Sarah Flower Adams offers a gentle blessing for moments of leave-taking—whether at day’s end or life’s close. The speaker asks others to part in peace, and the reason for that peace shifts with the hour: if day is still ahead, give thanks for life and light; if shadows are gathering, trust in God’s care through the night. There’s no fear here, only a calm willingness to move forward with gratitude. The second stanza deepens that gratitude into acts of kindness for the living and quiet remembrance of the dead, as if the journey homeward becomes a form of worship. The final lines settle into a simple truth: the praise that rises naturally from thankful hearts is what God loves most, and it gently lifts us toward rest. The mood is hushed and warm, like a lullaby for the spirit, making parting feel less like an ending and more like a peaceful turning toward home.
Part In Peace: Is Day Before Us? — Summary
Part in peace: is day before us? Praise His Name for life and light; Are the shadows lengthening o’er us? Bless His care Who guards the night.
Part in peace: with deep thanksgiving, Rendering, as we homeward tread, Gracious service to the living, Tranquil memory to the dead.
Part in peace: such are the praises God our Maker loveth best; Such the worship that upraises Human hearts to heavenly rest.