“What peculiarly tends to illustrate and recommend to us the eternal and unmerited grace of election is the the express testimony of sacred Scripture, “that not all, but some only, are elected, while others are passed by in the eternal decree; “whom God, out of his sovereign, most just, irreprehensible and unchangeable good pleasure, has decreed to leave in the common misery into which they have willfully plunged themselves, and not to bestow upon them saving faith and the grace of conversion; but permitting them in his just judgment to follow their own way; “at last, for the declaration of his justice, to condemn and punish them forever, not only on account of their unbelief, but also for all their sins. “And this is decree of reprobation, which by no means makes God the author of sin (the very thought of which is blasphemy), but declares him to be an [awe-inspiring], irreprehensible, and righteous judge and avenger.” — Canons of the Synod of Dordt, I.15

“This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality or disposition in man, as the prerequisite, cause, or condition on which it depended; “but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc. “Therefore election is the fountain of every saving good; from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as fruits and effects, according to that of the Apostle [Eph 1:4]. “The good pleasure of God is the sole cause of this gracious election [Rom 9:11–13; Acts 13:48].” — Canons of the Synod of Dordt, I.9–10