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JOSEPH EASTAMAN, CSD
One evening as I was sitting hopeless at my wife's bedside, a lady friend called and asked: "Captain, why don't you get a Christian Scientist to treat your wife?" To my inquiry as to what that was, she replied that she did not know, but had heard that they healed many cases without medicine. "Anything that will heal my wife I will get, if it takes all I own in the world," I replied. In the room, at the time, was my nephew who also was under medical treatment. At close of the lady's call he exclaimed: "Uncle, if Christian Science is good for Manie, it must be good for me too!" I assented, and in a day or two his wife took him (he could not see his way) to a Scientist, under whose treatment he at once placed himself. His teeth, salivated by free use of mercurial remedies, had restricted him entirely to the use of spoon-diet; but on his return from the first treatment, he gritted them together and exclaimed: "There, Uncle! I can eat something now." This renewed my determination to look into the matter, in spite of my wife's protests and fears that it was spiritualism. Accordingly, I accompanied him on his next visit to the Scientist's and myself had a talk with the healer. At this interview I learned, for the first, the existence in Boston of a College whose president and principal, the Rev. Mary B. G. Eddy, was the founder of Christian Science; also, that Christian Science was not for one or two chosen only, for other practitioners were to be found. To my nephew I said: "If this healer can do so much, his teacher must heal instantly. I will take you there; then when you are healed, Manie will see what it is, and I will get the founder to come to the house and heal her." So, like a drowning man grasping at a straw, with alternating hopes and fears besieging me on the way, I led him to the College. In answer to my request for a personal interview, Mrs. Eddy kindly granted us an extended audience; though to my appeal for help, she made the gentle announcement that she herself did not now take patients, but had instructed students who were well qualified to heal. At this, my heart failed utterly; for I felt that none less than the founder was equal to the healing necessary in our case. As I was about to leave, she turned to me and, with much earnestness, asked: "Captain, why don't you heal your wife yourself?" I stood spellbound. Never for one moment had the possibility of my becoming a healer dawned upon me. I did not know what to say, or think. Finally, I stammered out: "How can I heal my wife! Have I not procured the best medical aid,—and, to leave nothing untried, added to that my own medical knowledge? What more can I do?" Gently she said: "Learn how to heal." Without hesitation, I returned to the parlor for particulars. It seemed, then, that it must require years of study to learn Christian Science, and she whom I was trying to save would not long be here; but when I heard that the entire term required but three weeks, I gathered courage, and asked about tuition fees, which proved to be very reasonable. In twenty minutes more, I had arranged to enter the class about to open on the third day following. My wife proved much averse to the plan; having, in addition to her fears with regard to spiritualism, due caution on account of the already heavy financial drain occasioned by her prolonged illness. I was ready to spend every dollar to save her, however, and continued firm in my resolve to go through the class. Thus the 22nd of December 1884, ended "the travail of my soul," since it proved to be the day of my birth in Christian Science. The class included many highly cultured people, all more or less conversant with the rudiments of Christian Science; while I, a sailor, with only a seaman's knowledge of the world, and no faintest inkling of the field to be opened up before me, felt very much out of place indeed. However, God had called me there, and I had long since been schooled to say: "Thy will be done." To that first and last and most important question, "What is God," the students replied variously, according to their own thought, or to the technicalities of SCIENCE AND HEALTH,—which I had not yet procured. When the question came to me, I stammered out: "God is all, with all and in all; everything that is good and pure,—I don't know but it is the very breath I draw." The teacher smiled encouragingly as my answers followed one after another, and I was strengthened to go on. Every day during the term, questions were asked and answers made that puzzled me not a little; but to all of my own simple and earnest queries, the patient teacher replied clearly and satisfactorily. The many laughs enjoyed by the class at my expense did not trouble me, therefore; for evidently my teacher knew that I would not profess to understand when I did not. The simpler my questions, the more pains she took to explain clearly; and thus were brought forward and cleared up many points that otherwise might not have been touched upon. In consequence, that has been admitted to be one of the best classes, as a whole, that has ever graduated from the College. All, except one, went into active work in the Master's Cause, and the majority bid fair to remain "faithful to the end." For myself, I am sure I did not want Christian Science in part; I wanted every bit of it. How much was due to my own changed thought, I cannot tell; but after Christian Science was recognized in our home—even before I entered the College—my wife began to recover. Soon as I understood the rudiments, I began to treat her; and, so quickly did she respond to the treatment, that she was able to avail herself of the kind invitation of the teacher to accompany me to the final session. That one lesson dispelled her every doubt as to whether Christian Science had any kinship with mesmerism or spiritualism—for which she had strong antipathies. She became, then and there, a staunch friend to the Cause; eager to join the next class, that she too might become a Christian Scientist, and help to bless mankind. As to myself, I had always been temperate as to use of both liquor and tobacco, but was not a total-abstinence man. When about to enter College, the president asked if I drank; I said, "Very seldom." Did I use tobacco? "O yes!" I replied, "have done so from my boyhood." The next day, I was unaccountably dissatisfied with my choice brand of cigars; while the second day, found all desire for tobacco completely and forever gone. Christian Science had healed me of the abnormal appetite for tobacco. Like most other students, I became at once very enthusiastic about Christian Science; and my naturally impulsive temperament added somewhat to it, no doubt. This impulsiveness often got me into belief of trouble; but the discipline of Christian Science has brought me safely through thus far, and will guide me all along. My first active efforts in the Cause, aside from healing my wife, were made among my personal acquaintances, ship-owners and merchants. In response to my friendly arguments some let me relieve their suffering, while others only laughed at me for enlisting in such foolishness. My first patient was a wealthy ship-owner having complicated beliefs. He was happy over the success in getting rid of his ailments; but pride made him keep the good news to himself, instead of aiding others by his experience. Next, however, he engaged me to treat his wife and daughter, who, on recovery, freely introduced me to their suffering friends. Here virtually, though I knew it not, began my practice. In a few weeks, my wife had fully recovered; then, beginning to look about me for work, and not caring specially for marine service, I bethought me of an excellent offer made me on my way up from Peru, by the Panama R.R. Company. I accordingly engaged passage to Aspinwall, but on the last day, was reminded of a promise made my teacher. I at once wrote her of my plans, asking if wise, and received immediate counsel not to go. Packed, and passage taken, here was a dilemma! Still, I was ready to be rightly guided, and wrote again, asking what I should do. The reply came: "Take an office." This, certainly, was the last thing I should have thought of doing; for I could see no way to clear personal expenses, to say nothing of meeting the added rent in an essentially central location. However, the command had come, and the birthright in Christian Science required obedience,—even though to me it did look like throwing away time and means. I dimly perceived that Christian Science was a "pearl of great price," and somehow felt I had to remain in it or sink, for often a "still small voice" told me: "Your prayer for so many years is granted, only be guided by Wisdom." This "prayer" had been the unconquerable longing to find on land some occupation that would benefit not only me, but my fellow human beings. I could not disobey. Besides, since class, my former habitual despondency and forebodings had entirely passed away, and I had come to look on the bright side of things; so I set about office-hunting. Thanks to the kindly aid of a brother Scientist, I soon found just the place needed,—and where I now have been for seven years. I at first wished to take it on trial, but a voice kept telling me that I would do better to take a lease for at least a year. I did as directed, and it is well I did; for mortal mind soon tried to drive me away, and apparently at times the obligations of the lease, only, held me firm. Christian Science at that time being comparatively a new method of healing, it is not strange that some months were required to establish a practice based upon justice as well as generosity; but, work away I did, whether or no. Before the year was out, with no advertising except what my work gave me, I had all I could do. About this time, I began to work upon the problem of how to meet and overcome the adversary, so needful for all to know. One who expects to remain in Christian Science practice, will find it necessary to work out his own salvation. Unless faithfulness and energy are at the helm, there is and can be no permanent success. Each must diligently work, and watch his own work—not that of others—here as well as elsewhere, if he would succeed. I myself never worked so hard, even at stowing cargoes in the West India service, as during the past seven years; but I can say with equal sincerity, never did I find, in any other work, the abiding happiness that is mine in the service of suffering, sin-sick humanity.
The Christian Science Journal, May, 1892
Continuation of "The Travail of My Soul" JOSEPH EASTAMAN, CSD
In regard to the different editions: I have read various translations of the Bible, and find the Revised Version clearer to my apprehension than others; yet, I cling to the dear old King James, or Authorized Version. I may say the same for SCIENCE AND HEALTH. The later editions are clearer to my sense, the sixty-third being clearest and best of all I have; yet the two-volume edition, of 1884, is still so precious that I cannot help taking it up in spare minutes, to refresh my memory with the instructions received in the last primary class of that year. These spare minutes are not now so very plentiful, for I am fully occupied in the service of sin-sick humanity; my office being open to all who wish to get help in Christian Science, without respect to color, nationality, possessions or lack of possessions. At close of the May article, I had gained quite a practice. My work had been faithfully done, and the Rewarder of the faithful, divine Principle, bore witness to it, and many were healed; but, I was facing an emergency. My patients thus far had been those whose funds had been exhausted by heavy doctor-bills, and who could only promise future payment when able to earn more; while the little balance I yet had in bank would not last long, if I continued drawing upon it to meet added current expenses. Do Christian Scientists talk with God? Yes, and often! else how could we be wisely guided, as we always are if we but listen to the "still small voice." For this reason, there occurs among us the common expression, "It came to me", to indicate that the "still small voice" directed what to do. So, "it came to me" one day, like a voice from the stillness, to make it a day of fasting from regular duties, and waiting on the Lord for wisdom to guide me aright in the face of this present emergency. The clear and correct instructions received at the College, even though temporarily "forgotten," were stored away in the divine storehouse, Mind, to come forth in response to earnest and scientific effort. So then, as I always have done, I drew upon that storehouse, and brought to memory as much as the occasion demanded. Like Jacob, I had to wrestle for my blessing; but it came as usual, a measure "pressed down and running over," in full proportion to the struggle and surrender made for it. Before the day was over, I saw clearly wherein I had not been quite right in my course thus far. Patients were plenty, and cures were both speedy and effectual; but those receiving help, having sacrificed nothing for it, went their way carelessly without glorifying God for what they received. The help gained for nothing, was valued as nothing; hence, my leniency would not result in their lasting benefit. I must complete my work, must fulfil my mission, by teaching them the lesson of good to all of God's children,—myself included. The cloud of discouragement began to break away. As beginners usually are, I had been enthusiastic in the work; but, like every one else, had to gradually acquire the solidity that can only accompany one's own scientific demonstrations. None but truly scientific work can be permanently successful and this benefits all involved in it. This is why "the laborer is worthy of his hire." More and more the light poured in upon me, and faster and faster came to my aid those precious pearls in the divine Storehouse awaiting the hour of need; until, next morning, I resumed my work with fresh courage, confident that now I was on the right tack. I vigorously affirmed the truth and harmony of Being, denying all error and discord that claims power, as fast as it came up. After about three hours' hard work and several new applications from poor patients, in response to a businesslike rap, I opened the door to find a gentleman who asked if I was Captain Eastaman. I replied: "This is he." Said he, "My wife is suffering very much, and has heard that you can help her." "God can help her through me, in Christian Science," I answered. "Well," said he, "you know all about that. I know nothing of it. Please go and see what you can do for her; and, as she may have to be under your treatment for some little time, here is a bill to begin with." I assured him I would go as soon as my office hours expired; but, I almost staggered at beholding in my hands the very first ten dollar bill that had come into my office since starting! The gentleman went out, and I went in, to work with more energy since I saw the fruit of my labor. Before night, three office patients able and willing to pay the regular fees, came in and engaged treatment. That I was now on the right track was more than a conviction. It was demonstrated, "made visible to the senses." I was delighted to find that the word of the Lord uttered by me had not returned void. As I had successfully met the king of this world, error, I had a sharp struggle with NOTHING that night; but, the vigorous and persistent declarations of Truth left me master of the situation, and with more vivid assurance of the ever-presence of God than ever before. In about two years I had gained the solidity needful to carry one safely through all manner of emergencies; and today I still have the same solid assurance, that whatever is needful will be supplied by Him whom I serve. I have proven beyond all doubt that errors of every sort, whether foolish or malicious, are cowards. An incident that occurred years ago, when I was ordinary seaman on shipboard, and before I had ever heard of such a thing as mesmerism, shows the cowardliness of these claims so clearly, that I venture to give it. A few days out on a trip from Havana to London, it was generally admitted by passengers and crew that our ship was haunted. Strange noises had been heard; and; though we had none on board, a large black dog had distinctly been seen running about the deck at a certain hour in the evening, frightening some very badly. I saw it, with the rest; and resolved to kill it, and so rid the ship of the disturbance. Two chums joined me in my watch, sitting in the passage where he was wont to pass before disappearing. After about four evenings fruitless waiting, the dog again appeared at the usual hour, and walked calmly over our legs; but, when we each grabbed him, there was nothing in our arms! After an evening or two the same thing was repeated, but this time I ran aft to catch it. The dog disappeared, as before, at the booby hatch; but one of the passengers, with elbows on the rail and face between his hands, stood laughing ready to burst. With no thought of the consequences or of what I was doing, I ran to him, put my large sailor's knife to his temple, and exclaimed: "If you don't stop these monkey tricks, I'll put this into you!" Astonished at the fearlessness of so young a lad, the man drew back and, without a word, entered the cabin,—but that was the last of the dog and the noises. It afterwards proved that he was a mesmerist experimenting for his own amusement; being of the sort to have a good laugh at the fears of others, instead of saving them from their fears, as Christian Scientists are taught and have enlisted to do. Of all my early experiences, this one most clearly represents the nothingness of error's claims, whatever their seeming magnitude. I have seen cancers, tumors and insanity disappear before the sword of Truth, as effectually and permanently as both the dog and the man before the sailor-lad's knife. During my early labors, a lady having five tumors around her neck, after having taken nitrate of silver till she was the color of a mulatto, came to me for treatment. Also, the throat was so swelled inside that she could only take liquid food, and her physicians agreed that she must soon die in great agony. In a few weeks the tumors all disappeared, leaving only the trace of the instrument where one had been lanced; and her complexion was restored to its natural hue. After many weeks, all trace of the wound also disappeared, and she returned home a happy woman. About ten days ago this same lady, bright and healthy as one could wish, called at my office and assured me she had been perfectly well from that time to the present. Only a practitioner in the same line of work, can tell the happiness that such testimony after so many years brings me. This lady and one other at that time successfully treated for the same claim, have sent me many, many others, who in turn have sent their friends for healing. It would be useless to give healing experiences in detail. I merely allude to one or two extreme cases, as above, to show the correctness and efficiency of Christian Science work as presented in our textbook, SCIENCE AND HEALTH. If the practitioner is daily becoming more and more free from sinful thoughts, and if he honestly gives the help needed without making the dollars and cents his first consideration, the blessing is sure to come. As to this last, let it be remembered that, as indicated at the outset of this article, here is a chance for error to creep in unless unerring Wisdom grades. Divine Truth is just as efficient to heal the poor as the rich; and, as a rule, I have found the poor to respond to treatment more quickly of the two: yet, that the healing may be justly valued, and hence permanent, I have been obliged to require payment even from the very poorest. This of course has been done with great leniency, always considering the means and highest welfare of the patient, before my own pocketbook. For instance: A poor, hardworking, old man, totally blind from belief of cataract, was led into my office by a boy. On entering, he said: "Captain, I'm blind; and a doctor near Boston sent me to you, telling me you would heal me. I spent what I had on doctors, until I could earn no more. Now I have nothing; but you heal me, and I promise to pay you if I have to work my fingers off.'' I replied: "All right! I take you at your word." In five weeks, he recovered sufficiently to read very large print, and to work a little. His work had been cleaning and whitewashing cellars. He now dismissed his boy, and cleaned a cellar for a dollar and a half. As soon as he got his money, he made his way to my office, bearing the happiest face I ever saw on a man. Proud of his ability to pay, he exclaimed, as he laid the money on the table: "There, Captain! That's the first work I've done for months. I've earned a dollar fifty. That's to begin to pay you." I took the money and slipped it into his own pocket, saying: "Now! Go and earn, and bring here what you get. Be honest, and pay your debts. What I do with the money afterwards, is my business." So he continued under treatment; and brought me his earnings, if only twenty-five cents, until I told him, "I am all paid now. Go in peace." I lost track of him for some time, until about eighteen months ago he wrote me from Maine, asking help for a severe attack of heart trouble. I went to work promptly, and in a week he was in Boston again, quite well,—and gave me permission to write this. All can pay something, if only twenty-five cents per week, or can do something useful perhaps. So, while it would be far easier and pleasanter for a softhearted practitioner to take nothing from the needy, and make it up on the rich, I have to counsel the opposite course to be taken always in great wisdom and kindness. The chief need, even of the neediest one, is to serve divine Principle in all his ways. That he is needy to mortal sense, is simple evidence of his belief in lack of spiritual understanding as to how to serve and what to serve. Then, the true healer's most sacred trust is to teach him what, above all else, he most needs to know, viz: How to serve God aright—to acknowledge divine Principle in all his ways. When he learns to do this correctly, scientifically, no lack whatever can remain apparent—even to that "father of lies," mortal sense. Neither rich nor poor should be cheated out of the knowledge that it is the blessed privilege of man to reflect always divine justice, power, plenteousness, not human niggardliness,—or any other form of weakness. Try it, my brothers and sisters, and God bless you all.
The Christian Science Journal, July, 1892 |
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