Interestingly, this article goes on to have a series of questions and answers, in discussion format, between "Brother B" and "Brother A". Notice how Brother B challenges the identity of Michael in Revelation as being the Papacy, based on the Michael referred to in Dan. 12. The "Brother A" answer (the WTS) sounds SO convincing... the same kind of "notice this" and "reference that" that you'll find in the Revelation Climax book today. Obviously, it's nonsense.
We should be so very grateful (it's THRILLING!) that Christ showed up in 1918 to apply his stamp of approval on these ones who were dispensing such truthful food for the sheep:
B.--But does it not seem a forced construction to suppose Michael to symbolize the "Man of Sin?" Is not this the same Michael referred to in Dan. 12? If it is a symbol in one case, is it not in the other?
A.--No; the account in Dan. 12 is a literal statement. The resurrection and other matters there mentioned are literal, but not so Rev. 12. The woman, dragon, tail, stars, horns, etc., are all symbols, and it would be out of order to have a real Michael fight a symbolic dragon. However, it seemed puzzling at first to know why this name should be given to Antichrist, but on turning to a dictionary we find that the meaning of the word Michael is--"Who as God." It is quite remarkable that the meaning should be in such close accord with Paul's description-- "He as God sitteth in the temple of God," (2 Thes. 2:4.) When the dragon was cast out of heaven (out of the ruling position) it left this one ("Who as God,") in control, or in the heavens, and from him issues the "loud voice" (great proclamation) of verses 10 to 12. That is, Papacy claimed that when it assumed control-- "The kingdom of God and the power of his anointed," had come to the world. They claimed that they had overcome by the blood of the Lamb, their lives and testimonies. They claim that their victory was the result of the firm stand of the ("Smyrna") church, which just previously had suffered so much persecution. "Therefore, rejoice ye heavens." (Let Papacy and all connected therewith rejoice.) "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, etc." As the church had once been persecuted when Paganism reigned, so now when she reigns she makes the Pagans and heretics suffer. This, Papacy claims as the Millennial reign, during which it broke in pieces the kingdoms with the rod of iron.
B.--But it is the dragon that causes the woe, not the church.
A.--Remember that the dragon represents Rome, and that the same dragon has various heads. (See Rev. 17.) Here it had fully taken on its fifth head--Papacy. It was the same Rome under a new rulership, or head, and the same power which had previously persecuted the church,-- the Empire and its army-- under the new ruler it persecuted pagans and heretics. Remember, therefore, that hereafter the dragon represents the empire or military power under the control of its ecclesiastical head. This military power must be made use of by its new head, and its force was directed against the woman and against the remnant of her seed, [who joined not in the apostasy], which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus."
Now, brother B., can you see the Man of Sin?
B.--Yes, yes! It seems very clear and plain now.