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!