This book consists of thirteen letters from the Rev. F.D. Maurice in response to a layman's questions. When these letters were written, the Church of England was undergoing a time of controversy centered around the published opinions of one of her bishops, John William Colenso. Bishop Colenso had doubts as to the historical truth of the Bible, and specifically of the first five books, together called the Pentateuch. The publication of these doubts led many people to ask questions, and one layman asked his questions of Reverend Maurice. The original letter containing these questions and a final letter in response to Maurice begin and end the book. (Summary by Devorah Allen)