Verse 16 “And he causes all, the little and great, and the rich and the poor, and the freemen and the bondmen, that they should give themselves a mark on the right hand or in their forehead;” that is to say, the Image causes all who would be its followers and worshipers to commit themselves either by a public profession (mark in forehead), or by giving able support with their might, power and means (mark in right hand). A mark is…
Verse 14 “And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by the signs which it was given him to do in the presence of the beast.” Those who dwell on the earth (not “the earth” itself – i.e. the people who acknowledge and obey these two beasts) it probably refers to independent Christians not allied to worldly organizations. These were deceived by the pretentious claims of divine right and appointment etc. They claim as the Papal church did and does that, they are…
We return once again to a correspondence between two brethren truth seekers; they are addressed as Brothers A and B for convenience. (This is a good review of Chapter 13). B. I am here again Brother A., anxious as ever to enjoy whatever light may be due the church; I know that you believe the word of God to be a lamp, whose oil is the spirit, which sheds its light upon the path of the just as fast as…