"By 'lot', Boston means our 'lot in life', the shape of our lives as they are styled by God's many providences. By 'crook', he means those unforeseen troubles ... that afflict, unsettler, or disturb us in any way. Boston sets out to minister pastoral wisdom and help to God's people experiencing crooks in their lots, what Paul calls 'the sufferings of this present time.'''--page viii.