Today’s hymn comes from John Bunyan and his great allergy, Pilgrim’s Progress. The first edition of the first part of the book was published in 1678, and The Second Part of the Pilgrim’s Progress was published in 1682. A second edition of the second part was issued in 1684, where this hymn appeared. The second part involves the main character’s wife, Christiana, and his children who had initially refused to follow him, now retracing his path, aided by a guide named Mr. Greatheart. On their way to the Celestial City, they meet another pilgrim named Valiant-for-Faith, who had just fended off three marauders. His parents had discouraged him from leaving, told him of the many challenges he would face, told him of others who had failed in their attempts, and wrongly informed him that Christian had died in the Black River. Valiant ended his testimony by saying he decided to pursue the Celestial City anyway by choosing to believe the assurances of a figure named Mr. Tell-true. The hymn follows his testimony1. I hope you enjoy this one!
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
Hymn of the Day 