No preacher has done his work thoroughly who does not use the harrow.
There are some so-called teachers, who don't know what the gospel harrow
is. This is why the catechism is not taught. The ancient plan of
catechising in the church ought to be more general than it is. Why
should we not hide the word of God in the hearts of our hearers, by
causing them to think over what we have said? We may not be able to get
them formally to answer questions, but we may make them think. Some
preaching is like raking with the teeth upwards. It may be easier and
more speedy, but it is not so likely to hide the seed. It is a good
practice for those who have been listened to by others, to talk to
themselves after the sermon or lesson is over, and to say, Soul, what
hast thou done to-day? How many Bible truths hast thou put into the
hearts of the people?