Hobgoblins and Giants: A Hymn for Halloween

You've heard of families having a crest or a coat of arms, but have you heard of families claiming a hymn?

I hadn't until I met a dear lady at church who was absolutely delighted to discover someone else knew her family's hymn!

"Who Would True Valour See" used to be more commonly sung than it is today but it has been one of  my favorites since I first discovered it.

Because the original version* of this hymn mentions giants and hobgoblins I thought today would be a good day to share it with you here.

Today the world is glorifying fear and death but we, as Christians can rejoice in the confidence God gives us to take a stand for Him and share the life He offers!

*This hymn first appeared in John Bunyan's classic allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress. Many versions of this hymn today  omit the original references to hobgoblins.

Who Would True Valour See

by John Bunyan

Who would true valour see,*
let him come hither;
one here will constant be,
come wind, come weather;
there's no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim.

Whoso beset him round
with dismal stories,
do but themselves confound;
his strength the more is.
No lion can him fright;
he'll with a giant fight,
but he will have a right
to be a pilgrim.

Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
can daunt his spirit;
he knows he at the end
shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away;
he'll fear not what men say;
he'll labour night and day
to be a pilgrim.

*Originally, "He Who Would Valiant Be."