smart words from a smart man

"Persecution is the tool of Satan to harass, hinder, and destroy, if possible, the cause of righteousness. The spiritually weak, the lukewarm disciples, those who have not given themselves wholly to the Cause of Christ are purged form the Church by persecution....

"Conversely, tolerance is of God and abounds in the hearts of those who love the truth and believe in the true doctrine of agency. 'We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.' (Eleventh Article of Faith.)

"Persecution says: 'I have no sure testimony of my own religion, and so I must destroy this other faith, lest it turn out to be true and thus overcome my own sect.'

"Tolerance replies: 'I have the truth and know that truth will prevail. Why should I contend against others and their views? Such true principles as they possess shall prevail and all else will vanish away in due course, for truth only is eternal.'"

-Elder Bruce R. McConkie