27 God Be With You Author—Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828–1904 Composer—William G. Tomer, 1833–1896 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 This popular benediction hymn, along with “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” (101 Hymn Stories, No. 12), has closed more religious services during the past century than all other hymns combined. “God Be With You” was written and published, in 1882, by the Rev. Jeremiah Eames Rankin, who was, at that time, pastor of the First Congregational Church