Comments by Old-Line Primitive Baptists
About the Correspondence between
Elder Russel Key and Elder Kenneth Clevenger

Comments regarding the letter from Elder Key

(Name withheld)

Dear Beloved Brethren, after reading this "liberal's" ideas about who is causing the trouble concerning the ungodly liberal missionary movement, I am persuaded that he, along with all the main leaders of that movement, are standing "on ready" to point an accusing finger at the innocent ones, saying that it's the Old Line brethren who are causing all the trouble. Haven't we been hearing this lie for the past few years? I have heard that they (the liberals) say we Old Liners are trouble makers because we just won't agree with anything they say or do. Well I reckon I will just have to be identified as a trouble maker then, because I do not agree with endeavoring to "redo" the old church in order that it be more like the professing orders of the world, so as to gain more members. I also want to say this concerning the Pitts Resolution, while the brethren who drew up and signed the Resolution made it clear, the document was not intended to force any one to adopt it, it was set forth as a guide line as to what the liberals are and have been guilty of practicing, very much like their predecessors (the missionary baptist) did many years ago. It is odd to me that a church that is a true church is not willing to stand up and declare to all the world that they were only reiterating the precepts and practice that their forefathers adopted when their church was first constituted. Why not? Is it because the enemies of the Pitts Resolution have said many times that anyone that adopted the said Resolution was the same as withdrawing fellowship from all the churches that didn't adopt it? Oh yes, I have had to fight against that, and it was told to some weak brothers in a church I ONCE tried to serve, by one of the very men who did sign the Resolution. (He also told the said brethren, that though he signed it, he could not agree to it in all points.) To me that would make him a hypocrite, in signing it, if he didn't agree with it. (I know all the men who signed it, and none of them are violent men, and didn't twist his arm.) The point here is that the Pitts Resolution was not intended only for the churches in Georgia. It's a guide line, and a good one too, for all orderly churches wherever they might be located. The man who wrote that letter to Elder Clevenger is certainly a fence straddler, as well as forked tongue. (period) I know Brother Clevenger myself and love him and his wife dearly, and I know he is sound in precepts and practice. This man can "prate" all he wants to, Brother Clevenger is not a trouble maker, but according to all the liberals, he is to be considered as one, since he does stand for the Old Line Primitive Baptist way all of us have known and loved these many years.

I am persuaded that anyone who preaches with the known liberals, or visits them, is just as guilty as the said liberals, because they show by their visits that they endorse what the liberals are doing. Judging from Russell Key's letter that he wrote to Elder Clevenger, he seems satisfied to preach with the liberals and visit them, so why is he suddenly realizing that to make his announcment in his newsletter seem more in line, he decides to ask about J C S 's standing as to order. It would make no difference any way whatever anyone said, Key would still agree with using him. J C Stanaland is in full accord with Harter, Jeff Harris, Lasserre Bradley and the others, yet Key says they do not agree with them. If they are not in agreement with them, yet use them to fill appointments, is this not a "paradox"? Being contradictory to him saying he was old line and now using a known liberal to fill an appointment? I have said this before and say it again, "you can call a cat Fido (which is a dog's name) all you want to, but it will still be a cat". Calling themselves conservative yet practice and fellowship the liberal movement is like what I wrote above about the cat. They can call themselves old line, but they are still liberal.

This is submitted in love too, but also I want to encourage all to stand firm in what we believe is the true church of Jesus Christ, and never compromise.

Comments regarding the reply from Elder Clevenger

(Names withheld)

1. Amen to your response! IMHO, the Lord was in the matter. That was very well composed and organized and only in the spirit of love and righteousness for the true Church. I assume, it must have been difficult to set aside personal feelings, considering the persecution and harsh things (untruths) they have spoken about you. But as it is and should be, our feelings are of far less significance than the Church. And if our labors are to redound to the glory of God, then His Bride (in truth) must be the only thing under consideration. Dear Brother, I believe that was a scriptural admonition and will redound to the glory of the Father, regardless of (if any) response from the recipients. Your stand, as well as many of the fine old-line brethren here has been uplifting to us younger children in the Kingdom. I pray the memory of these things remain for many generations, that the generations of Old Baptists to follow may not quickly forget the convictions and stand you all (I pray "we") have taken while seeking to walk in these good and old paths. May the Lord bless you dear Brother as you contend for the faith.

2. May God bless you. Your words are most appropriate, clear, and needed by God's people everywhere. If the "US" do not understand where you and others like you stand then they have no intention of defending the faith once delivered to the saints. I thank you for your strong stand for the truth even when faced with criticism. As we stand together, against the new Liberal movement which grew to such large proportions because many of us were unsure early on, let all of those who have awakened to the heresy among our people, ring that bell of truth. May God cause the ears of those who labor in deafness to hear what you have said.

3. It is indeed amazing to me that those who come under the category of US want to claim that they have not changed. I cannot help but feel that in making such a claim that they are being deliberately disingenuous.

4. I add my support for you and your answer to Elder Key. I believe a bold but loving stand by individuals and churches will hasten the day that the Lord will bless us to reclaim any that are reclaimable and rid us of the others(dross). We are instructed to do no less. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Again we thank you and pray the Lord's blessings on you and others willing to stand for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

5. Elder Clevenger's reply to Russell Key is excellent. How blest we are to be on the side of truth and right, rather than on the side of denial, deception, lying, high-mindedness, fence-straddling, outright heresy, etc., etc., etc.! May the Lord help us to be faithful to that cause that some claim to love more than life but then do everything in their power to destroy.

6. You have stated your (and I believe that of all old-line PBs position so clearly that I don't see how there could possibly be any misunderstanding about where you stand, or why. IMO anyone who tries to refute anything that you have said in this letter, it is because they choose to try to find a way around the Word of God in order to brings the world into the church. However, I can't help but believe that, in their hearts, the majority of the liberals already know that what they are doing is a departure from the old paths, but yet they choose to follow the world, in which case, your letter will probably be of little effect.

7. This is an astoundingly strong statement of the situation and your (our) position in resisting the Liberals and those that fellowship them. I appreciate having this statement in my files. I personally do concur in and fully endorse that resolution and I would like to see more take a strong stand. I know of ministers who, to my knowledge, have not changed in their preaching (i.e. still preaching the truth) but refuse to take a stand against the Liberalism. Some that have taken a personal position against the false ways still refuse to align themselves with those like yourself who are out in front in this fight and, in fact, even resist our efforts to take a united stand. I thank God for you and all who are still carrying on the fight for the TRUTH as it is in Jesus Christ and will not compromise. May God Richly bless you in your service to Him.

8. This response to Elder Key is right on, Brother. There are many scriptures and quotes of our forefathers that come to mind in defense of the right way as I read your letter. Brother Kenneth, the Lord was truly with you when you composed this letter. Thank you for your stand and know that you included me and mine several times in your words when you made references concerning what Joshua said and also the elders of old. We still stand behind Christ with all who stand against this ungodly onslaught, and by the grace of God will continue to stand. May God bless US all who are standing and walking in the path of the Truth of God and His Dear Son.


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