THOMAS BOSTON 1789 Falkirk Imprint The Marrow Of Modern Divinity: In Two Parts Leather Book

MARROW CONTROVERSY Contemporary full leather, worn; .text generally clean; opens on titlepage.
Edward FISHER; Thomas BOSTON. THE MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY. Touching both the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace... With Notes by THOMAS BOSTON. Falkirk: Printed by Patrick Mair, 1789.
A significant Scottish edition of Edward Fisher's controversial theological treatise, with extensive annotations by Thomas Boston (1676-1732). This work sparked the "Marrow Controversy" (1718-1723), a pivotal debate in Scottish Presbyterian history that centered on questions of grace, works, and salvation.

The Marrow Controversy emerged when the Church of Scotland's General Assembly condemned "The Marrow" in 1720, claiming it promoted antinomianism and deviated from Reformed orthodoxy. Boston, along with eleven other ministers (known as the "Marrow Men"), defended the work's theological positions, arguing it properly represented biblical teaching on grace and free salvation. Boston's extensive notes in this edition reflect his conviction that the work articulated essential Reformed doctrines of grace against both legalism and licentiousness.

Boston's defense of "The Marrow" represented a broader struggle between emerging evangelical and moderate factions within the Church of Scotland. The controversy highlighted tensions between emphasizing free grace and maintaining moral accountability, a debate that would influence Scottish theological discourse throughout the 18th century.