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WE can then see clear reasons, in addition to those ideas which we
expounded above, why they are called principalities or powers; viz.,
because they rule and preside over different nations, and at least hold
sway over inferior spirits and demons, of which the gospels give us
evidence by their own confession that there exist legions. For they could
not be called lords unless they had some over whom to exercise the sway of
lordship; nor could they be called powers or principalities, unless there
were some over whom they could claim power: and this we find pointed out
very clearly in the gospel by the Pharisees in their blasphemy: "He casteth
out devils by Beelzebub the prince of the devils," for we find that they
are also called "rulers of darkness," and that one of them is styled
"the prince of this world." But the blessed Apostle declares that
hereafter, when all things shall be subdued to Christ, these orders shall
be destroyed, saying: "When He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God
even the Father, when He shall have destroyed all principalities and powers
and dominions." And this certainly can only take place if they are
removed from the sway of those over whom we know that powers and dominions
and principalities take charge in this world.
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