Hardshells & Universalism

I have asserted many times over the years, as have others before me, that the "Primitive Baptist Church" has been historically afflicted with the disease (or heresy) of "Universalism." This is true especially of that time period that correlates with the late 1800s and early 1900s, a time when

1) the denial of means in the new birth was gaining ground
2) the doctrine of "time salvation" was being widely promoted and accepted
3) opposition to the "absolute predestination of all things" was also gaining ground
4) the doctrine of perseverance of the saints was being forsaken and opposed
5) the idea that evangelical faith is a condition for eternal salvation was being opposed

There is a group of "Primitive Baptists" that are overt promoters of the theory of universal salvation. They are simply known as "Primitive Baptist Universalist."

Most other "Primitive Baptists" are what we call "quasi" Universalists. By "quasi" we mean "having some resemblance usually by possession of certain attributes" ( Merriam-Webster), "to a degree, but not completely" (Cambridge).

Wrote PB Founding Father John Watson:

 "These questions, when properly answered, show most conclusively that we should preach repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, "to every creature"--to "all men everywhere." If we say our preaching is to the (already-SG) called of the Lord, and to them only, and make no distinction between the many called and the few chosen, we will involve the tenet of universalism." (as cited by me in the post titled - Preaching Repentance & Faith)

That was a kind of prophecy and it has come true. It did involve the denomination in Universalism.