It has often been stated, Ewing never intended to found the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Still, however, he is one of the founders. Indeed, many would say he was chief among them. He was very much a man of the Log College, accustomed to taking students into his home and instructing them as they studied for the ministry. Many of the lessons he taught were published in 1827 and remained in print for much of the nineteenth century.

This volume has been reproduced by scanning a copy of the 1851 edition. It has all the limitations implied but is a complete and legible version of the text. This is the only authorized edition of Ewing's lectures.