The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1901-07-20
An Explanation from Rev. H. H. Flick.


Last week The ADVOCATE published an ar
ticle from the Hampstead Enterprise in regard
to some friction between Rev. IL. ID. Flick,
pastor of the Manchester Lutheran charge and
his congregation. In Thursdays Baltimore
American Rev. Mr.. Flick publishes letter
which we herewith produce in justice to the
pastor and congregation
To the Editor of The American I'm your issue OF
July &c. on page g. under the title "a Pastor Uses
Bitter Words is an article which contains num-
Der of misstatements.
There has been no war between the congregation
and pastor on any subject whatever, neither has
the congregation been decreasing but on the other
hand the pastor has been told frequently That our
congregations are larger than formerly, but such
attendance never amounts to more than from one
fourth to one-third of the total membership
There was no German service In the morning.
We had German service at p. NJ, and an appoint
ment was made for the next regular time, VIZ IN
two weeks from that date at 10 A. NJ which service
That have delivered soma very ''pain talk is
correct l always try to do So The phrase the
the whole cloth. What l did say was quotation
from DR.. Luther's large Catechism Where ne
shows that the Third Commandment IS violated
not only by those who grossly abuse and desecrate
the Sabbath, but also by those who lie around ike
swine etc." In the case referred to.the word dogs
was substituted for swine. To say the least, II III
becomes ignorance to criticse the writings of the
great hero of the Reformation, who gave not only
religious, but also civil liberty to the clvlllzed
world.
never was foreign missionary, and do not know
what kind of an audience could get from the con-
verted natives but presume not any, as am I'M
able to speak their languages, and they cannot I'M
derstand English, German, Greek. Latin or Hebrew.
What was said was this Don't you think that
from a congregation of over 600 converted heathen
there would be better attendance?"
said this because missionaries tell us that the
heather very devoted, and come many miles If
necessary to attend divine worship. There was no
reference made to the church council at the con
cusion' of the remarks The pastor does not ma ke
announcements at that time; they are made before
entering the pulpit. The announcement was simply
this: That there would be no announcement made
for further services unless the people wanted it.
The council had nothing to do in this matter,
neither was there any council meeting Monday
evening as any intelligent church member knows
that council meetings must be called by or through
the PASTOR and the pastor had nothing to lay before
the council.
on the other hand, godly and pious members
deeply grieve over the too common Sunday desc
crations and with tears in their eyes have asked me
to continue to preach which / have consented to
do and they have promised to make every effort to
improve the service and help their fellowmen 10
see the truth.
The pastor shall, therefore, continue his plain
talks" and deliver the whole Counsel of God and
masRsonetimes use DR.. Luthers thundeFbots, in
the hope they will strike the erring ones, SHAY the
sin and save the sinner.
Yours for truth and righteousness.
Fl. II. FLICK.
Manchester, Nd, July 16. 1911