The Form of the Canons of Dort

The positive sections expressing the orthodox Reformed view were added as an afterthought well into the synodical proceedings. Initially it was anticipated that a separate positive document would be prepared in addition to the synodical judgment, but following the twofold structure of the judicia of the nineteen delegations the positive section became folded into the synodical judgment. The purpose of the positive section was to make evident the orthodox biblical basis on which the negative judgment was grounded, and to remove the confusion in the churches caused by the doctrinal controversy by establishing them more firmly in the truth. Because it was customary in theological discussion to present the truth before rejecting error, the positive section was placed first in the Canons, even though the rejection of errors was the primary intent.

 

Donald W. Sinnema, "The Canons of Dordt: From Judgment on Arminianism to Confessional Standard," in Revisiting the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619), ed. Aza Goudriaan and Fred A. van Lieburg (Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 2011), 331