Woman's Rights

 Some years ago in Queensland the Premier’s wife, Florence Bjelke-Petersen, was elected to be a Senator in the Federal Parliament. 

She was a religious person, and I felt she would need spiritual support in taking on this responsibility. She was more famous for her Pumpkin Scones than her politics!

So I sent her a copy of Mary Baker Eddy’s poem Woman’s Rights. Here are the words:

WOMAN’S RIGHTS

Grave on her monumental pile:

She won from vice, by virtue’s smile,

Her dazzling crown, her sceptred throne,

Affection’s wreath, a happy home;

 

The right to worship deep and pure,

To bless the orphan, feed the poor;

Last at the cross to mourn her Lord,

First at the tomb to hear his word:

 

To fold an angel’s wings below;

And hover o’er the couch of woe;

To nurse the Bethlehem babe so sweet,

The right to sit at Jesus’ feet;

 

To form the bud for bursting bloom,

The hoary head with joy to crown;

In short, the right to work and pray,

“To point to heaven and lead the way.”

Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, pp. 388:14 - 389:4

I had a very gracious reply from Mrs. Bjelke-Petersen in which she acknowledged Mrs. Eddy’s place. I am sorry that I didn’t keep a record of that reply.

Joyce Voysey