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Previous  Next   Chapter XIV.   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,” 1539 for we find
that they are also called “rulers of darkness,” 1540 and that
one of them is styled “the prince of this world.” 1541 But the
blessed Apostle declares that hereafter, when all things shall
be subdued to Christ, these ord