How blest the righteous are

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.