He Who Would Valiant Be
Religious Music · Other Songs - Religious Music
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.
He Who Would Valiant Be
Released by Religious Music, this hymn stands as a cornerstone of the English language hymnal tradition. The work embodies the genre's characteristic focus on spiritual fortitude and moral resolve, echoing themes found in the artist's other catalogues such as 'It Is Well With My Soul' and 'Onward, Christian Soldier'. Its composition reflects the broader nineteenth-century movement to codify Christian doctrine into accessible, melodic forms suitable for congregational singing. The piece remains a staple in liturgical settings, illustrating the enduring appeal of texts that call for courage and faith in the face of adversity. As part of the standard repertoire for religious gatherings, it continues to serve as a reminder of the values of valour and devotion central to the hymnody of its era.