What the first Hardshells Believed (XI)

The following is from "The Primitive Baptist" periodical for April 10, 1852 (emphasis mine):

"We may then say that the covenant was to this effect: That, as God knew that man would fall, that Christ agreed that the |body he would take should die to pay the debt due divine justice in the fall; it being a divine law, finite creatures could not pay it, or that he became guilty, and did pay it, and rolled back the Law fully justified for those who believe on him. Christ is the Savior of all men, especially those that believe, 1st Tim. iv. 10. We must, therefore, come to the conclusion that God is an all wise God, that he knew all things, past, present and future. He well knew who would believe on him that was to come, and who would not believe. Jesus, therefore, in the covenant, agreed to save all that would believe on him, from Adam to the end of time. Whilst those who do not believe, are not to be saved.

I have only said that those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with a saving knowledge, is to be lost. Now, if you can shew me one promise of salvation to the unbeliever, I will acknowledge my error: but if you cannot, do not blame me for contending for the truth. And — again: you say, all can be saved if they will. Now, admit it is so, would that change the controversy?

I think not; for you must admit, that all who live and die in their unbelief, must be lost — although in the atonement made by our Savior, there is a plenteous redemption to save a thousand such worlds as this, and all the inhabitants thereof that would believe on him; but unless they do believe on him, they cannot be saved. —But of what benefit will it be to any of Adam's race, unless applied to the washing away their sins? They cannot enter into rest unless they are clothed with the Robe of righteousness, wrought out by our Savior: the garment must be washed in his Blood before it will give admittance to the Weary into the world of bliss.

Now, dear reader, you may never hear from me again. I now ask you to ponder well those hints — search the word of God— and by it judge yourselves, and if you are found by it lacking, then learn from it to look to Jesus to save you. Oh! that he may enable us to run our race with patience, looking to him, the author and finisher of our souls' salvation, and in the end of our pilgrimage, being prepared by his grace, that we may be saved in heaven, to praise his name forever, is my humble prayer."

Farewell. E.J.