As a young man fresh out of seminary, Hodge was embarrassed when he found himself made the moderator of the session. He found himself particularly ignorant of its high duties and he also found that many deacons and elders, though theologically astute, where perplexed as to their duties. Hodge believed communicants needed instruction as to the distinctive principles of Presbyterianism, their own privileges and work in the church, and their relation to other denominations of Christians. This work is a collection of answers to questions that he felt needed to be addressed over his years in ministry.