I am an engineer and a philosopher and a poet and a husband, as if labels could tell you anything significant. I am in my century of ascent, my hundred years of solitude upon the face of the earth, and I am determined not to lock myself too tightly into any one path, lest the others suffer the neglect. The tree of life offers many fruits.
Of course, why do I write? Not to know that I am not alone, but more as an echo chamber to sound out the question which resounds within me: why do we so often limit ourselves? Forget that—more importantly, why do I so often limit myself? Why do I insist on death when the Lord offers me life? Now we start to get to the heart of the matter—these essays are self-admonitory, inviting me to make the leaps of faith I know I should (a problematic word!). My brain’s soil is reserved for the terrible questions—“for the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, … bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed” (Heb. 6:7).
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I stumbled across your blog, and I really appreciate what I have seen thus far. I don’t have any formal background in philosophy, but I read across a spectrum of topics relating to religion and history, and I appreciate your efforts to put thoughts on cyberpaper.
By: Michael Towns on Wednesday, 30 September 2009
at 17.23
Thanks for your kind assessment, Michael. I dabble myself, so it’s reassuring when someone finds some utility in what I’ve done.
By: Ascentury on Wednesday, 30 September 2009
at 17.43
Dear Elder Davis, I have been so impressed by your writings. I’m not quite sure where you find the time to do all you do, but please know how uplifting some of your columns have been to me (I haven’t read all of them yet…) Merry Christmas to you and your family. Love, Sister DeBry
By: DeAnna DeBry on Tuesday, 22 December 2009
at 13.34
Thank you for your inspirational website. While attending seminary classes at the U of U some years ago, I heard a talk by Elder Maxwell I have been searching for ever since. He spoke about the pre-existence and it’s importance in teaching us how to better understand ourselves here. I believe it was a talk given at BYU, but I am not sure. If you have any leads, please share them at your convenience. Sincerely, Michele Gaddis
By: michele gaddis on Monday, 13 September 2010
at 3.40
Michele, the main talk about the pre-mortal existence that Elder Maxwell gave is Premortality, A Glorious Reality, a general conference talk. There are some others I can think of with references to the pre-mortal life, but this one seems to cover your basic criterion of discussing the importance of the perspective it affords us. Let me know if that isn’t the one and we can look further into it.
By: Ascentury on Monday, 13 September 2010
at 9.14
I think you might be my grandpa if your in your 80’s, otherwise, sorry Neal. Did you have two kids back in the late 50’s with a lady named Joanne?
By: Ryan on Tuesday, 25 January 2011
at 20.54
Nope, sorry. I’m about sixty years too young for that.
By: Ascentury on Wednesday, 26 January 2011
at 10.01
Hello
I have just discovered this site. It is wonderful. Do you know where I can get mp3’s of these talks? I listen while traveling and find it the best way for me to learn.
Thank you
By: Brad Gibbs on Friday, 11 February 2011
at 18.49
Beyond what is available through the lds.org General Conference web site, I don’t. I’m certain that CES or someone must have access to digitized versions of many of these talks, but I am afraid I can’t help you at this point.
By: Ascentury on Saturday, 12 February 2011
at 9.01
I have a mp3 of Maxwell “When the Heat of the Sun Cometh”
I would love to help any other Maxwell lovers get a copy as I can see people are searching all over for it.
Where should I send it?
By: Brandon on Friday, 1 June 2012
at 11.37
You can email me at ascentury at gmail dot com. If it’s too big for email, try using http://transferbigfiles.com/. Thanks a lot.
By: Ascentury on Friday, 1 June 2012
at 11.45
Could i get a copy of the mp3 of “When the Heat of the Sun Cometh?
By: Todd Bean on Tuesday, 28 May 2013
at 13.00
I will like a copy of elder Maxwell’s “When the Heat of the Sun Cometh also please.
thank you
By: Brad Gibbs on Tuesday, 28 May 2013
at 17.41
Neal A. Maxwell – When the Heat of the Sun Cometh – http://higherlaws.com/audiolinks/Maxwell/When%20The%20Heat%20of%20the%20Sun%20Cometh.mp3
By: Brandon on Thursday, 30 May 2013
at 15.59