It is with great pleasure that we bring these writings, letters and poems of Pilgrim Brother Benjamin H. Barton to the feet members of the body of Christ at this end of the Gospel Age.

Brother Barton was trained as an architect but gave up his trade for the Lord's work of building his own character and assisting others in attaining the full stature of Christ. In June of 1906 Brother Russell arranged for him to travel to the British Isles on a Pilgrim trip. After that he served continually in the Pilgrim ministry mostly in the United States and Canada until his death on June 24, 1916 in Portland, Oregon at the home of Bro. W. A. Baker.

The Portland Ecclesia considers it a fitting tribute to share the ministry of this noble brother whose earthly ended here more than seventy years ago. It is our wish that this work be considered as supplementary to the harvest message as presented through that "faithful and wise servant."

It is our belief that these "echoes" of a ten year ministry will only stir us to greater faithfulness in our journey toward the kingdom.

Brother Barton's style of speaking and writing are not as polished as we are used to in the reading of Brother Russell's writings. Except for a few cases of misspelling or typing errors we have left the grammar as we found it. Nevertheless you will see in his style, the heart and mind of a saint of God.

Brother Russell delivered Brother Barton's funeral service in July 1916 (just five months before his own death), and we have included that service in this book. Some remarks by Brother Russell and Brother Baker's report can be found in the Tower of July 15, 1916 (R5930). We have made an effort to assemble all of Brother Barton's writings known to us. Some of his letters and articles were printed in the Towers, and we have not attempted to reprint these again as they are readily available to those wishing to read them there (R3818, R4101, R4141, R4450, R4695, R5865). A short synopsis of the source of each lesson is included with the table of contents, which we have arranged as much as possible in chronological order.

Brother Barton died before his father. His father found this consecration card among his effects:

I disclaim all right to myself from henceforth to my soul, my body, my time, my health, my reputation, my talents, or anything that belongs to me. I confess myself to be property of my glorious Redeemer. I dedicate myself to Him, to serve, love and trust Him as my life and my salvation to my life's end.

Upon Brother Barton's death there were numerous memorials and tributes sent to the St. Paul Enterprise. We have chosen not to print all of them in this work. However here we would like to quote a short extract in a letter from Brother J. W. Gilbert.

"His heart seemed always overflowing with tenderness and love toward all, and many of his talks to the Friends were in the nature of a spiritual medicine specially adapted to the needs of the class at that particular time, and most wisely and lovingly administered."

Another letter was from Brother Coyle: Bethel, Brooklyn, N.Y., July 4, 1916 Editor St. Paul Enterprise: I should like to say just a word concerning our dear Brother Barton. He was a man of love'a lovely man, and was exceedingly kind. It has been my good pleasure to be with him, at times I have roomed with him, yet I never heard him murmur, complain, or seem troubled at the issues of life. I have heard him say, that one time he tried three times to arise and dress before he succeeded, then was able to preach a good strong sermon, by the Lord's help. He had a great mind and a greater heart; "he was one of Nature's noblemen, and Nature (the new nature) hath made him exceedingly well." Grand was his service, glorious his reward, like a bright and shining star in the heavens above.

He had the power of good suggestion, and used it ably and well; always drawing out the best in men, especially of the saints – a noble builder of Christian character. Remarkably humble, gentle and long suffering, yet withal, a tower of strength and ceaseless in energy in the Master's service. It can be truly said, "Know ye that there is a Prince and great Man fallen this day in Israel?"

With best wishes, in Christ our Lord.

J. H. COYLE To this we add our "Amen."

1987 In bonds of grace.

Portland Area Bible Students PO Box 23232 Tigard, Oregon 97223.