We now come to the Three Administrative Choirs, who carry out the directions of the Regulative Choirs. Of these three the highest is called the Principalities.

The Principalities consist of those members of the Heavenly Host who have entrusted to their care provinces and kingdoms. They are the guardians of nations and peoples. They seek to influence the hearts of their rulers, and to guide events under God's direction for the benefit of the land or district committed to their care. We ought to pray to the Angel who guards our country as well as to its Patron Saint for its many needs.

The Principalities take so special an interest in their own province, that we find in Daniel x. 2, a sort of contest between the Prince or ruling spirit of Persia and the Prince of Palestine respecting the return of the Jews. They each had, at first an opinion of their own, yet as soon as God's will was known, it is an equal joy to both to carry it out. Is this my case?

The Principalities are thus the Generals of the army of Heaven, carrying out instructions as a general does those of his chief or of the Cabinet at home. To their ranks will be added many who are sent to carry the gospel to heathen lands, or who are entrusted with widespread authority over the faithful. Among them we shall one day see many great Saints, and many Bishops and Archbishops, Christian kings and others, who have ruled faithfully the Church or State.