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Devovt Rhapsodies

In Which, Is Treated, of the Excellencie of Divine Scriptvres ... By J: A: Rivers [i.e. John Abbot]
  

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To my worthy, and learned Friend, Mr, Rivers,
  
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To my worthy, and learned Friend, Mr, Rivers,

after the reading of his Religious Rhapsodies.

That thou in noblest straines of Poesie;
Do'st teach the myst'ries of Theologie:
And raisest humane soules from sordid earth,
Up to that blest place, whence they take their breath.
I leave to them whose learned spirits know,
How best their knowledge, and thy praise to show.
And onely saying, I the Work admire,
Wish that all those who Christian bayes desire,
With just attention, and cleare sight would looke,
Each houre, or day, on thy sweet, mystick booke:
So they, reform'd by vertue of thy Muse,
No more shall Wit, and Poesie abuse.
Iohn Chapperline.