In the pioneering days of chocolate in our country, pastoral ministrations using chocolate took several forms. Judge Samuel Sewall,
Judge Samuel Sewall
(March 28, 1652 – January 1, 1730) a Massachusetts judge involved in the Salem witch trials, (he later apologized) recorded in his diary that his pastoral ministration bundled visits and sermons with gifts of chocolate:
- “Monday, October 26, 1702 … Visited languishing Mr. Sam Whiting, I gave him 2 Balls of Chockalett and a pound of Figgs, which very kindly accepted.”
- In 1707 on “March 31 Visited Mr Gibbs, presented him with a pound of Chockalett and 3 of Cousin Moodey’s sermons.”
- Also in that year…“…I gave Mr. Stoddard for Madam Stoddard two half pounds of Chockolat, instead of Commencement Cake and a Thesis.”
Sewall himself drank chocolate on occasion, according to the diary:
- I go to Mr. Belcher’s where I drink warm chockelat and no beer; find myself much refresh’d by it after great Sweating to day, and yesterday.…”
- “… October 20, 1697 I wait on the Lieut Governour at Dorchester and there meet with Mr Torry, breakfast together on venison and chockalatte…”
At least that part of his informal ministry was sweet!
