by Deborah Macomber
Originally written in Latin, this hymn was penned by Bernard of Clairvaux. Being consecrated to the Lord early in life, Bernard, one of seven children, chose to become a monk and go to the monastery at Citeaux. During the absence of the Bishop of Langres, Bernard became an abbot, which sprang into a very strong friendship between the abbot and bishop. Such zeal was shown by Bernard, even in the last years of his life on this earth, that he was inspired to write the words "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee,"
This hymn composed by John 
Backus Dykes comes from the height of the Middle Ages (A period in history known as "The Dark Ages"). Due to the fact that the spiritual and moral darkness had reached a new blackness, Edward Caswall, one of the important nineteenth century English translators of ancient hymnody, made an English translation of this hymn. Caswell is also known as the translator of the well-known German hymn, "May Jesus Christ be Praised." John Backus Dykes also wrote more than three hundred hymn tunes. Some of them are found in the following:"Holy, Holy, Holy" "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" "Lead, Kindly Light" "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" "O for a Closer Walk with God."
In addition to his gift of writing music, John Dykes also played the organ, piano, violin and horn. A canon, later a precentor and then a vicar, Dykes published many sermons, articles and non-Anglican hymns. Today the hymn "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee" is an inspiration to every true child of God as they anticipate their eternity with Christ their Lord.
Bibliography:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/t/jtupryth.htm
http://www.bernardofclairvaux.info/background/index.htm
http://www.bernardofclairvaux.info/hymns/index.htm
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/d/y/dykes_jb.htm
K. W. Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories, Grand Rapids, Mich, Kregel Publications, 1922
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