S.M.
1
How blessed the righteous are,
When they resign their breath!
No wonder Balaam wished to share
In such a happy death.
2
“O! let me die,” he said,
“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 seemed the Lord to know,
And to offend Him loath;
But Mammon proved his overthrow;
For none can serve them both.
6
May you, my friends, and I,
Warning, from hence receive,
If like the righteous we would die,
To choose the life they live.
