One of the most difficult rules in Christian Science for an enthusiastic beginner to conform to wholeheartedly is that prohibiting the application of treatment, uninvited, to another's problem. As he advances, however, he recognizes the justice of this rule, which is simply adherence to the Golden Rule, and the application of it to human relationships; he learns how to discriminate between the mental effort to bar error from his own consciousness when confronted by the manifestation of its claim in another, and the undesired, uninvited, and therefore discourteous invasion of another's mentality.
Mrs. Eddy has expressed herself in no uncertain terms upon this subject in "Obtrusive Mental Healing" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 283), "Any exception to the old wholesome rule, 'Mind your own business,' is rare;" and again on the same page she continues, "I insist on the etiquette of Christian Science, as well as its morals and Christianity." It is always safe as well as productive of the highest results to follow implicitly the directions of our Leader, whose life work is the best demonstration of her obedience to and expression of divine wisdom and perception.
At one time a student of Christian Science was confronted by a seemingly serious problem and was called upon to decide whether to go to work promptly and mentally for a dear one, who suddenly seemed far afield from the teaching of Christian Science, or carefully to mind her own business. Information of a most distressing character had been received, and in spite of prompt denial of the report it seemed real; consequently a disturbed condition of thought obtained and persisted until it was realized that a vigorous effort must be made to rout the enemy. She then went to work at once faithfully and effectually to clear her thought of belief in an evil power or presence, using in her search the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings.
