Mary Baker Eddy had a strong desire to help people achieve freedom—from illness, oppression, lack, suffering of any kind. She knew well that the human heart, no matter what its circumstances, longs for freedom. In fact, during much of her early life she felt this longing for freedom herself, because of illness as a child and young adult and because of societal restrictions that limited the rights and activities of women in the 19th century.
With faith in God and constant turning to her Bible, in 1866 Mrs. Eddy discovered the laws of God that govern all life and that are the source of spiritual freedom and the divine rights of all of God's children. Naming this discovery Christian Science, she went on to prove through practicing and teaching this Science that when people understand the nature of God and the relationship of God to man—a generic term for the male and female in God's creation—their lives and health are transformed. And she shared with others that the outcome of that understanding and way of living is ultimately freeing and empowering for everyone.
About nine years after her discovery, Mrs. Eddy wrote, "A few sentences of the science of being, understood, would enable man to grasp the standard of liberty. Citizens of the world, accept their glorious import and gain your freedom! This is your divine right ...." Science and Health (first edition, 1875), p. 158. This passage appears in revised form on p. 227 of the current edition. She made that statement in a groundbreaking book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which she dedicated to "honest seekers for Truth." Ibid., p. xii.
