Another beast; representing an ecclesiastical power, pretended ministers of religion uniting with the civil power, described under the first beast, in persecuting the saints.

Out of the earth; in a quiet, silent way; an exact description of the rise of the spiritual power of the papacy, which grew up stealthily and by degrees. This beast may be considered as including all the other kindred forms of ecclesiastical domination, which arose side by side with the papacy, and constitute with it one vast system of spiritual tyranny.

Like a lamb; professing to be very mild, meek, and humble.

Spake as a dragon; showing himself to be the opposite of what he professed to be.

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Old Testament