This is one matter in which no toleration can be shown. Religious
liberty is a good thing, within certain limits. But it is one thing to
show toleration to those who agree on essentials, and another, to
those who differ on fundamental beliefs. They were willing to admit
any god to the Roman Pantheon. One reason why the early Christians
were persecuted was that they would not accept a place for Jesus
Christ there. Napoleon is said to have entertained the idea of having
separate temples in Paris for every known religion, so that every
stranger should have a place of worship when attracted toward that
city. Such plans are directly opposed to the Divine one. God sounded
no uncertain note in this commandment. It is plain, unmistakable,
uncompromising.
We may learn a lesson from the way a farmer deals with the little
shoots that spring up around the trunk of an apple tree. They look
promising, and one who has not learned better might welcome their
growth. But the farmer knows that they will draw the life-sap from the
main tree, injuring its prospects so that it will produce inferior
fruit. He therefore takes his axe and his hoe, and cuts away these
suckers. The tree then gives a more plentiful and a finer crop.