One More Strain of Praise

by Neal A. Maxwell

Elder Maxwell's brief introduction acknowledges the kind attention of professionals, family members, and friends during his serious illness, and the regular prayers of many others. He observes that this book "blends the autobiographical and the doctrinal."

both the title of the book itself and those of the individual chapters come from the words of a well-known hymn. The author's counsels and comments reflect his experiences and perceptions in the light of the challenges set by his malady and of the appropriate gospel concepts. Thus he early observes that irony, "the hard crust on the bread of adversity," can try both our faith and our patience.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is central to the book as He is to the plan of salvation. "Multiple revelations teach us that redeeming Jesus is uniquely our 'advocate with the Father,' that He pleads for us, and that He makes intercession for us....Without this grand reality we would be helpless, and all would be truly and finally hopeless."

But the guarantees are in place. "He can succor us in any form of the human condition because, as He reminded Joseph in the Liberty Jail: "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?' No person, therefore, who comes before Him can exclaim, "You don't understand what I have been through!'"

The author further explains: "Of course, the Father knew beforehand of all human wickedness. He knew beforehand of mankind's need of a Savior....Mortal sins previously committed and those yet to be committed were atoned for retroactively and prospectively in Gethsemane and on Calvary. For us of the last dispensation, it was 'paid in advance,' as it were."

The last chapter recalls examples of Elder Maxwell's "intertwinings," many of them "kindred spirit" friendships. They range from boyhood school days and wartime army service all the way up to General Authority associations. This chapter is a fitting end to a book that is replete with uplifting gospel thoughts that will unfailingly instruct and edify the reader.

Note: Description comes from the original version's book jacket and not Amazon.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Faith, Nonfiction, Adult, Church

121 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Neal 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.

Reviews

[Travis Standley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now one of my favorite Elder Maxwell books. This message based on the Hymn, “Sing We Now at Parting” is inspiring and as is typical with Elder Maxwell - an inspiring ode to follow a tutoring Lord and become like Him. I enjoyed chapters on the following:
-Meekness and being willing to be tutored by the Ultimate Tutor
-Being of Good Cheer
-Christ as both Judge and Advocate
-The gift of Mercy - the Lord’s ability to make the best of us out of nothing.
-Hope
-Choice and Agency
-Divine intertwinings - definitely not by accident.

I feel the need to dive into each chapter and study these topics again. Elder Maxwell has a brilliant way of writing gospel truths and practices that keep him eloquent and clear.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the premise and purpose of this book. Elder Maxwell uses the words of "Sing We Now at Parting" as a basis to share a final testimony and witness of Jesus Christ - "one more strain of praise." I think that is an important idea for all of us to consider - praising Him each day!

Elder Maxwell's words, his testimony and his teachings of Christ are humble and profound and thought-provoking and based in the principles of the gospel that will help us be better disciples. I am grateful for his testimony. I was touched by his list of desires when he began his chemotherapy treatments. I think we can learn a lot from them. As he began his treatment he wanted to not shrink, learn more of Jesus, increase in empathy, and acknowledge the hand of the Lord (see page 4). This book helps us see how he did just that and encourages each of us to look for the Lord's hand in our lives, for He is always there guiding us.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"Doctrines believed and practiced do change and improve us, while ensuring our vital access to the Spirit. Both outcomes are crucial (p. x)."

"When the Latter-day Saints make up their minds to endure, for the kingdom of God's sake, whatsoever shall come, whether poverty or riches, whether sickness or to be driven by mobs, they will say it is all right, and will honor the hand of the Lord in it, and in all things, and serve Him to the end of their lives, according to the best of their ability, God being their helper. If you have not made up your minds for this, the quicker you do so the better (Brigham Young, p. 4)."

"We need not 'know the meaning of all things,' if we know God loves us (p. 12)."

"The vast sweep of divine oversight of human history includes God's many mercies to us individually (p. 14)."

"The gospel's 'gladness' actually is so enlivening. It can help us to be of good cheer in a time when other things could dominate, globally and personally...God is deserving of our praise for providing us with much-needed precious perspective. Of necessity there are sunsets in our individual lives, yet so far as gospel perspectives are concerned it is always 'the morning breaks (p. 17).'"

"The leaders of the people should never disseminate a spirit of gloom in the hearts of the people. If men standing in high places sometimes feel the weight and anxiety of momentous times, they should be all the firmed and all the more resolute in those convictions which come from a God-fearing conscience and pure lives....It is a matter of the greatest importance that the people be educated to appreciate and cultivate the bright side of life rather than to permit its darkness and shadows to hover over them (Joseph F. Smith, p. 19)."

"In one sense Jesus is both advocate and judge! Only an omniscient, all-loving God could have both roles of advocate (pleading for the petitioner) and judge (deciding the ultimate fate of the petitioner) (p. 33)."

"Even divine mercy cannot rob justice (p. 35)!"

"Jesus did not retire to some corner of the universe for a well-earned vacation after performing the great Atonement, but He has remained constantly vigilant and vigorous, personally mindful of all of us (p. 42)."

"On how many other occasions before and after the great Atonement has Jesus pleaded? We do not know, but His was surely an 'infinite atonement' (p. 44)!"

"For myself, therefore, I searchingly ask, 'Have I praised Him often enough?' Especially for any small success I have achieved? And, when I have praised Him, 'have I specifically and genuinely given the honor and the glory to Him?'...There are so many examples of His 'tender care,' including His guiding hand even in micro matters. Thus it is important for us to acknowledge His hand not only in the governance of the galaxies but also in His 'overseeing' details of our lives while still preserving our agency (p. 53)."

"While a person may not always be able to keep an impure thought from entering his mind, he needn't offer it a chair and invite it to sit down (p. 67)."

"Discipleship really does require extensive thinking about, praying to, and serving the Lord. Otherwise, distance develops; and distance deprives us. There can be no deep discipleship if we do not have heartfelt intentions concerning Him; otherwise, the estrangement will engulf us. Instead, it should be, 'Jesus, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills my breast (p. 68).'"

"So often, among so many other praiseworthy blessings, life features the intertwinings of our lives which we can scarcely number. Yet why should we be surprised? Do we not sometimes use phrases such as 'instant friends' and 'kindred spirits'? After all, those within our individual circles of influence definitely constitute our particular portion of humanity--those whom God expects us in particular to love and to serve (p. 97)."

"The periodic intersecting of our lives are marked, of course, by interruptions and resumptions. God clearly makes 'multiple use' of these shared learning situations. What do these intertwinings signify? To be sure, God is in the details of each of our lives especially to the extent we allow. Hence, not only in the cosmos do 'all things bear record of [the Lord],' but likewise in our lives, 'all things denote there is a God.' No wonder we are to confess His hand in all things (p. 103)."

[Ann Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Maxwells last books of not the last, he knew his time on earth was coming to a close. This short book spins from the hymn, Sing We Now at Parting and takes each refrain to illustrate deep gospel principles like only Maxwell can.

[Joshua Guest · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of his 24 books written in his lifetime. I have yet to tire of any of them.

[Nancyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love Elder Maxwell's books! He writes with such beauty and such faith. Reading his books always encourages me to try harder and be better.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Elder Maxwell's way with words and with things of the spirit. There are many wonderful insights within this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great words of wisdom from a great man.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't always like to read Elder Maxwell's writings and his conference talks were not always the easiest to listen to. But with age comes more understanding. With many life experiences behind me, I have grow to appreciate his words. Through reading his books, you can tell he has spent a lifetime pondering and contemplating. His insight is so thought provoking. After reading this book, I really felt the grand scheme of life come into focus for me. I know where my priorities should be and where to concentrate my energies and attention.

It is not a long book, very short really, but not a real easy read. I read it like a novel, but know that I will need to re-read it again to gain further insight. One could take a long time to really study and put into practice the principles listed in this book. Great book to read.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've wanted to read this for years and years, so I was glad when my brother offered it to me to borrow. It's a great book, but certainly not light reading. Maxwell was a genius--seriously, I wonder what his IQ was. It's taken me a full month to read it, and it's not long! His dedication, humility, and certainly gratitude are very inspiring.

Thanks Robb! (I know you're offended I only gave it 3 stars--it's just that it's such hard reading! And I usually read late at night in a partially comatose state. Lots of parts I loved though!)

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book Maxwell wrote after the leukemia hit. It is good to hear him talk about having to apply many of the principles of patience and endurance that he had preached for years. The book was written as One Last Testimony or Praise, not knowing if he would have time or years for another. The last chapter focused on particular experiences from his youth that helped forge his young testimony of Christ and His Church.

[Dad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading his comments. Elder Maxwell is an innovator and creator in spiritual things as he has new ways of illuminating old doctrine. He has suffered much, and graciously, and has furthered the cause of the Kingdom of God in his life.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get a sense from book that he thought that he would die soon and his gratitude for his life comes out. It increased my gratitude for what I have.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE Elder Maxwell.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very insightful and inspiring. I miss Eler Maxwell.

[Angee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep, Maxwell style. It's been slow but very enriching and englightening. I had to pause often to reflect and to visualize what he's saying. Maxwell had such a gift with words!

[Avid reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to go wrong with Elder Maxwell. I always enjoy how he helps me articulate my thoughts.

[N Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, motivational, a quick read. Beautifully written, and gave clarity to life after dad & mom died

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell is a personal favorite.