I determined from the very start in my ministry that I would be a thorough pastor.  A very celebrated preacher once said to me:  “I envy you your love for pastoral work, I would not do it if I could, I could not do it if I would; for a single hour with a family in trouble uses up more of my vitality than to prepare a sermon.”  My reply to him was:  “That may be true, but, after all, the business of a minister is to endure these strains upon his nervous system if he would be a comforter, as well as the teacher of his people.”

My practice was this:  I devoted the forenoon of every day, except Monday, to the preparation of my discourses.  My motto was:  “Study God’s Word in the morning, and door-plates in the afternoon.”  I found the physical exercise in itself a benefit, and the spiritual benefits were ten-fold more.  I secured and kept a complete record of the whereabouts of all my congregation and requested from the pulpit that prompt information be given me of any change of residence, and also of any case of sickness or trouble of any kind.  I encouraged my people to send me word when there was any case of religious interest in their families or any matter of importance to discuss with me.  In short, I endeavored to treat my flock exactly as though they were my own family, and to be perfectly at home in their homes.  I managed to visit every family at least once in each year and as much oftener as circumstances required.  As I had no “loafing” places, I easily got through my congregation, which, in Brooklyn, numbered several hundreds of families.

Spurgeon had an assistant pastor for his immense flock, but he made it a rule to visit the sick or dying on as many occasions as possible.  He once said from his pulpit:  “I have been this week to visit two of my church members who were near Eternity, and both of them were as happy as if they were going to a wedding.  Oh, it makes me preach like a lion when I see how my people can die.”

It was always my custom to take a particular neighborhood, and to call upon every parishioner in that street, or district, but I seldom found it wise to send word in advance to any family, that I would visit them on a certain day or hour, for I might be prevented from going, and thus subject them to disappointment; consequently, I had to run the risk of finding them at home.  If they were out I left my card, and tried again at another time.  In calling on my people unawares, I found it depended upon myself to secure a cordial welcome, for I went in with a hearty salutation and asked them to allow me to sit down with them wherever they were, regardless of dress or ceremony, and soon I found myself perfectly at home with them.  No one should be so welcome as a faithful pastor.  I encouraged them to talk about the affairs of our church, about the Sabbath services, and the truths preached, and the influences that Sabbath messages were having upon them.  In this way I have discovered whether or not the shots were striking; for the gunnery that hits no one is not worth the powder.