560. [verse 13] 'When the dragon saw that he was cast out into the land, he persecuted the woman who brought forth the son' signifies that after being cast down the dragonists in the world of spirits at once began to attack the New Church on account of its doctrine. 'When the dragon saw that he was cast out into the land' signifies when the dragonists saw that they were separated from heaven and in conjunction with the men of the earth (n. 552, 558). 'He persecuted the woman' signifies that he at once began to attack the Lord's Church; that 'the woman' whom 'he persecuted' is that Church may be seen (n. 533). 'Who brought forth the son' signifies on account of the doctrine; that 'the offspring' or 'male child' whom the woman brought forth is the doctrine of the New Church (n. 535, 542, 543, 545).