked. The Lord sees and knows your repentant service of him.
Sadly I expect people who need to read this book will not but if by any chance this review encourages regular church attenders who do not know how to repent to read it and so find their sins forgiven in Christ, I will be thrilled.
For Christians Boston will challenge you to speak plainly and boldly to unrepentant sinners of the urgency of repentance. Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Repentance is urgent. You may die any day. Most of the book warns against delaying repentance. Do not think God will ignore your sin. Do not look at the prosperous wicked and think they will get away with slighting God. You will not escape the Almighty Judge of all the earth. Christian, do not envy the wicked. The Lord sees and knows your repentant service of him.
Sadly I expect people who need to read this book will not but if by any chance this review encourages regular church attenders who do not know how to repent to read it and so find their sins forgiven in Christ, I will be thrilled.
For Christians Boston will challenge you to speak plainly and boldly to unrepentant sinners of the urgency of repentance. Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
November 19, 2022
indispensable classic on the crucial doctrine of Repentance
Thomas Boston lays out the preconditions of the heart, the lifelong practice, and the spiritual barriers to repentance. This work reflects the same urgency, necessity and eternal importance that the Bible places on repentance, a glaring omission from too many pulpits today.
Thomas Boston lays out the preconditions of the heart, the lifelong practice, and the spiritual barriers to repentance. This work reflects the same urgency, necessity and eternal importance that the Bible places on repentance, a glaring omission from too many pulpits today.
January 14, 2021
Simple and yet profound. The teaching here from Boston has depths and is still pragmatic and accruable. A great work from this man from way back in thr 1700's - a book that has stood the test of time.
Well worth reading and contemplating.
Well worth reading and contemplating.
September 5, 2021
Excellent call to all men to repent
I would sincerely recommend this book to all people. The author wrote very clearly and sincerely to call everyone to repentance. Don’t delay repentance. Today is the day of God’s mercy! Who knows if you will see tomorrow??
I would sincerely recommend this book to all people. The author wrote very clearly and sincerely to call everyone to repentance. Don’t delay repentance. Today is the day of God’s mercy! Who knows if you will see tomorrow??
Read
July 4, 2024“(Repentance) is not a passing work of the first days of one’s religion, as some professors take it to be; but a grace in the heart, setting one to an answerable working all the days of his life.”, p. 36
August 31, 2019
Probably worth more stars than I gave it. It is good and very thorough but the Puritan style (much like an outline) and language made it a difficult read for me. It was a workout, but still yielded some gems.
June 15, 2017
Boston's book on repentance is a clear reminder that true repentance is not a "one time event" in the life of a believer, but daily. I truly enjoy reading the writings of the Puritans. This is the third book of Thomas Boston that I have read, the other two being "The Crook In The Lot: Living with that thorn in your side," and "The Art Of Man-Fishing: How to reach the lost". I highly recommend all three.
August 8, 2011
Very good.
February 18, 2020
1st Read: 07/31/2013
2nd Read: 08/31/2019
2nd Read: 08/31/2019
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews