Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

Immediately after the decease of Mr. Brattle the Church adopted measures to supply the vacancy thus occasioned. A meeting for that purpose was duly appointed, and its proceedings were minutely recorded by President Leverett, in his Diary, preserved in the Library of Harvard College. As the result was so important, securing the settlement of a pastor who fed the flock of Christ nearly sixty-seven years, almost as long as the combined ministry of his five predecessors, this record is worthy of publication: “Friday, April the 19th, 1717. At a meeting of the Church of Christ in Cambridge. 1. The President being desired by the deacons and brethren opened the meeting with prayer. 2. The deacons proposed that a moderator might be chosen for the ordering and directing the meeting. 3. Voted, that the President be moderator of this meeting. He submitted to the vote of the brethren of the Church, and, opening the design and intention of the meeting, earnestly desired that every body would freely discover their minds and declare what measures they thought proper, and what steps they would take in order to a settlement of the ministry in this place. After a due time of silence Mr. Justice Remington expressed himself, that the nomination of some suitable persons seemed to be the first step to be taken. Some other spake to the same effect. No opposition being expressed, a vote was called and it was voted. 4. Voted, that the brethren express their minds as to nomination in writing, and the three persons that shall have the most votes shall be the persons nominated, out of which an election shall be made of one, in order to be settled in the pastoral office in this ”