I renounce your allegiance, and bow to the usurper.

The beast is henceforth the object of my adoration; under his banner, in opposition to your authority, I henceforth array myself; to him, in defiance of your claims, I henceforth yield the obedience of my heart and life.

Such is the spirit which will actuate the hearts of the beast-worshipers; a spirit which insults the God of the universe to his face, and is prevented only by lack of power from overthrowing his government and annihilating his throne.

Is it any wonder that Jehovah denounces against so Heaven-daring a course the most terrible threatening that his word contains?
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