Published by Crossway on February 3, 2026
Genres: Non-Fiction, Christian Life
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Devotional Invites Readers to Examine and Enjoy One of History’s Greatest Spiritual Poets
George Herbert, one of the greatest spiritual poets of all time, influenced many of Christianity’s most cherished writers including Richard Baxter, Charles Spurgeon, T. S. Eliot, and C. S. Lewis. His works, rich with vivid language, theological insight, and pastoral guidance, expand the reader’s capacity to experience and delight in Christ.
In this devotional volume, Stephen Witmer presents 40 of George Herbert’s most impactful poems, favored for their brevity, accessibility, and relevance to contemporary Christians. With explanations of unfamiliar terms and concepts and brief devotional reflections, Witmer helps readers gain a deeper understanding of each poem and its application. This beautiful volume shepherds readers toward spiritual growth, inviting them not only to engage with Herbert’s poetry but also to encounter the God who inspired it.
Beloved Poet: One of the most popular devotional poets of the 17th century and of all time, George Herbert’s work is a lasting treasure for believers
Accessible: Featuring approachable poems with helpful explanations, this devotional is made accessible for anyone wanting to reflect deeper on the beauty of Christ
Brief Commentary: Explains unfamiliar words and concepts, and application sections suggest ways the poems can shape and deepen readers’ spiritual lives
Useful for Meditation: Thoughtfully crafted to encourage reflection and personal meditation
This beautifully bound poetry collection shares selected works by George Herbert, along with short explanations and spiritual reflections from Stephen Witmer, the compiler. This book’s introduction provides some background on the life of George Herbert, a British pastor and poet who lived from 1593 to 1633, and the introduction also explains how to best read these poems and enjoy their spiritual truths. Witmer explains that Herbert wrote with the heart of a pastor, and that he wanted his writing to point people to God.
The poems in this book are sometimes very difficult for a modern reader to understand, due to the archaic language and imaginative figures of speech, which require a close eye for interpretation. I have read some of Herbert’s poems before, but often felt that their deeper meanings escaped me. I really enjoyed this book, because I was able to enjoy and understand the poems with Witmer’s assistance. He includes footnotes to define archaic words, and he explains what each poem represents, both with its poetic meaning and with ways that subtleties like formatting choices can express part of the message. I also found the devotional paragraphs encouraging.
In All Things Thee to See: A Devotional Guide to Selected Poems of George Herbert is a gift to people like me who appreciate Herbert in theory, but who need lots of help to understand him. I really enjoyed this book and got a lot out of it, and plan to return to it in the future. This book will delight many fans of Christian poetry, and it is also accessible enough for readers who struggle with poetry, but who want to grow in their appreciation for it.