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The Crook in the Lot
168 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2024
17 people are currently reading
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About the author
Thomas Boston
458 books27 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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 10, 2024
The Crook in the Lot inspires soul-deep contemplation with its prose and yet stirs to action with its practical advice. With this book, the Puritan Thomas Boston tackles one of the hardest questions to answer, why do we suffer — or why has everyone been given a ‘crook in their lot’? He answers the questions: what is a crook in the lot, who is responsible for the crook, why do we have a crook our lot, how do we handle the crook in our lot, and will our crook ever be straightened? Boston answers each question in full and even gives suspected objections to his explanations and then offers an answer to the objection. The writing can feel dense, but I found it helpful for prayerful reflection and contemplation. Boston also gives very practical applications to each of his points. Expect your schema of suffering to be exploded.
July 29, 2025
I’m tempted to flip back to page 1 and read it again.
But seriously, it changed my own response to persistent suffering and convicted me of the ways I’ve raged against the hard providences of God rather than submitting to his good purposes. So many lines cut deep. I will be picking this book back up regularly.
But seriously, it changed my own response to persistent suffering and convicted me of the ways I’ve raged against the hard providences of God rather than submitting to his good purposes. So many lines cut deep. I will be picking this book back up regularly.
January 17, 2026
Excellent. Boston’s pastoral way of writing and his emphasis on God’s sovereign making of the crooks in our lot is deeply comforting and practically helpful for learning to bear up under them with humility, joy, and patience.
February 6, 2025
I needed a bro that’s been dead 293 years to help show me I’m prettyyy prideful tbh.
June 18, 2025
Excellent content on God’s sovereignty and suffering. I hope to read more Boston in the future. I gave it three stars though because I found his style a bit dry and repetitive though this is probably just me because it’s such a loved book. I’d definitely recommend it though.
November 22, 2025
I would rate this book by Thomas Boston (1737) as one of the best in the Puritan Paperback Series.
No other book, besides God’s written Word, underscores the sovereignty of and wisdom of God while His child under goes extreme trouble and affection in the many God-ordained trials.
I have carried this book on my pocket while reading over the past 2 months, and it has been my constant go-to and friend next to the Psalms—all while I am undergoing a terrible trial which defies human understanding.
Everyone’s lot in life has some crook to bear as Yahweh employs these difficulties in order to further conform us more to the image of Christ. (Hebrews 12)
Boston also includes a complete exposition of Proverbs 16:19 “It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
Along with the exposition of 1 Peter 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“The remedy itself is a wise eying of the hand of God in all we find to bear hard upon us…. See the doing of God… it is the work of God He is doing” in your adversity.”
“Everybody’s lot in this world has some crook in it.”
“There is no perfection here, no lot out of Heaven without a crook.”
“For who can make that straight, which God has made crooked.”
“It is evident from Scripture that God brings about every man’s lot, and all the parts thereof. He sits at the helm of human affairs, and turns them about” according to His good pleasure.”
“There are pure and sinless crooks which are mere afflictions.”
“There are impure sinful crooks which are sins as well as afflictions.”
Here are the 7 reasons for crooks as they are used to sanctify the believer as he prepares for eternity:
1) The trial of one’s state (believer or non-believer). These crooks can be used as tests to see if we are legitimately believers or unbelievers. (Job’s testing)
2) Crooks are used to wean us from the world’s hold on us.
3) Crooks are used to convict us of sin in our life.
4) Crooks can be a punishment for sin.
5) Crooks can be used of God to prevent or keep the believer from sin as a preventative.
6) Crooks can unearth those sins which are hidden to the believer. (Psalm 51)
7) Crooks incite the believer to exercise the graces at his/her disposal.
This book has so much in it and it’s very hard to include all that it emphasizes.
“God trusts men with these (crooks) to humble them, break them off from “addictedness” to their own will, and to teach them resignation and self-denial.”
“Make use of Christ in all of His offices (Priest, prophet, king)”
Boston concludes in the last sentence of the paperback series “God will at length break into pieces the proud, be they ever so high; and he will triumphantly lift up the humble, be they ever so low.”
Again, there are many jewels of wisdom packed into this little paper book.
Blessings,
Chas Morse
No other book, besides God’s written Word, underscores the sovereignty of and wisdom of God while His child under goes extreme trouble and affection in the many God-ordained trials.
I have carried this book on my pocket while reading over the past 2 months, and it has been my constant go-to and friend next to the Psalms—all while I am undergoing a terrible trial which defies human understanding.
Everyone’s lot in life has some crook to bear as Yahweh employs these difficulties in order to further conform us more to the image of Christ. (Hebrews 12)
Boston also includes a complete exposition of Proverbs 16:19 “It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
Along with the exposition of 1 Peter 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“The remedy itself is a wise eying of the hand of God in all we find to bear hard upon us…. See the doing of God… it is the work of God He is doing” in your adversity.”
“Everybody’s lot in this world has some crook in it.”
“There is no perfection here, no lot out of Heaven without a crook.”
“For who can make that straight, which God has made crooked.”
“It is evident from Scripture that God brings about every man’s lot, and all the parts thereof. He sits at the helm of human affairs, and turns them about” according to His good pleasure.”
“There are pure and sinless crooks which are mere afflictions.”
“There are impure sinful crooks which are sins as well as afflictions.”
Here are the 7 reasons for crooks as they are used to sanctify the believer as he prepares for eternity:
1) The trial of one’s state (believer or non-believer). These crooks can be used as tests to see if we are legitimately believers or unbelievers. (Job’s testing)
2) Crooks are used to wean us from the world’s hold on us.
3) Crooks are used to convict us of sin in our life.
4) Crooks can be a punishment for sin.
5) Crooks can be used of God to prevent or keep the believer from sin as a preventative.
6) Crooks can unearth those sins which are hidden to the believer. (Psalm 51)
7) Crooks incite the believer to exercise the graces at his/her disposal.
This book has so much in it and it’s very hard to include all that it emphasizes.
“God trusts men with these (crooks) to humble them, break them off from “addictedness” to their own will, and to teach them resignation and self-denial.”
“Make use of Christ in all of His offices (Priest, prophet, king)”
Boston concludes in the last sentence of the paperback series “God will at length break into pieces the proud, be they ever so high; and he will triumphantly lift up the humble, be they ever so low.”
Again, there are many jewels of wisdom packed into this little paper book.
Blessings,
Chas Morse
December 20, 2024
“Whatever is the crook in your lot, it is of God‘s making; and therefore, you may look upon it kindly. Since it is your Father has made it for you, question not but there is a favorable design in it towards you.”
December 16, 2025
“There is no crook in your lot but may be made straight; for God made it, surely then he can mend it. He himself can make straight what he hath made crooked, though none other can. There is nothing too hard for him to do.”
As is typical of the puritan writings, the author, Thomas Boston, takes a verse and wrings it dry, ministering to the suffering soul. This is a gem of a book.
As is typical of the puritan writings, the author, Thomas Boston, takes a verse and wrings it dry, ministering to the suffering soul. This is a gem of a book.
July 29, 2025
Good, I found his arguing for the theological position well based and thought out, but the exhortations to the beliver as a result of the theological conclusions were the real gems.
December 30, 2025
Really good for trials and waiting. Really great for learning scripture and having a commentary and building understanding. Very difficult read as it was written in the 1700s, but overall good read!
December 30, 2024
Arguably the best book I read in the year 2024. This classic by Boston on understanding "the thorn in your side" in whatever shape, form, season life, or duration it persists, as being there by the sweet Providence of God for my good, and for His Glory, and as a direct instrument of God my Father to conform me more into the likeness & image of Christ, has truly been a blessed and soul transforming read for me.
August 25, 2025
"Say not that your crook has been of so long continuance, that it will never mend. Put it in the hand of God, who made it, that he may mend it, and wait on him; and if it be for your good, that it should be mended, it shall be mended; for 'no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly'"
What a powerful theology of suffering. Whether in a season of present affliction or not, this book will encourage you and bring to light the glory of God's hand in our troubles.
What a powerful theology of suffering. Whether in a season of present affliction or not, this book will encourage you and bring to light the glory of God's hand in our troubles.
February 12, 2025
A humbling Biblical exposition of God's providence and its workings, reasonings, and the appropriate response from the believer. As with many puritan writings, it drills the thesis into the reader. Pastoral in nature, not simply informative. A short, but powerful read, particularly for those in a season of "crooks" in life.
February 21, 2025
The book contains three sermons on suffering and the sovereignty of God. These have been very helpful to me. God is sovereign over our sufferings. Boston encourages beleivers to be faithful and persevere.
October 21, 2024
I read some, but not all with a group.
July 7, 2025
Read as I was TAing for Dr. Henderson’s trauma course. this is a thought-provoking read in considering how the Lord might use trials, problems, and even areas of weakness in our life.
November 9, 2025
The Crook in the Lot itself was exceptional. 5/5 and worth returning to in times of trouble.
Wasn't the biggest fan of the other treatises, but they were certainly worth reading, at least this once.
Wasn't the biggest fan of the other treatises, but they were certainly worth reading, at least this once.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews