It is probable that Mr. Purser commenced his ministry in 1660, but did not receive ordination until some years later. In the mean time one Mr. Cowell was the chief preacher at Natton, and an author of some eminence, having published a book entitled "The Snare Broken," which seems to have occasioned considerable difficulty between the observers of the first and seventh day. Mr. Cowell appears to have been rather wavering and unstable, but withal a pious and well-meaning man. He departed this life in 1680, when Mr. Purser took the principal charge of the church. The Sabbatarians at this time were widely scattered. There was no meeting-house, and Mr. Purser opened his dwelling for that purpose. He also held meetings at various other private houses, in different places, by which those living at a distance were accommodated by his labours. It may be remarked, that although this worthy man steadily pursued the occupation of husbandry, and reared a large family, he faithfully served the church. While his hands were industriously employed, his meditations were upon things above, and upon these occasions he was highly favoured with manifestations of the divine presence. All his children and grandchildren were also distinguished for virtue and piety, though many of them adopted the first day for the sake of convenience, and became worthy members of Baptist churches. Mr. Purser, through age and infirmity, was unable to discharge the duties of the sacred office for some time before his death, which occurred in 1720. His successor, Mr. Edmund Townsend, was plain and unobtrusive in his manners, but was highly respected for his candour and integrity. Soon after his ordination he took up his residence for a time with the Mill-Yard Church; and then, in 1727, accepted an invitation to become the pastor of the Cripplegate fraternity, which had been left destitute by the death of Joseph Stennett.