XCVI. The vanity of Balaam's wish

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 we, O Lord, most high,
Warning from hence receive,
If like the righteous we would die,
To choose the life they live.

Text Information
First Line: How blest the righteous are
Title: The vanity of Balaam's wish
Meter: S. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1799
Topic: Vanity: Of Balaam's wish
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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