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

64 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1728.
ampton. He writes: "Tuesday went to ISTortliampton,
Frary going to Westfield, Piloted us. Staid 2 or 3 hours
with Mr. Stoddard, dined with him and Madam Stoddard,
who is lame of Sciatica, and jet spins at the Linen Wheel.
Mr. Stoddard brought me going to Pascomack."
The friendship existing between these men was still
further exemplified on the occasion of the death of Judge
Sewell's wife, which occurred in 1717. Under date of Dec.
9"', the following entry may be found: "Am much re-
freshed with Mr. Stoddard's Letter of condolence, which is
excellent. I soked in Tears at reading. * * * j take
Mr. Stoddard's letter to be an answer to my Prayer for
God's gracious looking upon me." ^
He was uot ouly a minister of the Gospel,
Mr. Stoddard a BusinessMan.
i^^f, j^g -^^s a man of good business abilities.
Besides preaching two sermons on
Sunday, delivering the weekly lecture, and attending to
his pastoral duties, he found time to cultivate his farm, as
indeed all ministers in those days were compelled to do, and
gave not a little attention to the every-day affairs of the
town, as has been abundantly manifested in the preceding
pages of this work. With a keen interest in the welfare of
the settlement, he gave much thought to various business
projects which resulted in great advantage to the community.
It is needless to repeat them. His correspondence
with the authorities is invaluable ;
his suggestions were in
the main practical, and in some instances shadowed forth
methods that in after years were adopted. His letters are
the most reliable, and in several instances the most satisfactory
record of the events they relate. Honored and
venerated by all, " a wise & judiceous Casuist, whose Ad-
vice & Council were much sought & valu'd by the per-
plex'd & scrupulous," ^ he was not only regarded as a spir-
itual guide, but his counsel was also sought in secular
affairs. His opinions were quoted in the correspondence of
prominent townsmen with the provincial authorities, and
his guiding hand has already been noted in many affairs of
importance.
1 Massachusetts Historical Colleetious, ser. 5, vols. 5, 6, 7.
2 Boston Weeljly News Letter.