In like fashion, the latter-day kingdom is hindered very little by those from outside the fold, persons of malevolent mentality who are bent upon the destruction of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. External persecution seems to strengthen the flock and to even interest and provoke the investigator. On the other hand, much damage is done by those who have professed to know the name of the Lord and yet have not known him, persons who blaspheme against God in the midst of his house (see D&C 112:26).
There are those who claim membership in the Church who feel some need, as though by divine decree, to set the Church straight, to “steady the ark;” or to change the pace of the forward movement of the caravan of the kingdom. Unless they repent, these shall live and die weak in the faith and shall fall by the wayside with the added demands of discipleship. In the long run, as the Lord explained to Joseph Smith, “there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time. Wherefore,” the Master then counsels, “keep my commandments; they are true and faithful.” (D&C 71:9-11.)