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But for a Small Moment
Light from Liberty Jail -- inspired contributions from the Prophet in prison.
- GenresLdsReligionNonfiction
145 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
8 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Neal A. Maxwell
88 books152 followersNeal A. Maxwell was well known as an Apostle, author, administrator, and educator. A graduate of the University of Utah, he was the Commissioner of Education for the Church Educational System for six years. He also held a variety of administrative and teaching positions at the University of Utah, including that of executive vice-president.
In 1974 Elder Maxwell was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. From 1976 to 1981 he served as member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and in 1981 was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Maxwell has written numerous books on Latter-day Saint themes, including "If Thou Endure It Well"; "Lord, Increase Our Faith"; "That Ye May Believe"; and "Not My Will, But Thine". He and his wife, Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, had four children.
Elder Maxwell died July 21, 2004.
In 1974 Elder Maxwell was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. From 1976 to 1981 he served as member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and in 1981 was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Elder Maxwell has written numerous books on Latter-day Saint themes, including "If Thou Endure It Well"; "Lord, Increase Our Faith"; "That Ye May Believe"; and "Not My Will, But Thine". He and his wife, Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, had four children.
Elder Maxwell died July 21, 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 9, 2022
It's been a decade since I cracked open a book by Elder Maxwell. I miss his prose and logic. The authoritative use of scripture was fun. The most striking part of this book, however, was his use of the cutting edge history. He cites Dean Jessee's works, Words of Joseph Smith, and other original sources. An uplifting read for sure.
March 13, 2018
Neal delivers a stirring history of Joseph Smith and the trials he endured and how we too will have to endure hardships. This book left me feeling aware and proud of my testimony of Christ and Prophet Joseph Smith.
June 25, 2018
I didn't love this book as much as I usually love Maxwell. 2.5 stars.
February 27, 2025
A mine filled with glittering gems.
May 26, 2014
Maybe it's not fair to rate this book low because I mostly read it on Sunday afternoons when I was already tired and ready for a nap. Some days I wasn't able to read more than a couple of paragraphs before nodding off. Other days I read whole chapters without feeling tired. Overall the book felt pretty disorganized. I kept asking myself "What does this have to do with Liberty Jail?" And even when it didn't feel like it was off-topic, it felt like it was either going around in circles or repeating everything that was covered in the previous chapter.
That was probably my main hang-up, because taken alone, many parts of the book are really good. Like chapter 5 about the doctrine of premortal existence and foreordination.
A few of the pages I dog-eared include these kinds of quotes:
"Perhaps as Paul said, 'because they sought it not by faith,' Jesus was an obstacle over which many then could not climb. It is little different in our secular age." (p. 80)
"Denying the doctrine of the premortal existence of man shrinks man's perspective. He begins to think, mistakenly, that this life is all there is; that the insignificant 'me' of a tiny 'now' is not only all there is, but all there ever was... This 'no-answer' attitude equates with a 'no-answerability' concept that too often leads to the 'eat, drink, and be merry' outlook. Thus one-dimensional mortality relentlessly promotes a one-dimensional morality" (p. 122 - 123)
"The doctrine of foreordination is one of the doctrinal roads 'least traveled by.' Yet it clearly underlines how very long and how perfectly God has loved each of us... It is so powerful a doctrine, however, that isolated from other doctrines, or mishandled, it can induce false pride, stoke the fires of fatalism, impact adversely upon agency, cause us to focus on status rather than service, and carry us over into the false doctrine of predestination." (p. 131)
"it is imperative that we always keep in mind the caveats noted earlier, so that we do not indulge ourselves, or our whims, simply because of the presence of this powerful doctrine of foreordination, for with special opportunities come heavy responsibilities and much greater risks." (p. 137)
"for us and the prophets to be so prepared and tutored requires a system that features proving, reproving, and improving. Properly responded to, all these experiences can lead us, attribute by attribute, to become ever more like the Father and the Son." (p.146)
"If time and experience are involved, then there is a corresponding need for us to have patience and faith; first, patience to cope with the expanse of time over which some learning occurs; second, faith as evidence of God's unseen purposes to help us pass meekly through the relevant experiences." (p. 169)
"Thus we see how experiences illuminate principles, and principles illuminate experiences." (p. 171)
I like Elder Maxwell. I will for sure check out other books of his as the opportunities to do so arise. I think with some more attention to the organization of this book it could have been better.
That was probably my main hang-up, because taken alone, many parts of the book are really good. Like chapter 5 about the doctrine of premortal existence and foreordination.
A few of the pages I dog-eared include these kinds of quotes:
"Perhaps as Paul said, 'because they sought it not by faith,' Jesus was an obstacle over which many then could not climb. It is little different in our secular age." (p. 80)
"Denying the doctrine of the premortal existence of man shrinks man's perspective. He begins to think, mistakenly, that this life is all there is; that the insignificant 'me' of a tiny 'now' is not only all there is, but all there ever was... This 'no-answer' attitude equates with a 'no-answerability' concept that too often leads to the 'eat, drink, and be merry' outlook. Thus one-dimensional mortality relentlessly promotes a one-dimensional morality" (p. 122 - 123)
"The doctrine of foreordination is one of the doctrinal roads 'least traveled by.' Yet it clearly underlines how very long and how perfectly God has loved each of us... It is so powerful a doctrine, however, that isolated from other doctrines, or mishandled, it can induce false pride, stoke the fires of fatalism, impact adversely upon agency, cause us to focus on status rather than service, and carry us over into the false doctrine of predestination." (p. 131)
"it is imperative that we always keep in mind the caveats noted earlier, so that we do not indulge ourselves, or our whims, simply because of the presence of this powerful doctrine of foreordination, for with special opportunities come heavy responsibilities and much greater risks." (p. 137)
"for us and the prophets to be so prepared and tutored requires a system that features proving, reproving, and improving. Properly responded to, all these experiences can lead us, attribute by attribute, to become ever more like the Father and the Son." (p.146)
"If time and experience are involved, then there is a corresponding need for us to have patience and faith; first, patience to cope with the expanse of time over which some learning occurs; second, faith as evidence of God's unseen purposes to help us pass meekly through the relevant experiences." (p. 169)
"Thus we see how experiences illuminate principles, and principles illuminate experiences." (p. 171)
I like Elder Maxwell. I will for sure check out other books of his as the opportunities to do so arise. I think with some more attention to the organization of this book it could have been better.
July 1, 2014
This book points out some of the lessons and doctrines Joseph Smith learned and had solidified in his mind as he was held in Liberty Jail - the temple-prison as some have called it. It was a refiner's fire where he learned much about the Lord and His plan. A few of the specific topics mentioned here include Joseph's role as a seer and translator, the doctrine of our premortal existence, and enduring trials.
Here are a few quotes I liked from the book:
"'Before he met Joseph Smith, Brigham Young recalls, 'the secret feeling of my heart was that I would be willing to crawl around the earth on my hands and knees, to see such a man as Peter, Jeremiah, Moses, or any man that could tell me about God and heaven....When I saw Joseph Smith, he took heaven figuratively speaking, and brought it down to earth; and he took the earth, brought it up, and opened up, in plainness and simplicity, the things of God; and that is the beauty of his mission.' While he was not easily impressed by anyone, President Young's regard for Joseph was deep and it never left him (p. 26)."
"We can and should be articulate believers. We can and should so proclaim, testify, and teach, readily and humbly, concerning these added books of scripture (p. 56)."
"The acceptance of the reality that we are in the Lord's hands is only a recognition that we have never really been anywhere else (p. 89)."
"When, as President Joseph F. Smith said, we 'catch a spark from the awakened memories of the immortal soul,' let us be quietly grateful....there is a redemptive design and a loving Designer! It is through Joseph Smith that we are given such reassuring answers to those everlastingly important questions. Precious indeed is the doctrine of our premortal existence (p. 103)."
"Shortly after his call to the Council of the Twelve in 1839, George A. Smith described his visit in company with Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball: '....I have always regarded it as a blessing that I had the privilege of being locked up with those who were imprisoned for the Kingdom of heaven's sake, if it was but for an hour.' (p. 109)"
"The time may come when the place that was Liberty Jail will be appropriately honored--not only for what it was and what it symbolized for Joseph but also for what it can teach all of us about our own discipleship, as we, in our time and turn, seek to 'endure it well' (p. 121)."
Here are a few quotes I liked from the book:
"'Before he met Joseph Smith, Brigham Young recalls, 'the secret feeling of my heart was that I would be willing to crawl around the earth on my hands and knees, to see such a man as Peter, Jeremiah, Moses, or any man that could tell me about God and heaven....When I saw Joseph Smith, he took heaven figuratively speaking, and brought it down to earth; and he took the earth, brought it up, and opened up, in plainness and simplicity, the things of God; and that is the beauty of his mission.' While he was not easily impressed by anyone, President Young's regard for Joseph was deep and it never left him (p. 26)."
"We can and should be articulate believers. We can and should so proclaim, testify, and teach, readily and humbly, concerning these added books of scripture (p. 56)."
"The acceptance of the reality that we are in the Lord's hands is only a recognition that we have never really been anywhere else (p. 89)."
"When, as President Joseph F. Smith said, we 'catch a spark from the awakened memories of the immortal soul,' let us be quietly grateful....there is a redemptive design and a loving Designer! It is through Joseph Smith that we are given such reassuring answers to those everlastingly important questions. Precious indeed is the doctrine of our premortal existence (p. 103)."
"Shortly after his call to the Council of the Twelve in 1839, George A. Smith described his visit in company with Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball: '....I have always regarded it as a blessing that I had the privilege of being locked up with those who were imprisoned for the Kingdom of heaven's sake, if it was but for an hour.' (p. 109)"
"The time may come when the place that was Liberty Jail will be appropriately honored--not only for what it was and what it symbolized for Joseph but also for what it can teach all of us about our own discipleship, as we, in our time and turn, seek to 'endure it well' (p. 121)."
March 8, 2010
It pained me to give Elder Maxwell 3 stars, but this fell short of its potential. Perhaps he ran his manuscript by too many people, as hinted in the Acknowledgments, for it lacks much of his distinctive style. We have a few abortive attempts (32, 126) at our beloved Maxwellisms, though he does deliver on occasion (such as 129). For whatever reason, after a surprisingly long time slugging through history of scriptures--an interesting departure from the Liberty Jail theme--he came back (around Chapter 4) with zest.
I was surprised at the fanfare he gave a number of concepts in Joseph Smith's writings that were little more than paraphrases or direct quotations from scriptures, and not new insights by any means...since there were plenty of those he could've drawn upon. There was also a surprising amount of repetition of scriptural passages, some even retaining their order of occurrence in a later section.
Nevertheless, there are some benefits from his foray into scholarship, like the reminder that prophets of God have not always been old men (3), that Joseph told many that he would not live to be 40 (19), a nice comparison between ancient and modern Josephs (106-107), a Thomas More statement I was unaware of (110), and a fairly tight section on foreordination. Also Elder Orson Pratt's little known observation about time zones (39), something I couldn't locate when I needed it a couple of years ago! I'm always interested to learn when Catholic church councils first condemned an early practice (79). I always appreciate Elder Maxwell's confrontation of the needs of the time: "Surely of all the generations who have ever lived, those who live in the dispensation of the fulness of times cannot expect to be exempt from chastisement and trial" (129).
I am also elated that we thought alike in at least one particular, since I really don't believe I was borrowing from him when I said, in April, 2002: "President Harold B. Lee quoted the phrase: 'What we are hereafter depends on what we’re after here.' Honestly, if someone had served as a general during the war in heaven, that would have little bearing if they refused to serve the Lord here and now." He said (89): "Because we were chosen 'there and then' surely does not mean that we can relax 'here and now.'"
I was surprised at the fanfare he gave a number of concepts in Joseph Smith's writings that were little more than paraphrases or direct quotations from scriptures, and not new insights by any means...since there were plenty of those he could've drawn upon. There was also a surprising amount of repetition of scriptural passages, some even retaining their order of occurrence in a later section.
Nevertheless, there are some benefits from his foray into scholarship, like the reminder that prophets of God have not always been old men (3), that Joseph told many that he would not live to be 40 (19), a nice comparison between ancient and modern Josephs (106-107), a Thomas More statement I was unaware of (110), and a fairly tight section on foreordination. Also Elder Orson Pratt's little known observation about time zones (39), something I couldn't locate when I needed it a couple of years ago! I'm always interested to learn when Catholic church councils first condemned an early practice (79). I always appreciate Elder Maxwell's confrontation of the needs of the time: "Surely of all the generations who have ever lived, those who live in the dispensation of the fulness of times cannot expect to be exempt from chastisement and trial" (129).
I am also elated that we thought alike in at least one particular, since I really don't believe I was borrowing from him when I said, in April, 2002: "President Harold B. Lee quoted the phrase: 'What we are hereafter depends on what we’re after here.' Honestly, if someone had served as a general during the war in heaven, that would have little bearing if they refused to serve the Lord here and now." He said (89): "Because we were chosen 'there and then' surely does not mean that we can relax 'here and now.'"
August 28, 2009
I must have actually been re-reading this book, as I found many of my own markings on the way through. I enjoyed it, but not as much as I think I did last time. It's an incredibly well written book, and enjoyable, it just wasn't as helpful for me as I thought it might be.
Let me explain. It dealt a great deal with Joseph Smith's life and especially his time in Liberty jail. There are many scriptural references, as well as (LDS) church history references. I was hoping for more of an inspirational read on how to persevere through difficult times. In some ways I found the same principles applied, and in some ways I felt there was too much history involved. But certainly a good book, one I would recommend to those interested in learning more about Joseph's life and/or time in Liberty Jail.
Let me explain. It dealt a great deal with Joseph Smith's life and especially his time in Liberty jail. There are many scriptural references, as well as (LDS) church history references. I was hoping for more of an inspirational read on how to persevere through difficult times. In some ways I found the same principles applied, and in some ways I felt there was too much history involved. But certainly a good book, one I would recommend to those interested in learning more about Joseph's life and/or time in Liberty Jail.
November 30, 2015
I have had this book on my shelf for a while, but I finally was able to pick it up on a Sunday morning before Church-- 1:00 Church gives you a lot of time on Sundays. Reading Neal A. Maxwell takes some getting used to. Each idea needs to be read individually to grasp it fully-- rather than reading in sections, I almost need to read it by sentences or paragraphs.
The title seemed a little misleading to me. I thought the book would deal mainly with coping with afflictions and trials. But it was wider than that. Each chapter focuses on a specific lesson that the prophet Joseph learned while in Liberty Jail. Maxwell refers to it as a "prison temple," which I found very profound.
The title seemed a little misleading to me. I thought the book would deal mainly with coping with afflictions and trials. But it was wider than that. Each chapter focuses on a specific lesson that the prophet Joseph learned while in Liberty Jail. Maxwell refers to it as a "prison temple," which I found very profound.
October 30, 2013
The great event of Liberty Jail in the life of Joseph Smith not only impacted his life but also the Church doctrine as a whole. Did the Lord let it happened in order to teach lesson to Joseph that cannot be learned otherwise? Certainly that seems to be the case. It is required time to acquire experience; patience and faith to learn the doctrine, but also searching and trying to really obtaining higher knowledge.
February 27, 2009
This book is a deep look into Joseph Smith's experience at Liberty Jail and the revelatory scriptures he recieved at that time. It was a really nice companion to the materials that we are studying in Gospel Doctrine and it fortified my own personal testimony of Joseph Smith and of the power of revelation in our own lives. This one was a real gift for me.
June 14, 2013
This book took me a long time to get through - but not because it was boring.
It was just very dense and I liked to think a lot about the things that Maxwell was writing.
I had never thought to look at the revelations in the context of what was happening to Joseph Smith at the time he received them. It turns out to be very interesting and illuminating!
It was just very dense and I liked to think a lot about the things that Maxwell was writing.
I had never thought to look at the revelations in the context of what was happening to Joseph Smith at the time he received them. It turns out to be very interesting and illuminating!
December 29, 2013
I couldn't always make the connections between the prophet's liberty jail experience to the insights Elder Maxwell discussed, but I gained a greater appreciation for the prophet and how he grew in wisdom through all his life's experiences.
November 8, 2010
This is a great book but for me a hard read. You have to just about ponder every sentence. A lot of great quotes in this book by Elder Maxwell who had his own unique way of speaking and writing.
April 8, 2013
Maxwell is amazing!
June 20, 2013
A fabulous insightful book on the Prophet Joseph Smith's time spent in Liberty Jail.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews