History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1728.1 REV. SOLOMON STODDARD. 63
Repeated Visits to Mr. Stoddjii'd made foi" many years an an-
Boston. nnal visit to Boston, where his father lived
and where his brotliers, who were honored
and respected citizens, resided. But there is no evidence
that he was ever allowed any one " to wait on him," as was
the case with his colleague and successor. There are indi-
cations, though no positive proof, that many of these journeys
were made in the company of some of the neighboring
clergy. Aside from the attractions of home and kindred,
it is certain that Harvard College Commencement
was the controlling motive of these visits, and probably
nearly all of them were arranged so as to embrace that
honored anniversary of his Alma Mater. ^ On many of
these occasions, indeed on nearly all of them of which
there is any record, he preached one or more sermons either
on Sunday or Lecture day.
Judge seweirs Diary.
Stroug mutual friendship existed between
the Northampton pastor and Judge Sam-
uel Sewell, whose guest he was on many of these occasions.
Many notices of these visits appear in Judge Sewell's Jour-
nal. From 1685 to 1719, thirteen of them are recorded.
Many allusions are made in the Journal to the sermons and
lectures of Mr. Stoddard, and in every instance with evident
marks of hearty approbation. The Judge was in the
habit of sending some little remembrance to his friends in
the country though he may not always have made it a matter
of record. In 1707, he writes : "I gave Mr. Stoddard,
for Madame Stoddard, two half pounds of chockolat, in-
stead of comencement cake and a Thesis." The following
year Mr. Stoddard was again present, and on commencement
day he '' craved a blessing in the Hall, & Mr. Williams
of Hatfield, returned thanks." Eleven years afterwards,
he records: ''I send to Mr. Stoddard of Northampton,
2 or 3 p'' of Reasons [raisins] and 1 p'^ of Almond
in a paper bag by Dea. Sheldon."
In 1716, Judge Sewell journeyed into the Connecticut
valley, and of course paid a visit to his friends in North-
1 " He us'd for many years together to make his Annual Visits to Boston, at the
time of the Commencement ; and the day after to preach the Public Lecture to a
numerous audience, expecting and glad to hear him."— Boston Weekly News Letter.