O Zion, Haste

O Zion, Haste

Text written in 1871 by Mary A. Thomson (1834-1923)

Sung to TIDINGS, composed in 1875 by James Walch (1837-1901)

O Zion, Haste

Isaiah 40:9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.

You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

V. 1 O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling,

To tell to all the world that God is light;

That He who made all nations is not willing

One soul should perish, lost in shades of night.

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Refrain: Publish glad tidings,

Tidings of peace,

Tidings of Jesus,

Redemption and release.

Acts 17:28 For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring."

Revelation 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 

V. 2 Proclaim to every people, tongue, and nation

That God, in whom they live and move, is love;

Tell how He stooped to save His lost creation,

And died on earth that man might live above.

Refrain

Luke 10:35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. "Look after him," he said, "and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."

V. 3 Give of thy sons to bear the message glorious;

Give of thy wealth to speed them on their way;

Pour out thy soul for them in prayer victorious;

And all thou spendest Jesus will repay.

Refrain

V. 4 He comes again; O Zion, ere thou meet Him,

Make known to every heart His saving grace;

Let none whom He hath ransomed fail to greet Him,

Through thy neglect, unfit to see His face.

Refrain