He was never without a writing project, according to his son, Cory, director of publishing for Deseret Book. Cory Maxwell told the Deseret Morning News on Thursday that Elder Maxwell was working on a final book up until the last few weeks of his life and had it "basically finished" when he died.

Initially reticent about putting his thoughts on paper for public consumption, he was encouraged by his wife, Colleen, to do so. Once he began writing books on gospel topics, he never looked back.

"He was always working on a manuscript," Cory Maxwell said, noting it was just another example of his father's drive to continually absorb theology and spirituality not only through reading but through his own life experience. Elder Maxwell wrote at least 30 books, along with numerous articles and sermons. "He just felt like he wanted to learn some things and he was willing to share the insights he was gleaning" during the final days of his life.

Elder Maxwell carried a notebook wherever he went to jot down thoughts and would often mull an idea for months before voicing it in public. While many have tried to characterize his writing and speaking ability, few would argue that it speaks best for itself. Among the carefully crafted words of wisdom he shared about Jesus Christ and his teachings over the years:

• "The issue for us is trusting God enough to trust also His timing. If we can truly believe He has our welfare at heart, may we not let His plans unfold as He thinks best?"

• "We are often overly concerned, for instance, with our acquiring or holding turf when, in fact, we are urged instead to let go of the things of the world. Any possessiveness for the things of this world is a wasted effort, for it is obviously on a collision course with reality."

• "As the object of the shaping, we can scarcely be expected to understand everything in the sculpturing of our souls. In our imperceptibly, we may, for instance, believe we are already quite symmetrical in certain portions of our personality, only to encounter an experience in which God suddenly and publicly shears off a whole encrustation. We had not even noticed the need, but we feel the pain; perhaps we were too pleased with our lives."

• "Has not the Lord with equal truth and relevance told us, concerning the resources of this planet, 'For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare'? Should not this reality sober us in terms of what might be achieved as regards to poverty? Clearly, it is the attribute of love, not other resources, that is in short supply — a scarcity that inevitably means misery."