Unbelievers Lost Say First Hardshells

In an 1852 issue of "The Primitive Baptist" periodical, in an article titled "The Covenant" (pg. 98 - see here), we read of how the Hardshells at that time believed that those who do not believe the Gospel were lost. This, however, is denied by today's "Primitive Baptists." How can they be "primitive" however, when they disagree with their forefathers who begat them?

Wrote the author (emphasis mine):

"A short plan of the Covenant plan of Salvation--not to stir up strife, but for a different motive; believing that the most of christians agree in the essential points, when kindly set out by each; for all agree, that it is through the merits of our Savior that they are saved, if they believe on him, whilst those who do not nor will not believe, are to be lost."

Unbelievers lost! That is what the first Hardshells taught!

The author continued:

"You say, mine is a hard doctrine, and or some say that it is unfair, because I have excluded all the rest of the world except the church. The Good Book does the same; 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." 

Why did the Hardshells depart from this clear Bible teaching?

The author continued:

"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. Hence, it is unnecessary to cavil about whether they can, or cannot, if they will, or will not. The only thing for us to know, is, that we are adopted into the family of Jesus. If so, all is well — if not, all is lost — and they cannot enjoy the benefits of the covenant. Therefore, it behooves every one to seek, and try themselves whether there has been an application of the righteousness of our Saviour to the cleansing his or her soul, and that they have been adopted into the heavenly family. If so, there is no more caviling necessary. And I will say to all those who have been cleansed, go on! I care not what denomination you are called, you are one of God's elect, and is entitled to the benefits of the covenant; and, although you may be evilly spoken of here, (falsely,) rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer for his sake, who died, that you might live: for in heaven you shall reap the reward of your suffering here: Jesus has said, As I live, ye shall live also. Which promise is sure and steadfast, and will last so long as eternity endures..."

Now, what do such citations show? They show that today's Hardshells who deny what is taught in the above citations are not "primitive" as they claim, but proponents of a new theology.