John Bunyan was a pioneer author behind the book The Pilgrim's Progress, which contains a famous hymn: "He Who Would Valiant Be."
Written in the 1600s, The Pilgrim's Progress explored the Christian life in an allegory with elements that would later be considered fantasy. Bunyan was a dedicated Christian and even persecuted for his passion for the Gospel. His experience with Jesus and of persecution informed his work, including "He Who Would Valiant Be." What can we learn from Bunyan's hymn?
What Should We Know about John Bunyan?
John Bunyan was born in Elstow, Bedfordshire, England, in 1628. He came from a modest background and had a relatively unremarkable early life. However, he experienced a profound conversion in his early adult years, which led him to a deep commitment to Christianity and a desire to preach the Gospel.
After joining the Puritan movement, Bunyan preached without a license from the Church of England, refusing to follow the government church. As a result, he spent 12 years in prison. He wrote many of his most famous works in prison. His writings have had a lasting impact, translated into numerous languages.
After his release, Bunyan continued to preach and write, becoming a prominent figure in the Protestant movement.
What Is the Other Title for 'He Who Would Valiant Be'?
His hymn, "He Who Would Valiant Be," is also known by another title, "To Be a Pilgrim," a line from the song that serves as a concluding refrain.
The alternate title, "To Be a Pilgrim," emphasizes the hymn's central theme of embarking on a spiritual journey, much like a pilgrim traveling to a holy destination. The lyrics encourage individuals to embrace their faith and courageously navigate life's challenges, just as a pilgrim would persevere through arduous journeys in search of their sacred goal.
The hymn is set to a stirring and memorable tune, which adds to its enduring popularity. Various artists and choirs have performed or recorded it in church settings and secular contexts.
What Are the Lyrics to 'He Who Would Valiant Be'?
He who would valiant be
'Gainst all disaster,
Let him in constancy
Follow the Master.
There's no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a pilgrim.
Who so beset him round
With dismal stories,
Do but themselves confound
His strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might
Though he with giants fight:
He will make good his right
To be a pilgrim.
Since, Lord,
Thou dost defend
Us with Thy Spirit,
We know we at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away!
I'll fear not what men say,
I'll labor night and day
To be a pilgrim.
What Themes Do We See in 'He Who Would Valiant Be'?
The hymn opens by setting the tone for the pilgrim's persistent nature: someone who wishes to be valiant against adversity must follow the Master, a reference to Jesus Christ. Constancy and determination are paramount—no discouragement should deter pilgrims from pursuing their spiritual path.
The lyrics go on to emphasize that negative stories and obstacles will only serve to strengthen the pilgrim's resolve. The mention of giants symbolizes the formidable challenges and temptations the pilgrim may face on their journey. Regardless, the pilgrim is steadfast in their conviction to assert their right to be a pilgrim, driven by faith.
The final stanza acknowledges the divine protection and guidance the Lord's Spirit provides, ensuring believers will ultimately inherit eternal life. It dismisses worldly fears and distractions, relentlessly pledging a commitment to labor in the pursuit of being a pilgrim.
Bunyan clearly wrote from his experience, and his encouragement carries extra weight due to the life and hardships he endured for his faith and beliefs.
Where Does 'He Who Would Valiant Be' Appear in The Pilgrim's Progress?
The hymn "He Who Would Valiant Be" appears in The Pilgrim's Progress. Specifically, it is found in Part II of the book.
Part I follows a man, Christian, in his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. The journey allegorically symbolizes the Christian's spiritual journey of salvation and discipleship to endure to the end and Heaven.
In Part II, Bunyan writes another allegory, following Christian's wife, Christiana, and their children as they travel to the Celestial City. In Part I, Christiana and the children refused to go with Christian on his path, believing him wrong about everything. Here, in the second part of the book, they change their mind and start retracing Christian's path with another pilgrim, Great-heart, as their guide.
On the way to the Celestial City, they meet Valiant-for-faith (alternately, Valiant-for-truth). Valiant recounts his story, including how he had just fought off three marauders, and he ends his background by declaring his commitment to believe the words of Tell-true and seek the Celestial City along with the other travelers. The hymn "He Who Would Valiant Be" follows his story.
The hymn's presence in The Pilgrim's Progress underscores its significance as a source of encouragement and strength for those facing trials and tribulations on their Christian journey. Specifically, the character Valiant first needed to believe the person who told the truth. The intentional decision to trust the truth gave Valiant the motivation and strength to continue the difficult journey.
Bunyan had certainly experienced difficulty, doubt, and despair in his own life. He wanted to encourage others to continue through the hardships and recounted what he learned through this allegorical and creative narrative. The hymn's presence in The Pilgrim's Progress underscores its significance as a source of encouragement and strength for those facing trials and tribulations on their Christian journey. The hymn's message of steadfastness and determination reflects the novel's broader themes: people's struggles and triumphs as they pursue salvation and the Christian life.
When Was 'He Who Would Valiant Be' Published as a Hymn?
Since the hymn "He Who Would Valiant Be" first appeared in The Pilgrim's Progress, it did not become a standalone hymn. The Pilgrim's Progress was printed in two parts, one in 1678 and the other in 1684.
It wasn't until later that the hymn's verses were extracted from the novel and set to music, eventually becoming a well-known and cherished Christian hymn. It first appeared in the English hymnal in 1906 for public worship. The hymn's enduring popularity led to its inclusion in various hymnals, where it has been sung in churches and other Christian gatherings, serving as an anthem of faith and fortitude for countless worshipers.
What Can We Learn from 'He Who Would Valient Be' Today?
"He Who Would Valiant Be" offers valuable lessons and insights for Christians today. The timeless message of faith, determination, and perseverance resonates with believers as they navigate the challenges of contemporary life. Here are some key lessons from the enduring hymn.
- Unwavering Faith. The hymn's opening emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and the need to follow the Master, a reference to Jesus Christ. Today's world has grown more hostile to the Gospel, and modern luxuries and entertainment culture bring more doubts and distractions than ever. These factors can draw us away and easily shake our faith. The hymn reminds us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Jesus.
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity. Just as the hymn suggests that "no foes shall stay (the pilgrim's) might," we can draw inspiration from the idea that challenges and trials should not deter us from our spiritual journey. The pilgrim faces challenges, and so have many disciples of Jesus across the centuries. They overcame, and so can we in the power of Christ. In the face of adversity, the hymn encourages us to stand firm since our strength comes from God.
- The Power of Encouragement. Bunyan penned his book and this hymn as an encouragement to others. Others were being persecuted by the Church of England, as well. The hymn underlines the role of encouragement in strengthening one's faith. We all need to hear stories of how people have overcome, and this highlights the importance of a supportive Christian community and the need to uplift one another on the journey of faith.
- Faith as a Life-Long Journey. The hymn's other title is "To Be a Pilgrim." The idea of a pilgrim speaks of a continuous journey. As Bunyan could attest, faith isn't a one-time event or decision but a life-long pursuit of God and walking with Him. We can be reminded how our faith is both a destination and a life-long journey. The hymn calls for growth, commitment, and dedication to an overcoming life.
- Trust in Divine Protection. The Holy Spirit defends and guides believers along the journey. Amid wars and rumors of wars in Europe and Palestine, we could be discouraged or frightened by all the uncertainty and turmoil. We can find solace in the hymn's message that divine protection and guidance are available to those who trust God.
- Fearlessness in the Face of Criticism. Fortunately, many people may not be in danger of imprisonment for their faith as Bunyan had been, but we live in a time when we are attacked and called names for statements of faith and morality. The hymn's declaration, "I'll fear not what men say," encourages us to stay resolute in our faith, even in the face of criticism or opposition. Our commitment should not waver due to societal pressures or trends.
- Legacy. Bunyan's story and writings lasted beyond his own life, and our stories of endurance and faith can have the same legacy and encouragement for others. "He Who Would Valiant Be" has a long history of use in Christian worship, and its endurance as a cherished hymn demonstrates the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. We can both appreciate the hymn as a part of our rich spiritual heritage and pass our testimonies on to the next generation in creative and impactful ways.
"He Who Would Valiant Be" is not just a hymn; it's a source of timeless wisdom and inspiration for Christians in the modern world. The message of faith, determination, and the lifelong journey of the Christian walk serves as a guiding light for those seeking to navigate the challenges of contemporary life with a steadfast and unyielding faith in Christ.
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