[I]n Japan, too, the king of devils in the Sixth Heaven mobilizes the troops of ten devils, fighting over this land against practicers of the Lotus Sūtra in the sea of life and death. I, Nichiren, have accompanied the army of those aggressively spreading the Lotus Sūtra for twenty years, without ever entertaining any thoughts of retreat. However, some of my disciples and followers who are weak-willed have mostly given up the faith in the Lotus Sūtra due to the constant persecutions; even among the remaining faithful there are some who are already showing signs of losing interest. Nevertheless, it is commendable for you to have kept your faith in the Lotus Sūtra, though you do not know much about Buddhism. What is more, you even sent your servant all the way to Sado Island to help me. Śākyamuni Buddha and the Buddha of Many Treasures, and many other Buddhas in manifestation coming from all over the universe will be sure to applaud such merits of yours.

Ben-dono Ama Gozen Gosho, A Letter to My Lady, the Nun of Ben-dono, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Biography and Disciples, Volume 5, Pages 156-157