John Ernest Bode

John Ernest Bode (13 February 1816 – 6 October 1874)[1] was an Anglican priest, educator, poet, and hymnist.

One of his children was Alice Mary Bode who also wrote Christian hymns;[5] most famously, "Once pledged by the Cross".

[6] He died in Castle Camps, 6 October 1874 aged 58, and was buried near the hedge facing the West Window.

His hymns include O Jesus, I have promised, Sweetly the Sabbath Bell, God of Heaven enthroned in Might, and Spirit of Truth, Indwelling Light.

The hymn tune was written in 1881 by Arthur Henry Mann, who at one period in his life served as organist and choirmaster at King's College, Cambridge, famous for its superb choral music.