Image is defined to be “an imitation, representation, similitude of any person or thing; a copy, a likeness, an effigy.”  The second beast, then, is to manufacture something in imitation of the first beast.  If any doubt exists as to which phase of the first beast, political or ecclesiastical, is copied, it can be settled by considering what is said of the image made from the original.  “The image of the beast should—­speak.”  This directs us by analogy, as heretofore explained, to the department of religious affairs; hence the second beast forms an ecclesiastical organization in imitation of the hierarchy of Rome.  At this juncture the Protestant will doubtless exclaim, “Oh, our churches are nothing like the church of Rome!” But consider a little in the light of truth.  God’s Word teaches that they bear the close relationship of mother and her daughters (Rev. 17:5), and by the help of the Lord we shall point out a similarity of character in this and subsequent chapters.  The symbol of the church of Rome in chapter 17 is that of a corrupt prostitute, while the symbol of Protestantism is that of her harlot daughters.  The Roman church is a humanly organized institution governed by a set of fallible men, their claims of infallibility to the contrary notwithstanding.  Protestant sects, likewise, are all human organizations (even though they may sometimes deny it), and are governed by a man or a conference of men.  The Roman Catholic church makes and prescribes the theology that her members believe.  Protestant churches, also, make their own disciplines and prescribe rules of faith and practise.  The Word of God, inspired by his Spirit, could not be enforced in Romanism without destroying it; for its main spirit is Antichrist.  So, too, the whole Word in Protestantism would soon annihilate her God-dishonoring sects; for they are all contrary to its plain teachings, which condemn divisions and enjoin perfect unity and oneness upon the redeemed of the Lord.  What is said concerning the image of the beast applies to sectarianism as a whole and the human organization of all her so-called churches, regardless of the differences that exist between them as individual institutions; for they may differ as widely as the various systems of heathen religions symbolized by the dragon, yet they can be represented by the single symbol of an image to the first beast, because they are built upon the same general principles—­are but human organizations, falsely called churches of Christ, and are all contrary to the Scriptures.

Imparting life to the image of the beast simply signifies the complete organization of the ecclesiastical institutions so that they are capable of self-government and their decrees possess authority.  Every living body is animated by a spirit.  The sectarian spirit that animates the Methodist body will lead people into that body, etc.; but the one Spirit of God will, if permitted, baptize us all into the one body of Christ, where we can all “drink into one Spirit.” 1 Cor. 12:13.  “And he spake as a dragon” signifies the great authority by which his laws are enacted and enforced upon the people.