Thomas Boston — Human Nature in its Fourfold State, State I (Of Man's Primitive Integrity / innocence)

There is no perfection here; no lot out of heaven without a crook. For, as to all the works that are done under the sun, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight.

And herein believers have the advantage of Adam, that they can never totally or finally fall away from grace.

There is never a crook which God makes in our lot, but it is in effect Heaven's offer of a blessed exchange to us; such as, 'Sell whatever you have, and you shall have treasure in heaven.' In managing of which exchange,…

They seek God indeed, yet not for himself, but for themselves. They seek him not at all, but for their own welfare: so their whole life is woven into one web of practical blasphemy; making God the means, and self their e…

Not God—but man himself was the cause of his ruin. God made him upright; his Creator set him up—but he threw himself down.

As to the crook in your lot, God has made it; and it must continue while He will have it so. Should you ply your utmost force to even it, or make it straight, your attempt will be vain: it will not change for all you can…