Balaam's Wish

Verse 1

How blest the righteous are! When they resign their breath! No wonder Balaam wish'd to share In such a happy death.

Verse 2

"Oh! let me die said he, "The death the righteous do; "When life is ended, let me be "Found with the faithful few."

Verse 3

The force of truth how great! When enemies confess, None but the righteous, whom they hate, A solid hope possess,

Verse 4

But Balaam's wish was vain, His heart was insincere: He thirsted for unrighteous gain, And sought a portion here.

Verse 5

He seem'd the Lord to know, And to offend him loth; But Mammon prov'd his overthrow, For none can serve them both.

Verse 6

May you my friends, and I Warning form hence receive; If like the righteous we would die, To choose the life they live.