The Powers are the Angelic representatives of all lawful authority, ecclesiastical and civil, of the Supreme Power of Christ's Vicar on earth, of all Bishops, Archbishops, and Priests. They fence round the dignity which is inherent in the highest office of the State. All whose duty it is to govern, receive through them their authority over their subjects. One of the surest marks of loyalty to God is loyalty to those whom He has appointed to take His place on earth.

The special office of the Powers is also to keep the devil in check. If his schemes were not continually thwarted, if he were not hindered from exerting the wonderful force of his spiritual nature, the devil would play havoc with men at his will. It is the superior power of God, exercised through the Holy Angels, which alone frustrates his efforts and protect us from his temptations. We should thank God for those heavenly influences which thus save us from destruction.

The Powers have thus complete mastery over the devils, simply because the former were ready to submit implicitly to God, the latter were not. Without God, authority has no foundation on which to rest. It is His authority which must underlie all authority exercised by the creatures He has made, if it is to carry weight and to prevail. Even Our Lord spoke with authority, because He was subject in all things. We too must be subject if we are to rule with authority. No man is a good superior unless he has first learned to obey.