"But for a Small Moment" by Neal A. Maxwell

8/10

I just finished this book yesterday. It is all about the many things that Joseph Smith learned and all the ways that he grew because of his experiences in Liberty Jail (Maxwell calls the Jail 'the prison-temple' because of the sacred revelations received there). It's a good read, and, in true Maxwell style, is very scriptural and doctrinally oriented. He discusses in depth some of the important doctrines that the Prophet learned while incarcerated as well as the doctrines that he felt were of great importance after his release. A large chunk of the book deals with the doctrine of pre-mortality with some sweet scriptural support. Another main topic, perhaps obviously, is how the Lord strengthens us through trials and how his true disciples handle such adversity. The Prophet serves as a prime example of how to behave when faced with trials. There are a lot of things that one could learn from this book. Simply put, the world would be a better place if they read this book and applied its principles. I am glad that I read it.

Quotes:

"It is a rare person who can appreciate such lessons while the lessons are in process; it takes special perspective."

"For Joseph Smith, suffering increased his obedience."

"The richness of the Book of Mormon has been missed by critics and casual Church members alike. They fail to see that both the intricacy and the simplicity of the book are beyond the capacity of any mortal being to produce, including Joseph Smith. What came through Joseph was beyond him and stretched him!"

"God has no distracting hobbies."

"The promise was and is that those who would try to destroy the work of the latter-day seer 'shall be confounded'. One of the ways in which this promise continues to be kept, of course, is the absence of successful, substantive challenge to the massive, complex translations and revelations which came through Joseph Smith."

"We fully expect such doctrines to be scrutinized and even criticized by others. We reserve the same freedom to engage in scrutiny of their beliefs. All in mutual good will, however."

"Given all the disapprovals of past synods and councils, the doctrine of premortal existence is demonstrably not one that could have been reestablished by backward reasoning or research. It could only have come through modern revelation and restoration. Though the doctrine does not abuse logic, it is more than logic alone can fully support. It rests upon the certitude and direction which can come only from divine revelation and affirmation, which is precisely what occurred."

"We can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed. No one was foreordained to fail or to be wicked."

"Desire, challenge, obedient response, and subsequent development interplay in the life of each serious disciple."

"Of the approximately 70 billion individuals who, up to now, have inhabited this planet, probably not more than one percent have really heard the gospel...Even so, before the final judgment and resurrection all will have had an adequate opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. This underscores the mercy of God and the justice of God."

"Endurance is continuance in striving for spiritual improvement, outlasting while becoming."