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Moving in His Majesty and Power
If such a thing were possible, Elder Neal A. Maxwell became even more reflective and tender toward the end of his life. Just before his passing, in July 2004, he completed this final book of thoughts and reflections. "Moving in His Majesty and Power" includes three chapters adapted from landmark talks that have not previously appeared in any book—"The Cosmos," "Free to Choose," and "Unto This Very Purpose." Using a style reminiscent of his Whom the Lord Loveth, Elder Maxwell also ponders such themes as suffering, dealing with the onslaught of evil in today’s world, and preparing to live in a celestial culture. Filled with original thoughts expressed in distinctive and lyrical style and celebrating his love of the Lord, this book is vintage Elder Maxwell and a fitting benediction to his vast body of inspirational writings
106 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
11 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Neal A. Maxwell
89 books153 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 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 9, 2017
I always love his books.
June 3, 2022
A very quick read but full of years of experience embedded within the testimony of one of God's apostles. This is the final book written by Elder Maxwell.
October 31, 2022
I feel guilty giving a book written by Neal A. Maxwell less than 5 stars and I recognize the power and truth behind his words but it was a little all over the place at times.
Read
January 6, 2026Favorite quotes:
- "...our genes, circumstances, and environments matter very much, and they shape us significantly; yet, there remains an inner zone in which we are sovereign. In this zone lies the very essence of our individuality and our personal accountability" (pg 3).
- "Everywhere in nature we are taught the lessons of patience and waiting. We want things a long time before we get them, and the fact that we wanted them a long time makes them all the more precious when they come" (pg 7).
- "...we are heaven-bound if we are becoming more childlike...'Submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth to inflict upon him'" (pg 49).
- "...accept the bitter cup without being bitter" (pg 73).
- "Refraining from giving up on others is, therefore, a special form of giving" (pg 79).
- "There are two reasons to look beyond the scarc tissue of the past. One is empathy. The other is that such tissue merely represents what once was, not what is becoming, as to present spiritual muscles. Proud flesh--the extinct remains of the past--is appropriately named" (pg 80).
- "Later, when we look back after the trip through the veil, our anxieties will turn out to be naive and perhaps even amusing. After all, in gospel grammar, death is not an exclamation point, merely a comma" (pg 91).
- "...our genes, circumstances, and environments matter very much, and they shape us significantly; yet, there remains an inner zone in which we are sovereign. In this zone lies the very essence of our individuality and our personal accountability" (pg 3).
- "Everywhere in nature we are taught the lessons of patience and waiting. We want things a long time before we get them, and the fact that we wanted them a long time makes them all the more precious when they come" (pg 7).
- "...we are heaven-bound if we are becoming more childlike...'Submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth to inflict upon him'" (pg 49).
- "...accept the bitter cup without being bitter" (pg 73).
- "Refraining from giving up on others is, therefore, a special form of giving" (pg 79).
- "There are two reasons to look beyond the scarc tissue of the past. One is empathy. The other is that such tissue merely represents what once was, not what is becoming, as to present spiritual muscles. Proud flesh--the extinct remains of the past--is appropriately named" (pg 80).
- "Later, when we look back after the trip through the veil, our anxieties will turn out to be naive and perhaps even amusing. After all, in gospel grammar, death is not an exclamation point, merely a comma" (pg 91).
November 18, 2024
Note to self - concepts to think about:
"...President Joseph F. Smith's vision informs us that the righteous in the spirit world preach the gospel to those in the spirit prison. Can some, if they accept the gospel in spirit prison and under certain guidelines, be emancipated to enter paradise before the resurrection?" pp 88-89
"If God blocks out the memory of our first estate while we are here in the second estate, to make choosing fair and just and a matter of faith, does He also block off the memory of the second estate when we go to the spirit world?" p 90
"...President Joseph F. Smith's vision informs us that the righteous in the spirit world preach the gospel to those in the spirit prison. Can some, if they accept the gospel in spirit prison and under certain guidelines, be emancipated to enter paradise before the resurrection?" pp 88-89
"If God blocks out the memory of our first estate while we are here in the second estate, to make choosing fair and just and a matter of faith, does He also block off the memory of the second estate when we go to the spirit world?" p 90
August 27, 2022
It is comforting to know that an apostle of the Lord in his final work himself did not have all the answers but continued to have questions.
If we have run out of gospel questions ourselves are we truly studying the gospel as intricately as we should?
If we have run out of gospel questions ourselves are we truly studying the gospel as intricately as we should?
May 30, 2025
Elder Maxwell is a master of deep thoughts coupled with precise and pithy language. His prose reads like poetry. This book is a sweet collection of thoughts he completed for publication just 10 days before he died.
September 12, 2017
Quick read. Although each sentence is packed with meaning and implication. Very enjoyable. Perspective lifting every time I picked it up and read.
November 24, 2018
Excellent book. So inspiring. Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s last book and testimony. A small book but gigantic in words and spirit.
January 21, 2019
I didn't know, when I picked it up on a whim, that this was his last book. It truly is one of his best.
February 10, 2021
A great little book chock full of wonderful Maxwell-isms.
June 13, 2022
Apparently, the last of his writings.
He went out strong.
He is missed by many.
He went out strong.
He is missed by many.
February 16, 2023
Fantastic, especially the last two chapters.
August 14, 2023
I am a great fan of Neal Maxwell; this was his last book before he passed away. However, this book did not do much for me, I am sorry to say.
June 8, 2010
Reading this -- the last book written by Elder Maxwell, finished in the last days of his life -- made me miss the man profoundly. He had such an amazing ability to teach and expound truth in moving and beautiful prose.
In the introduction, Cory Maxwell says that at his father's funeral, it was said by President Hinckley, "When he opened his mouth, we all listened. We came alive with the expectation of something unusual, and we were never disappointed. . . Each talk was a masterpiece, each book a work of art, worthy of repeated reading. I think we shall not see one like him again."
Some of my favorite of the beautiful gems in this book include:
"Do we truly grasp how the final Judgment will actually reflect our choices -- a different thing from having some final box score arbitrarily handed down from on high? Our on-the-record desires and cumulative choices will prevail! How manifestly just of God! How trembling for me! Are my desires sufficiently educated to choose wisely? Could the further education of my desires thus be the most important form of my continuing education?"
*
"A wintry verse of scripture reads, 'He trieth their patience and their faith.' (Mosiah 23:21). If we do not understand this fact, we will misread life. But why does God try our patience and faith in particular? Why not try our ability to make money or to amass political power? The Lord is not concerned with these skills. Patience, however, is an eternal quality. It is portable. So is faith. These qualities are out of the developmental reach of those who are caught up in the cares of the world."
*
"We sometimes receive divine directions without detailed explanations. Sometimes, too, after taking much thought and studying things, revelation consists of connecting previously incomplete insights; of an instant, things are crystal clear and 'fitly framed together' (Ephesians 2:21)."
*
"Dozens of biographies have underscored, for me, the crucial role of the meekness and greatness of soul. Significant contributions are made by the unmeek, to be sure, and unanchored genius can still bless mankind. Nevertheless, the master spirits, the truly great ones, always display a goodly measure of meekness!"
*
"We must wait until an errant individual is willing to receive the Holy Ghost. We cannot force that moment. Given their agency, individuals must desire to be touched by Him. Thus we are to 'continue to minister' until a person desires change; he, alone, can decide to engage with the Holy Spirit (3 Nephi 18:32). . . Yes, we go on trying, even when our witness is unheeded. The Lord has told us firmly how this process works (see D&C 68:3-5). After all, it is God who is in the business of saving soulds. It his His work and glory (Moses 1:39). We must consider the wait as part of life and part of his work. Ironically, while we are to "wait upon the Lord" (2 Nephi 18:17), He must also wait for us."
*
"Hence, the mortal prizes of today are often deserved, but those who win them "have their reward" (Matthew 6:2). Such prizes are not timeless. Some are beckoned by the mirage that is the praise of man. Others feel a certain security, though false, when ensconced behind their Maginot lines of expertise."
(me here -- I wasn't sure what a Maginot line was, but found out from a friend it "was a line concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, artillery casemates, machine gun posts, and other defenses, which the French constructed along its borders with Germany and Italy after WWI. It was supposed to be very difficult to penetrate, but the Germans just went around to the point where the French intersected with Belgium and essentially went around it in WWII - getting past the defenses in about 2 days. Using the line as a symbolic reference is we get entrenched behind it and think we are protected and don't need to worry - a false sense of security"
*
In the introduction, Cory Maxwell says that at his father's funeral, it was said by President Hinckley, "When he opened his mouth, we all listened. We came alive with the expectation of something unusual, and we were never disappointed. . . Each talk was a masterpiece, each book a work of art, worthy of repeated reading. I think we shall not see one like him again."
Some of my favorite of the beautiful gems in this book include:
"Do we truly grasp how the final Judgment will actually reflect our choices -- a different thing from having some final box score arbitrarily handed down from on high? Our on-the-record desires and cumulative choices will prevail! How manifestly just of God! How trembling for me! Are my desires sufficiently educated to choose wisely? Could the further education of my desires thus be the most important form of my continuing education?"
*
"A wintry verse of scripture reads, 'He trieth their patience and their faith.' (Mosiah 23:21). If we do not understand this fact, we will misread life. But why does God try our patience and faith in particular? Why not try our ability to make money or to amass political power? The Lord is not concerned with these skills. Patience, however, is an eternal quality. It is portable. So is faith. These qualities are out of the developmental reach of those who are caught up in the cares of the world."
*
"We sometimes receive divine directions without detailed explanations. Sometimes, too, after taking much thought and studying things, revelation consists of connecting previously incomplete insights; of an instant, things are crystal clear and 'fitly framed together' (Ephesians 2:21)."
*
"Dozens of biographies have underscored, for me, the crucial role of the meekness and greatness of soul. Significant contributions are made by the unmeek, to be sure, and unanchored genius can still bless mankind. Nevertheless, the master spirits, the truly great ones, always display a goodly measure of meekness!"
*
"We must wait until an errant individual is willing to receive the Holy Ghost. We cannot force that moment. Given their agency, individuals must desire to be touched by Him. Thus we are to 'continue to minister' until a person desires change; he, alone, can decide to engage with the Holy Spirit (3 Nephi 18:32). . . Yes, we go on trying, even when our witness is unheeded. The Lord has told us firmly how this process works (see D&C 68:3-5). After all, it is God who is in the business of saving soulds. It his His work and glory (Moses 1:39). We must consider the wait as part of life and part of his work. Ironically, while we are to "wait upon the Lord" (2 Nephi 18:17), He must also wait for us."
*
"Hence, the mortal prizes of today are often deserved, but those who win them "have their reward" (Matthew 6:2). Such prizes are not timeless. Some are beckoned by the mirage that is the praise of man. Others feel a certain security, though false, when ensconced behind their Maginot lines of expertise."
(me here -- I wasn't sure what a Maginot line was, but found out from a friend it "was a line concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, artillery casemates, machine gun posts, and other defenses, which the French constructed along its borders with Germany and Italy after WWI. It was supposed to be very difficult to penetrate, but the Germans just went around to the point where the French intersected with Belgium and essentially went around it in WWII - getting past the defenses in about 2 days. Using the line as a symbolic reference is we get entrenched behind it and think we are protected and don't need to worry - a false sense of security"
*
February 13, 2017
This manuscript, finished just 10 days prior to his death brings to the reader a tender final testimony of a great man who suffered much through cancer that brought him to the end of his mortal life. How I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it's over-reaching impact in my life. This I share with Neal A. Maxwell. "Moving in His Majesty and Power" is a compilation of thoughts of a man who first loved God with a love which informed and shaped his love for his fellowman. He rejoiced in the creations. He marveled at the blessing of the Constitution of the United States of America. Highly intelligent and yet ever so meek he expresses truth with such gentle power. One of my favorite excerpts from the chapter "Unto This Very Purpose:"
"If pondered - both as to its substance and the miraculous process of its coming forth - the Constitution is deserving of our prolonged, spiritual applause. Think of all the Lord oversaw, including the shaping events which of necessity occurred long before the Constitution was written, ratified, and implemented. First, it was necessary for God to cause a handful of highly talented and 'wise' individuals to be 'raised up.' Second, they needed to live in one geographic area on this planet. Third, this contiguity also had to occur with in a short time frame! Fourth, a citizenry had to be prepared who wanted and would then implement self-governance. ...
"One who fought for freedom in the War for Independence was asked why he fought. Was it the Stamp Act? The Tea Party? Or reading Locke? He replied in the negative, saying, 'Young man, what we meant in going for those Redcoats was this: we always had governed ourselves and we always meant to.'"
It was a joy over the years to hear Elder Maxwell speak and hard to believe he passed from this life 13 years ago. Thank-goodness for the legacy of the written word he left behind.
"If pondered - both as to its substance and the miraculous process of its coming forth - the Constitution is deserving of our prolonged, spiritual applause. Think of all the Lord oversaw, including the shaping events which of necessity occurred long before the Constitution was written, ratified, and implemented. First, it was necessary for God to cause a handful of highly talented and 'wise' individuals to be 'raised up.' Second, they needed to live in one geographic area on this planet. Third, this contiguity also had to occur with in a short time frame! Fourth, a citizenry had to be prepared who wanted and would then implement self-governance. ...
"One who fought for freedom in the War for Independence was asked why he fought. Was it the Stamp Act? The Tea Party? Or reading Locke? He replied in the negative, saying, 'Young man, what we meant in going for those Redcoats was this: we always had governed ourselves and we always meant to.'"
It was a joy over the years to hear Elder Maxwell speak and hard to believe he passed from this life 13 years ago. Thank-goodness for the legacy of the written word he left behind.
January 3, 2015
Neal A. Maxwell was and still is my favorite Apostle. His words and messages have always spoken to me. Someone In my ward was giving a talk one Sunday and kept referencing this book, which I was not aware that Neal A. Maxwell had written before he passed away. My first thought was I have to read this book, and I am so glad I did. Besides bearing his testimony at the end Elder Maxwell talks about the infinite love that Jesus Christ has for each one of us. Through out this book there are so many encouraging messages how we can better our lives and draw closer to the savior. I loved it from start to finish. I highly recommend it..
March 9, 2015
A great read. This last work of Maxwell showcased in a relatively short space both his profound gospel insights and his skillful writing. It was a combination of a few longer chapters with a few spots of brief unrelated quotes (he seemed to want to take a dig at modern music and so did that with a few sentences and moved on). Despite (or perhaps because of) all his metaphors and other literary devices it is his constant theme of discipleship that always stands. Reading this book doesn't necessarily make me a better person but it sure makes me want to try my best at the lofty ideals of which he speaks.
September 23, 2011
Neal A. Maxwell is, of course, a magnificent speaker and writer. I found some gems in this book (the last one prior to the author's death) and there were many deep and important doctrines discussed. However, I would have to say I prefer the books that were written more cohesively--after all, these essays were collected and put in this book to celebrate his life after his passing, and so were never meant by the author (I surmise) to hang together in style and narrative in quite the same way as his previous books are. Still, it's a wonderful little collection of Maxwell profundities.
August 31, 2016
The book's deceptively simple. There are so many hidden truths in these final words of his life--Elder Maxwell's swan song--that one needs to read over his insights slowly and carefully. I appreciate that he worked so hard to share his wisdom and testimony right before he passed.
I miss his thoughtful words daily. This book helps. It also reminded me to watch Elder Maxwell's final talk in General Conference. I would recommend that everyone reading this review go to YouTube to watch his talk from April 2004.
I miss his thoughtful words daily. This book helps. It also reminded me to watch Elder Maxwell's final talk in General Conference. I would recommend that everyone reading this review go to YouTube to watch his talk from April 2004.
May 15, 2009
Really loved this book. I especially loved the chapters on "conversion" and the one on "the Holy Ghost". Two interesting quotes are "When Jesus commends individuals in the scriptures, He commends them for their traits or qualities of character, such
as "unwearyingness",...or "integrity"... & "There is no music in hell". However, some loud sounds are currently masquerading as music--which would seem to help qualify hell as hell. (funny)
as "unwearyingness",...or "integrity"... & "There is no music in hell". However, some loud sounds are currently masquerading as music--which would seem to help qualify hell as hell. (funny)
August 28, 2010
Incredibly cool! All my wives have read it and think it is groovy! Maxwell (who keeps his silver hammer under his pillow) was considered an "Elder" but in fact he is not so dimwitted as that. He seems to have a certain touch of bigamy to him (it is said that he is a merman) but that is OK, especially when he nails Jesus as firmly to the cross as anybody ever has. INRI -- I'm Nailed Right In. Hush your mouth!
July 20, 2016
I loved this book and read it in one sitting. There were so many wonderful truths within the pages and I fell in love with Elder Maxwell. I'm looking forward to reading more books of his this year that I have on my list, and even listening to several of his talks. The only thing I didn't love about this book was that it seemed a little disorganized to me. Like I didn't know exactly what the objective was. That didn't stop me, however, from learning and loving this book.
March 30, 2008
Elder Maxwell combined these talks and insights shortly before his death. Some of his insights are beyond my understanding, as are most of his books and talks, but his language and testimony are beautiful and I love this thought about death: "After all, in gospel grammar, death is not an exclamation point, merely a comma."
September 16, 2009
Maxwell's books are always a gem. This was his final book, completed just 10 days before he died of leukemia. Sprinkled throughout are his crafted quotables. He ends the book with his always powerful testimony of God. Maxwell was an apostle for the Mormon church, and one of the church's most gifted writers.
October 3, 2011
This book is clearly unfinished, but what can you do? I'd rather see Elder Maxwell's last work published than not, and although many of the thoughts in this book weren't fleshed out, it was still well worth my time. Each paragraph could become an entire conference talk: it was wonderful to get a little glimpse inside Elder Maxwell's thoughts.
September 1, 2013
While it was interesting to hear some of Elder Maxwell's final thoughts before his passing, I thought the book was somewhat awkwardly organized. There were lots of little snippets of thoughts, which some people might like, but I didn't really. I would've much preferred him to elaborate on just a couple of them, but that's personal preference.
January 20, 2016
I love the words of Neil A. Maxwell and was very touched by his testimony in this book. He talks plain and simply about God's love and plan for us and how we can better allow his power into our lives. I was reminded of how simple and beautiful the gospel is and my own testimony was strengthened. I read this in one sitting and I loved every bit of it!
November 7, 2008
A simple and powerful book written by one of my favorite apostles. I love reading his eloquent style that is delivered with such power. This was finished just a week and a half before his death. It truly does speak of what he stood for in his life. I loved it.
July 5, 2009
Read this one on Gospelink. In brief yet powerful form Elder Maxwell bears his testimony on a variety of Gospel subjects. I especially appreciate the discipleship and agency "sermons" he gives in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews