NOTE.—In this composite beast from the sea are combined the symbols of the seventh chapter of Daniel, representing Greece, Medo-Persia, and Babylon. The blasphemous words spoken by it, its persecution of the saints, and the time allotted to it (verses 5-7) show that this beast, under one of its seven-headed manifestations, is identical with the little horn of the vision of the seventh chapter of Daniel, modern Babylon, the Papacy. See reading on “The Kingdom and Work of Antichrist,” page 218. The false worship here mentioned, the worship of the beast, is the rendering of that homage to the Papacy which is due to God alone. The system of religion enforced by the Papacy is the paganism of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, indicated by the composite character of the beast (verse 2), disguised under the forms and names of Christianity. The Pontifex Maximus of the ancient pagan religions was continued in the Pope, who is the head of the Roman priesthood, and who, in the exercise of his priestly functions, took away the mediation of Christ, and substituted a system of human mediation in its place, thus fulfilling the prophecy recorded in the eighth chapter of Daniel. See reading on “The Vicar of Christ,” page 224. 6. What challenge is made by those who worship the beast? “And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshiped the beast, saying, _Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?_” Verse 4. 7. Whose sovereignty is thus challenged? “Forasmuch as _there is none like unto Thee, O Lord_; Thou art great, and Thy name is great in might.” Jer. 10:6. See also Ps. 71:19; 86:8; 89:6, 8. 8. What specifications of “the man of sin” are thus fully met? “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; _who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God_.” 2 Thess. 2:3, 4. See pages 218-220. [Illustration.] Noah Preaching. "By faith Noah, being warned of God ... prepared an ark." Heb. 11:7. 9. What did Babylon give to the nations to drink? “She made all nations drink of _the wine of the wrath of her fornication_.” Rev. 14:8, last part. See pages 256, 257. 10. What are those to drink who accept the teachings of Babylon, and thus render homage to the beast? “The same shall drink of _the wine of the wrath of God_, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.” Verse 10, first part.