“Four Saints for Now” by Truman Madsen is a series of three talks given on the lives of Zina D. H. Young, Eliza R. Snow, Orson F. Whitney, and Heber C. Kimball.  Truman Madsen describes these early church leaders with a wonderful depth and breadth of research on their lives and an understanding of the era. He bridges the gap of time by sharing his keen insights on these icons in such a way that each of us might take into our lives a better resolve to be latter-day “saints”. The three discourses (the women’s part is done in tandem) on the four “saints” take various experiences and details from the lives of these spiritual giants and describe how ordinary people accomplished extraordinary things through faith in the prophet, obedience to the commandments, and being true to what they knew to be right – especially when it was not popular or even safe. In a modern world where women are ever inching toward the accomplishments and even the records of men who have had the only access to the spotlight for all of modern history, Zina D. H. Young and Eliza R. Snow both showed greatness and leadership in a meekly, powerful way. These were the predecessors who paved the way for modern greats like Belle Spafford and Sheri Dew, enabling the women of the church with the knowledge that they are great in the sight of heaven.I loved the stories of the beautiful communion Heber C. Kimball had with God through prayer, and that he was even described as so effective in his prayers that he often knew the answers before he prayed. I was also keenly interested in the discussion on relationships of Orson F. Whitney, and what he thought with regard to our recollections of our lives before we came to this life.

“Four Saints for Now” by Truman Madsen is an extremely interesting book.  Truman Madsen shares with the listener many character traits, exemplary principles, and prophecies that are very timely in light of the current situation in which we all find ourselves. He is an amazing historian/scriptorian, who has a strong testimony of the gospel and its applicability to life; something that comes through every discourse he has given. The discussion on each individual brought their life and example more to light as to how we should address our Heavenly Father.

R. Dunn
Syracuse, Utah; Father of Two