| Title | : | Human Nature in Its Fourfold State |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1589600061 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781589600065 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 260 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1863 |
Human Nature in Its Fourfold State Reviews
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A staggering achievement in theological study and religious philosophy, Scottish theologian Thomas Boston set out to analyze human nature from a purely Christian perspective. Simply put, Boston sees man in four states: the State of Innocence, the State of Nature (the sinfulness of man's natural state, man's fallen state), the State of Grace (born again, regeneration) and the Eternal State (death).
"The will of man, then, was directed and naturally inclined to God and goodness, though mutable."
In this extended study, Boston pinpoints man's descent from 'habitual righteousness' to abusing the freedom of his own will (note the above quote: 'though mutable', or, 'liable to change'), then achieving a state of regeneration and enlightenment before tasting the joys of heaven upon death. This is old school Christian theology: Deep, hard going, intense, systematically Christian and rewarding in the end. Boston takes on everyone, religious or not, in his study of human nature.
After the short first part on the state of our habitual righteousness, the prose turns apocalyptic in tone (echoing John Knox), as Boston dissects the fallen state in which we exist, church goers or not. I actually think the church goers get it worse than the atheists in this book. So few will readily admit, paraphrasing Boston, that they may engage in all the outward duties of religion, and yet not be born again. The life of every man (in his natural state) is essentially a continued dream out of which he never awakes. And when you realise this, you ask yourself: How many people are truly Christian in these so-called Christian nations? "True religion [is] such a burden to carnal men," says Boston, "he is a spiritual monster." He acknowledges just how many Bibles have gathered dust in Christian households.
"As soon as it appears that we are rational creatures it appears that we are sinful creatures."
So Thomas Boston asks: What is your life? You can't flee from your wrath in a morning dream. It's a lifelong passion, a passion to look within us, where our greatest enemy lies and become enlightened in the knowledge of our sins. Boston sets the reader on a deep journey into the Christian life. As a reader, it provided me with some fascinating insights from the mind of Thomas Boston, with additional support from selected quotes from the Bible. Although I didn't fully agree with certain theories and I, admittedly, passed by some parts in the final section, I give this book nothing but praise for its unbelievably deep, rewarding account of one man and his intense devotion to Christianity.
"He who would walk aright must have one eye upward to Jesus Christ, and another inward to the corruption of his own nature." -
One of the most significant works I have read on man in his pre-fallen state, fallen state, regenerate state, and glorified state. Boston is magnificent.
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A magnificent book—one of the finest I have read, that surpassed the high expectations I had for it.
Rich in doctrine and stirring in exhortation (especially the final two chapters on heaven and hell)—it is especially worthwhile to read Boston’s regular and natural evangelistic pleas for sinners to come to Jesus Christ for salvation. Then to reflect, “these were sermons!” Truly, here’s a model, a worthwhile guide, for how to preach doctrine and how to preach evangelistically.
Friend, tolle lege—take up and read! -
Best.Book.Ever.
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Well...that settles that.
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Quotes
"While the fire-edge is upon the young convert, he looks upon others, reputed to be godly, and not finding them in such a temper or disposition as himself, he is ready to censure them, and to think there is far less religion in the world than indeed there is." Thomas Boston, Humankind In Its Fourfold State, pp. 237-8.
"The solemn assemblies, and public ordinances, wherein the Judge is upon a transaction of peace with the criminals, are undervalued : men's hearts swim like feathers in the waters of the sanctuary, that sink like stones to the bottom in cares of this life; they will be very serious in trifles of this world, and trifle in the most serious and weighty things of another world. 0 consider the day that is approaching, in which Christ will come to judgment!" Thomas Boston, Humankind In Its Fourfold State, p. 427.
"Man naturally desires to be happy, being conscious to himself that he is not self-sufficient he has ever a desire of something without himself, to make him happy; and the soul being, by its natural make and constitution, capable of enjoying God, and nothing else being commensurable to its desires, it can never have true and solid rest till it rests in the enjoyment of God. This desire of happiness the rational creature can never lay aside, no, not in hell. Now, while the wicked are on earth, they seek their satisfaction in the creature: and when one fails, they go to another: thus they spend their time in the world, deceiving their own souls with vain hopes. But, in the other world, all comfort in the creatures failing, and the shadows which they are now pursuing having all of them vanished in a moment, they shall be totally and finally separated from God, and see they have thus lost Him. So the doors of earth and heaven both are shut against them at once. This will create them unspeakable anguish, while they shall live under an eternal gnawing hunger after happiness, which they certainly know shall never be in the least measure satisfied, all doors being closed on em. Who then can imagine how this separation from God shall cut the damned to the heart! how they will roar and rage under it! and how it will sting and gnaw them trough the ages of eternity!" Thomas Boston, Humankind In Its Fourfold State, p. 480. -
Quite good, though quite 18th century as well. Boston wasn't easy reading, but I'm glad I worked through this one.
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Super mooi boek. Best zwaar om te lezen, maar erg indrukwekkend en ontdekkend
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Before reading anything by Thomas Boston, I had heard from Sinclair Ferguson that in reading Boston young ministers can “learn what authentic Christian ministry looks like, feels like, and sounds like.” This has proved true! In my estimation, Boston is a model gospel minister. For in these rich theological expositions on the fourfold nature of man, Boston demonstrates four qualities that make him such a minister worth modeling:
1) Evangelist. Boston thoroughly preaches the law in its first use, and is constantly appealing to and calling the unbeliever to repentance and faith in Christ!
2) Covenant theologian. Though he only speaks of the covenant works/grace occasionally, this theological framework underpins his entire work.
3) Soul doctor. Following in Puritan fashion, Boston deals so tenderly, penetratingly, and thoroughly with souls and the many doubts that arise in believers.
4) Gospel man. Boston is always directing his hearers ultimately to the gospel for acceptance, assurance, and strength!
**My favorite chapters were 1) The mystical union between Christ and believers and 2)The Kingdom of Heaven -
Written in the 18 th century this book does not pull any punches. Thomas Boston vivid descriptions are unparalleled. He describes the happy condition of the saved and the deep sorrow and eternal pain of the lost. This book is a must for every minister of Christ. It causes us to see the huge importance of earnestly preaching the gospel so that men would be compelled to come to Christ. Otherwise the door will be closed and once that is done there is no more mercy. Highly recommended. I will re read and re listen to this book a number of times. EXCELLENT
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Great book on biblical anthropology. Boston is so clear and organized so well. He does a good job of really illustrating his points in each of the fourfold states. If you are wanting to know more about what the Bible says about mankind - who man is, then this book is for you.
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Masterful treatise on the gospel. Biblically saturated, pastorally warm. First time reading was just to grasp the breadth of it. Next time reading will have to be slower to adequately soak up this rich teaching
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PDF (and other formats) available
here. Available online
here. -
what a GRAND SLAM of a book!!!!
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Richly biblical, impressively thorough, encouragingly pastoral, would reward another reading
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Unit cu Hristos - tradusa de Magna Gratia.
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BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ
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This book is a must read for ministers and Christians alike. I do not say this about many books. Get it and read it! Soon!
