In 1868, Mary Ann Faulkner Thomson was sitting with her child who was gravely ill with typhoid fever. It was during this time of watching over her child that she composed the poem, "O Zion Haste".

We do not know the thoughts that went through her mind that day. But often, at times like these, when we are close to losing a dear one, we are able to see the larger picture, to see what is really important and what are trivial. She decided to write a missionary hymn that night, but only completed the refrain three years later.

Perhaps this hymn was written as an encouragement to spread the gospel of Christ. Maybe looking at her child so close to death caused her to wonder if he/she would be lost in shades of night and needing salvation. We are not sure, but it had convicted her to spur others to publish the glad tidings, as is a command for all Christians everywhere.

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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

Behold how many thousands still are lying,
Bound in the darksome prison-house of sin,
With none to tell them of the Saviour's dying,
Or of the life he died for them to win

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

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]
Publish glad tidings
Tidings of peace
Tidings of Jesus, Redemption and release.