There are no more formidable enemies than evil rulers and priests of erroneous teachings acting in collusion. Evil rulers wield both material and social power. To go against that authority could lead to personal ruin and possibly even death. Priests of erroneous teachings, meanwhile, wield religious authority that exerts a powerful influence over people’s hearts and minds.

This guidance is an abstract from 'The World of Nichiren Daishonin Writings' with universal value and application

When the Daishonin witnessed this happening among his followers, he must have wondered why they would flee at such an important time when he had managed to expose the wrongs of powerful adversaries. Of those followers who criticized his stand, he writes: “They are being as ridiculous as fireflies laughing at the sun and moon, an anthill belittling Mount Hua, wells and brooks despising the river and the ocean, or a magpie mocking a phoenix” (WND, 306).
The only way to open the eyes of such foolish people is not through logical arguments but rather by allowing them to see and come into contact with a vast and lofty state of life. If one does not possess the expansive state of life of a lion king—a state of life as vast as the sky and as broad as the sea—one cannot take leadership for kosen-rufu. 

This guidance is an abstract from 'The World of Nichiren Daishonin Writings' with universal value and application

It goes without saying that we mustn’t invite antagonism or resentment as a result of actions that go against reason or common sense. Nevertheless, when we correctly spread the Law, obstacles will arise without fail. In fact, if they don’t, then we are not upholding the correct teaching. Though everyone may know this in principle, when persecution actually occurs, those without strong faith will discard their practice.

This guidance is an abstract from 'The World of Nichiren Daishonin Writings' with universal value and application

Courage and strong faith go hand in hand. Likewise, cowardice and doubt are connected on a fundamental level.
At the time of the Sado Exile, there were disciples who criticized their mentor, Nichiren Daishonin, saying that persecution would not have arisen if he had spread the teaching in a more peaceful way. Persecution caused them to doubt and even resent their mentor.
But the mentor takes action with the awareness that persecution is inevitable.

This guidance is an abstract from 'The World of Nichiren Daishonin Writings' with universal value and application