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

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

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

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

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.

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