The discovery of Christian Science by Mary Baker Eddy and her founding of the Christian Science movement prepared her to meet the demands progressively made upon her by leadership of the Cause of Christian Science.
In course of time her teachings spread both nationally and internationally, and it became obvious that in order to preserve the accuracy and purity of her teachings a wise human control was absolutely necessary. In her Message to The Mother Church for 1900 she states: "My loyal students will tell you that for many years I have desired to step aside and to have some one take my place as leader of this mighty movement. Also that I strove earnestly to fit others for this great responsibility. But no one else has seemed equal to 'bear the burden and heat of the day.'" '00., p. 9; Thus it came about that with the aid of great patience and experience she gradually stood forth in her full stature as Leader of what she herself terms "this mighty movement."
It would be difficult to say exactly when Mrs. Eddy became the publicly acknowledged Leader of the Cause of Christian Science, but there exist many records of her leadership and of her guidance given to her followers from early days. The responsibility of equipping her students for the ever-widening growth of the Christian Science movement showed her the necessity of firmly guiding and controlling both their actions and their organization. Her followers needed this guidance in order to protect them from the envy, hatred, and jealousy which she and many Christian Scientists encountered from the first and which have ever been directed against spiritual growth and revelation.
