GS 1974 ARTICLE 60 – Farewell of the Rev. S.S. Cnossen
The Rev. S.S. Cnossen, representative of De Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland is given the floor to speak a few words of farewell. He thanks Synod for the Christian way, in which he was received by Synod, at which he felt at home. The language was different and sometimes a difficulty – although he was comforted by observing that some members of Synod are also now and then having the same problems. The way in which things are dealt with is the Reformed one. I experienced this as a blessing, he said. You have to do a great job in this country. I loved to sing from your Book of Praise. This book is a great thing, a nice inheritance for your children. May your Psalmbook have the same meaning as our old Psalmbook has had for some centuries. We need one another. The world is becoming small. Still part of it is closed, behind the Iron Curtain. Our Reformed brethren over there have no such contacts at all with their brethren in other lands. We have. I was very glad to be at your College Evening. “Kampen” and “Hamilton” can mean much for one another, but also do together. This does not only mean: Let “Hamilton” pass on in this English speaking world the results of the work done at “Kampen”, but also the other way round: “Hamilton” can give much profit to “Kampen”. We in The Netherlands have the inclination to shut ourselves off from the world. We need knowledge of what is going on among the Christians on this continent. Therefore I hope that also this visit may work in this direction that we really obtain more than just a formal correspondence but one that means a lot, in theological respect. and is of importance of building the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in this world, even where Christians are erring from the truth of God’s Word, or where they are living isolated and are not aware of the riches of the Reformed inheritance. May God bless your Synod. May He make your Synod not to last long. I would urge you to visit the General Synod of our Churches to be held at Kampen next year. It will be a pleasure to receive a representation of your Churches. May the LORD bless you in your work as office-bearers of the congregations and in your families. I thank you for all the kindness which you have bestowed upon me.
In response the chairman speaks a few words of appreciation, thanking for the way in which the Rev. Cnossen was moving in our midst, and especially for the representation of De Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland at our Synod. He wishes him a good trip, and God’s blessing upon the work of the Sister-Churches in The Netherlands. He expresses the Synod’s thankfulness for the invitation received.
The singing of Psalm 121:2 and 4 from Book of Praise underlined these good wishes directed to the Rev. S.S. Cnossen and the Sister-Churches in The Netherlands.