Here we note an argument for the importance of catechisms, and catechetical instructions. Conviction has a different office from instruction. On the basis of truths impressed by instruction, our purpose is to convince the judgment and awaken the conscience. Here argument comes into play. But it ought to be argument, and not the mere appearance of it.
Reason is to be appealed to and judgment invoked.
Such truths are not to become footballs for logic. Our object here will be to use reason only as the instrument for drawing right inferences from the truths which God teaches. Judgment and conscience act upon each other. For example, a person may be convinced of sin whilst not awakened at all. In our sermons we are not to separate these processes too much.