by Thomas Boston
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
"The Inward Frame Should Correspond to Outward Profession" by Thomas Boston offers a compelling exploration of the Christian life, emphasizing the critical need for internal sincerity to match external religious expressions.
Thomas Boston, an eminent Scottish theologian, considers the heart of religious authenticity by engaging deeply with Deuteronomy 5:29, urging believers to have hearts that truly fear God and faithfully observe His commandments. His discourse is divided into three main doctrines, each examining different aspects of the believer's heart and actions.
Doctrine of Engagement and Trifling: Boston begins by exploring how far individuals might engage in religious activities while still being superficial in their commitment. He discusses the characteristics of trifling with solemn duties, pointing out the dangers of turning sacred practices into mere formalities. This section is particularly insightful as it addresses the ease with which one can appear religious without a corresponding inward devotion.
Doctrine of the Heart's Value: In this section, Boston shifts focus to describe what constitutes a truly valuable heart—one that is earnest and sincere in its dealings with God. He articulates the immense worth of such a heart, underscoring its rarity and the profound impact it has on one’s spiritual life. This part of the book encourages readers to examine the depth of their own spiritual convictions and the authenticity of their walk with God.
Doctrine of Covenanting: The final doctrine delves into the specifics of covenanting with God, distinguishing genuine heart work from superficial engagement. Boston provides practical advice on how to avoid the pitfalls of treating covenanting as a trivial matter and outlines the severe consequences of doing so. He concludes with applications that call for deep personal reflection and a renewed commitment to live a life that truly honors God.
Boston's work is a clarion call to Christians to ensure that their inner spiritual life is consistent with their outward religious expressions. "The Inward Frame Should Correspond to Outward Profession" serves not only as a theological treatise but also as a practical guide for living a genuinely devout life. This book is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it means to truly live in fear of God and to foster a spiritual integrity that influences every aspect of their life.
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Table of Contents
The Lord’s Verdict
Doctrine 1
1. How far a man may go engaging the Lord and still be trifling
2. When trifling does appear
3. How people turn solemn work into trifling
4. Making some application
Doctrine 2
1. Show what a heart such a heart is.
2. To show that such a heart is a most valuable thing.
Doctrine 3
1. Produce evidence
2. Show when covenanting is not heart work.
3. The Danger of Trifling
4. Apply the subject