Thomas Boston (1676-1732) was a remarkable Scottish theologian and pastor. His Works<\/em> run to 12 volumes and contain some lengthy theological treatises. But Boston also wrote brief, very accessible, and pastoral books, and chief among these is the quaintly titled, The Crook in the Lot: The Sovereignty and Wisdom of God, in the Afflictions of Men Displayed<\/em>. This little book is a pastoral masterpiece, in which Boston reflects on the words of Ecclesiastes 7:13, \u2018Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight which he hath made crooked?\u2019<\/p>\n By \u2018lot\u2019, Boston means our \u2018lot in life\u2019, the shape of our lives as they are styled by God\u2019s many providences. By \u2018crook\u2019, he means those unforeseen troubles that afflict, unsettle, or disturb us in any way. Boston sets out to minister pastoral wisdom and help to God\u2019s people experiencing what Paul calls \u2018the sufferings of this present time\u2019 (Rom. 8:18).<\/p>\n The Crook in the Lot<\/em> is pastoral medicine prepared in the laboratory of Boston\u2019s own personal and ministerial sufferings. It is little wonder that Jonathan Edwards considered Boston \u2018a truly great divine\u2019. He was indeed! — From The Foreword by Ian Hamilton<\/p>\n