How blest the righteous are

by John Newton

BALAAM's wish by John Newton

How blest the righteous are

When they resign their breath!

No wonder Balaam wished to share

In such a happy death.

"Oh! let me die, said he,

The death the righteous do;

When life is ended let me be

Found with the faithful few."

The force of truth how great!

When enemies confess,

None but the righteous whom they hate,

A solid hope possess.

But Balaam's wish was vain,

His heart was insincere;

He thirsted for unrighteous gain,

And sought a portion here.

He seemed the LORD to know,

And to offend him loth;

But Mammon proved his overthrow,

For none can serve them both.

May you, my friends, and I,

Warning from hence receive;

If like the righteous we would die,

To choose the life they live.