Mr. Robert Cornthwaite became their pastor in 1726. He had been connected with the Established Church, but becoming convinced that the gospel did not authorize any such establishment, he withdrew from its communion and identified himself with the dissenters. Becoming interested in the Sabbath controversy he soon decided for the seventh day, and was chosen pastor of this church, in which relation he continued until his death in 1754. He was distinguished for great mental vigour, and a firm adherence to whatever he deemed true and scriptural. He published several works relating to the Sabbath, which greatly contributed to draw attention to that important subject. Daniel Noble, his successor, was a member of a Sabbath-keeping family, and being designed for the ministry, received the advantages of a liberal education. His studies were pursued first in London, and afterward at the Glasgow University. He commenced preaching occasionally at Mill-Yard in 1752, took the pastoral charge when that office became vacant, in which connexion he remained until his death in 1783. At this time William Slater, a member of the church, was invited to conduct the services. This he did with such general acceptance that he received ordination, and became the pastor of the church. His ministry was very successful, and continued until he died, in 1819. For several years ensuing that event the church was without a pastor, being supplied with ministerial assistance by brethren of other denominations, until William Henry Black, the present incumbent, became its spiritual guide. Through the pious liberality of one of its members, the Mill-Yard Church enjoys the benefit of an endowment. Mr. Joseph Davis, who united in its connexion at the time that John James suffered martyrdom, purchased, in 1691, the grounds adjoining the present Mill-Yard Church, erected the place of worship, and provided for the permanency of the society. This property was conveyed to trustees, appointed by the church, in 1700. In 1706, shortly before his death, Mr. Davis bequeathed his property to his son, with an annual rent-charge in favour of the Mill-Yard Church, together with seven other Sabbatarian churches in England. He likewise provided, conditionally, that his whole property might afterward come into the possession of the church, and be vested in trustees for its benefit. Mr. Davis, in the earlier part of his life, had suffered extremely from severe persecutions. He was a prisoner in Oxford Castle for nearly ten years, from which he was released in 1673. Subsequently he entered into business in London, where prosperity attended him, and he not only obtained a competence, but became a wealthy man. Few have made a more laudable use of riches, and I would say to the reader, go thou, and do likewise. A short account of some of the most eminent among those who embraced Sabbatarianism previous to the organization of these churches, may be interesting to the general reader.