We are often confronted with the dilemma of the human ability to do things that are spiritually acceptable to God. Some people call into question the issue of the free will of man when it comes to salvation. And many fierce battles are fought just because those engaged in them omit to consider the state man is that determines his ability or inability to save himself or to do things of spiritual value. Through this book, Thomas Boston did a tremendous service to the Christian of all ages and theological beliefs. His precise analysis of the four states of man - innocence, depravity, grace, and glory - helps any devoted student of the Bible a precise overview of the redemptive history and helps anyone find the right and biblical answers to many puzzling questions on the doctrine of man. Thomas Boston (1676-1732) was a Scottish church leader, theologian and philosopher. This book has been originally published in 1811. Current edition has been proofread, typeset for eBook readers, and updated for modern readers.