Church and State in Article 36 of the Belgic Confession (1)

Article 36 of our Belgic Confession has been a source of considerable controversy in the church, especially in the last century or so. This article deals with the subject of magistrates and discusses, among other things, the "office" of magistrates which is defined as being, not only to have regard unto, and watch for the welfare of the civil state; but also that they protect the sacred ministry; and thus may remove and prevent all idolatry and false worship; that the kingdom of anti-Christ...