really have not time to enter so fully on this subject as I wish, being very much engaged in my own temporal affairs, and at present having no clerk.—­The love I bear to the cause of God, and the desire I have of being any ways instrumental to the establishing of it in this land of darkness, has led me to write this:  but before I conclude, I have some very interesting particulars to lay before you:—­Mr. Liele has by the aid of the congregation and the assistance of some few people, raised the walls of a church ready to receive the roof, but has not the means to lay it on and finish it; nor do I see any prospect of its going further, without he receives the aid of some religious institution from home.  One hundred and fifty pounds, I think, would complete it; and if this sum could be raised, it would greatly serve the cause of GOD, and might be the means of bringing many hundred souls, who are now in a state of darkness, to the knowledge of our great Redeemer.  If this could be raised the sooner the better.  Our family contributed towards the purchase of the Methodist chapel; nor shall our mite be wanting to forward this work if it meets with any encouragement from home.—­I am a stranger to you, but you may know my character from Daniel Shea, Esq.; and John Parker, Esq.; merchants in your city; or from Mr. Samuel Yockney, tea-dealer, in Bedford Row.

Perhaps you may expect me to say something of Mr. Liele’s character.  He is a very industrious man—­decent and humble in his manners, and, I think, a good man.  This is my opinion of him.  I love all Christians of every denomination, and remain, with respect and sincere regard,

Reverend Sir,

Your friend and servant,

(Signed) Stephen Cooke.

—­Baptist Annual Register, 1790-1793, pages 338 and 339.

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] Most of these letters were written by two colored preachers, George Liele and Andrew Bryan.

[2] Mr. Moore was an ordained Baptist minister, of the county of Burke, in Georgia; he died, it seems, some time since.  EDITOR.

[3] 140 l. currency is 100 l. sterling.

[4] A bit was seven pence half-penny currency, or about five pence halfpenny sterling.

SKETCHES OF THE BLACK BAPTIST CHURCH AT SAVANNAH, IN GEORGIA; AND OF THEIR MINISTER ANDREW BRYAN, EXTRACTED FROM SEVERAL LETTERS

Savannah, July 19, 1790, &c.

Dear Brother,

“With pleasure I receive your favor of the 20th ult. more particularly, as I trust the correspondence may be of use to Brother Andrew’s church; concerning the origin of which, I have taken from him the following account.