Tea with Thomas Boston

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Sinclair B. Ferguson

“The Scottish Presbyterians of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries—saturated as they were in the doctrine and piety of their Covenanter forefathers—were staunch allies of the English Puritan tradition, and proved, over the course of history, to be more stalwart in their defense and proclamation of the Westminster Standards than even the Puritans of Old and New England. Thomas Boston was no exception. A central figure in the Marrow Controversy, he defended Christian assurance and the free offer of the gospel with a passion. Combining rich biblical doctrine and warm, experiential piety, Dr. Chun Tse provides a taste of Boston’s commentaries and sermons on the Westminster Shorter Catechism that is ideal for personal devotions, small group studies, and Sunday school lessons. Here is a treasure trove of Reformed catechesis, repackaged most delightfully for a fresh church audience. Enjoy your ‘teatime’ with Thomas Boston!”

Joel R. Beeke

“Chun Tse has done the church a blessed favor by making the beautiful theology of Thomas Boston easily accessible to contemporary audiences through clear, profound daily readings based on all 107 questions and answers in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. By combining the best of Boston’s catechetical instruction with Bible texts, application questions, and prayer prompts, Dr. Tse provides doctrinal insight for the Christian mind and spiritual refreshment for the believer’s soul.”

Philip Ryken

“This volume feeds the soul with the theological and pastoral insights of Thomas Boston, in a format which is accessible to all. A voice from the past speaks again for the present believer, and it is as powerful now as it was for his original flock. Dr. Tse is to be thanked for this labor of love and his commitment to the arresting idea of taking the most appropriate tea available in the company of Thomas Boston.”

Alison Jack

“Over the years I have tried to read for myself, and recommend for others, mini systematic theologies to grasp a comprehensive view of the Christian faith. And now I have just found my new favorite: Tea with Thomas Boston. It is not because I love tea. In fact, I do not drink tea or coffee. (Sorry, Dr. Tse!) Rather, this book has become my new recommended mini systematic theology because of Thomas Boston, a pastor-theologian I have come truly to appreciate in recent years. Thomas Boston is one of those theologians who gives you the whole Christ in the whole of Scripture, with memorable illustrations (see his ‘covenant chariots’ sent from heaven to earth to take us to heaven), and in pastorally applicable ways. The Westminster Shorter Catechism provides one of the most clear, concise, and comprehensive summaries of the Christian faith; and now, thanks to the efforts of Chun Tse, we have a most able teacher to guide us through it—the venerable Thomas Boston. So, sit back and, with a cup of tea in hand (if so inclined), drink in the riches of the Christian faith.”

Jonathan Gibson

“Loose leaf tea can, at first, seem rather dried up and uninspiring, but when it’s given time to brew and infuse it can revive and refresh. Tse does just this as he intriguingly draws out the riches of Thomas Boston’s commentary on the Shorter Catechism. This creative guide for individuals, families, and other groups encourages prayerful and scriptural reflection on the questions and answers of this catechism, helping draw out life-giving refreshment.”

Martyn C. Cowan

“Chun Tse has given us a real gem—a solid devotional text based on Thomas Boston’s sermons and notes on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Divided into ninety-one devotional readings, we have instruction in the great doctrines of the Reformed faith, as well as literature which stirs the heart and strengthens faith. What more could a reader want?”

Kim Riddlebarger

“Thomas Boston (1676–1732) is one of the best-known figures in Scottish Church history, but most Christians today know relatively little of what he taught. Tea with Thomas Boston serves as a helpful summary of, and introduction to, Boston’s theology. Dr. Chun Tse—an expert on Boston—has distilled his teaching on the Westminster Shorter Catechism into an accessible, devotional format that contemporary Christians will find spiritually instructive and edifying.”

Russell Newton

“This creative devotional breathes new life into Thomas Boston’s insights on the Westminster Shorter Catechism, making his theological and practical wisdom accessible to modern readers. The Tea with Thomas Boston format creates a unique learning experience inviting you to join the great pastor in his theological study. Each devotion weaves Boston’s exposition with thoughtful discussion questions that can be used for small group contexts. For those unfamiliar with Boston’s writings, this book serves as a helpful introduction to one of Scotland’s most gifted theologians. Dr. Tse helps us, through Boston’s study, to cultivate a deeper love for Christ underneath a trusted guide.”

Cory Brock

“Christians need not only to retrieve sound doctrine; we also need the wisdom to know how to retrieve and apply Christian theology today. For this, Dr. Tse has accomplished two great things. First, he summarized the theology of a Reformed pastor with a heart for God and the church. Secondly, he invites us to meditate (through questions) on what we have learned to consider, then how we can apply it in our contexts. This is perfect to study with your friends!”

Israel José Guerrero Leiva

“This devotional helps readers step back in time and sense what it was like for the beloved minister of Ettrick to visit their home and catechize them over a cup of tea. The daily readings present Boston’s views on the Shorter Catechism in a way that makes deep doctrine accessible to all readers. Much of Boston’s large corpus of writings still needs republishing for twenty-first century readers, and Chun Tse has provided a much-needed devotional and reader-friendly contribution to this task. Those who may be intimidated to read Boston’s more lengthy works will find Tea with Thomas Boston an enjoyable and edifying read.”

Ray Burbank