The Crook in the Lot

By: Thomas Boston

Narrated by: Jim Denison

Originally published in 1737, The Crook in the Lot continues to bring comfort and inspire countless souls, and it remains one of the most beloved of all Puritan classics. Its depth of explanation regarding God's role in our afflictions and sufferings is without equal.

Thomas Boston - a well-known, influential, and beloved Puritan - was famous for his ability to communicate sound biblical truths in a way that conveyed clarity and insight. In this Puritan classic, he not only reveals a theological understanding of the problems of pain and suffering but also preaches from tangible experience; Boston himself had problems in life that caused him great physical and emotional pain. This short but powerful treatise remains deeply relevant today.

©2016 Thomas Boston (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Teaching on Suffering

The Crook in the Lot, dating back to the 1700s, is a phenomenal book that turned out to be very healing for me. It helped me to see and understand that nothing in my life has come to pass without having been filtered through the loving fingers of God. I SHOULD'VE KNOWN IT . . . I DID KNOW IT . . . but this book gave me a peace and understanding that I had not found in my 65 years thus far. I was born into this world, the child of an alcoholic father. My mother failed to protect me or my siblings. I was really never a child, never carefree. I became MY OWN parent. Yet, amazingly, God gave me two grandmothers who thought I was the best thing since sliced bread . . . otherwise, I think I would have withered and amounted to nothing. I accepted Jesus at age nine at my grandparents' little country church. I fell away by the time I was twelve. I thought I could never be good enough for God. But He never left me. Listening to The Crook in the Lot, I was able to grasp much more of my past, my own choices, and the impact they have had on my life. Sin is a universal problem ever since the Garden of Eden. Yet God is merciful. What a profound book.

Profound teaching for all “Timothy’s”

I was greatly encouraged & molded with greater awareness of the gentle kindness of our blessed Lord Jesus in his dealings with us as The Servant of the LORD. Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (esp. 24) profoundly echo & apply Christ’s disposition and behavior to all the Lord’s “Timothy’s”. The Lord’s servant “must be” kind, able to teach, patient, gentle & deeply aware of the sovereign hand of God behind, in and through all things & circumstances; his “Lot”... This is a book for all pastor/teachers, young & old. He determines our “lot”. He determines our “crook”. Awareness of His sovereignty greatly aided The Lord’s servant humbly walking in his Master’s footsteps. Wonderful timely book by Thomas Boston!

A great work of theology!

A great work of theology in exploring God's designs for the life of His elect and humanity. exposing how God has ordained trials and tribulations by which He forges humility and Christlikeness in His church.

Great little book to understand trials

I’m so glad I listened to this little gem. Boston is so much easier to understand than some other Puritan authors (Burroughs for example). It’s helpful to listen to books like this BEFORE a trial besets oneself as passages then can come to mind while dealing with the fiery trials of life. It helps to put our focus on the eternal reward of Heaven and that all else here on earth is vanity. I also enjoyed the reader, well spoken and comforting voice.

Hope for the weary

A loving admonishment to embrace the humiliations of this life and to look for the greater purposes of our trials.

Great treatise on Suffering and Humiliation

Thomas Boston examines the doctrine of suffering and humiliation in this work. He examines “the crook in our lot” which is an old way of saying when our path goes left instead of right. He examines not only causes for these crooks but also encouragement for those that find themselves in those places.

Life changing

Four hours of deep and life changing truths! I highly recommend it. It produced in me a desire to be silent (not complain) and to worship!