The land beast is a persecuting and assumed power, which acts under the disguise of spirituality, and of charity to the souls of men. It gives forth those false doctrines and cruel decrees, which show it to belong to the dragon, and not to the Lamb. It exercises all the power of the abyss beast. It pursues the same design, to draw men from worshipping the true GOD, and to subject the souls of men to the will and control of men. The false prophet makes an image to the beast whose deadly wound was healed, and thus gives form and power to his worship. To worship the image of the beast, requires men’s obedience to his commands, implying being subject to those things which mark the character and attributes of the image. The land beast has carried on its designs, by methods whereby men should be deceived to worship the abyss beast, in the new shape, or likeness made for it; by lying wonders, pretended miracles and by severe censures. The false prophet exercises infernal power and policy and enforces men to worship the image of the beast and so render that honour to beast-creatures, which belongs to GOD alone. Those who receive the mark of the beast demonstrate their devotedness to the beast-system (Rev 13:16-18). It is made a qualification for buying and selling, as well as for places of profit and trust, that they are compelled to use all their interest, power, and endeavour, to forward the dominion of the beast. The followers of the beast of the underworld receive his mark of ownership on their hand or forehead which signifies their being subordinate to Satan and the submission to his kingdom’s laws which are certainly GOD-opposed. As a countermove they are promised security, prosperity and outward unity. Those who will not worship or receive the mark will be deprived of natural or civil rights.
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