President Hinckley was a passionate leader who worked tirelessly and deeply loved history, often weaving stories from the Church's pioneer past into his sermons. His quick wit and eloquent style made him one of the most beloved modern Church leaders. A profoundly spiritual man, he traveled extensively around the world to connect with Church members in numerous nations. Under his direction, a massive temple-building program was initiated, alongside the establishment of the Perpetual Education Fund to support young Church members.
Gordon Bitner Hinckley served as the fifteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from March 12, 1995 until his death. "Truth Restored" was taken from his 1947 book, What of the Mormons?: Including A Short History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and was published separately in 1969. "Gospel Principles" was published in 1978 by the LDS Church as a personal study guide and as a teacher's manual.