XII. Oral Declaration of Late Keswick Teacher, W. Graham Scroggie

I close this chapter with the recital of a cherished personal visit to the home of Dr. W. Graham Scroggie, at Wimbledon, on the outskirts of London. It was on December 22, 1957, a little more than a year before his death. But let me first sketch the life of this outstanding Bible teacher. Dr. Scroggie was trained for the Baptist ministry at Spurgeon’s College. This was followed by pastorates at Leytonstone (1889-1903) and Halifax (1902-1905). Then, after two years of intensive personal study of the Word, he passed through a spiritual crisis-his “Arabia” he called it-which became the turning point in his lifework. There he learned and experienced “the vital distinction between the Saviourship and the Mastership of Jesus Christ.”CFF2 908.4

Dr. Scroggie emerged, in 1907, to enter upon a Bibleteaching ministry for which he became known throughout the English-speaking world. After ten years at the Bethesda Free church, in 1916 he began his memorable ministry at Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh-a city noted for outstanding preacherswith his famed Bible schools, from which one hundred lay preachers emerged. This was followed by extensive preaching tours in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States and Canada. His final pastorate was a seven-year period in the famous Spurgeon Metropolitan Tabernacle in London (1938-1944).CFF2 909.1

Meantime, Dr. Scroggie was in increasing demand as a Bible teacher to the thousands who thronged the annual Keswick Conventions. ^{8282) The Keswick Conventions are annual gatherings of Evangelical Christians for prayer Bible study, and addresses. The plan started in 1875. Each convention lasts for a week and attracts visitors from many countries. Their purpose is to promote practical godliness and the deeper spiritual life. Their motto is “All One in Christ Jesus.” They are similar to the Northfield Conferences in North America, started by Dwight L. Moody.} His first appearance at Keswick was in 1912. And at these he was the leading speaker for no fewer than twelve conventions-more than any other participant in Keswick history. He was likewise a special lecturer at Spurgeon’s and other colleges. He was also a prolific writer, with some thirty books and pamphlets to his credit.CFF2 909.2

I had known Dr. Scroggie for some time, having visited in his London home in 1948. Periodically we exchanged letters. He was very fond of my Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers volumes, being personally instrumental in placing sets in the hands of several religious leaders in Britain. Learning of this new intensive research writing assignment on the nature and destiny of man, in which I was already engaged, he asked for more information about my early findings.CFF2 910.1

Accordingly he was sent a copy of Questions on Doctrine, in which I had marked the section headed “Champions on Conditionalism Span the Centuries.” It gave terse citations from more than sixty leading Conditionalists, from Luther and Tyndale onward to contemporary times. These sketches deeply interested Dr. Scroggie, and he asked for samples of larger write-ups, which were sent to him. One was a comprehensive sketch on Archbishop William Temple’s remarkable witness. He had followed the developing evidence with keenest interest.CFF2 910.2

Upon reaching London again, in December of 1957, I telephoned Dr. Scroggie at his home to tell him that I was in the city for a time, intensively searching for the works of other Conditionalist writers in the British Museum and other libraries. When the message was relayed to him Dr. Scroggie said, “Tell him I want to see him.” I promised to come the next Sunday afternoon, December 22. Reaching his home at the stated hour, I was soon ushered into his bedroom. He was elderly, ill, and in bed. But his mind was crystal clear and the warmth of his greeting was touching.CFF2 910.3

He was sitting up in bed with the marked copy of Questions on Doctrine on his updrawn knees, opened to the “Conditionalist Champions” section. He knew what these men believed and stood for. As I approached him Dr. Scroggie grasped my hand and said with deep earnestness:CFF2 910.4

“Brother Froom, I believe that God has raised you up for this great task. I am praying for you every day. You may quote me whenever and wherever you please as being a believer in Conditionalism.”CFF2 910.5

The words were etched into my memory. His statement was spontaneous, clear, and voluntary. It was unexpected, as there had been no discussion. We had not yet begun our conversation, nor had I made any further report on my findings. His declaration sprang from the evidence marshaled in that chapter and expanded in the larger write-ups sent him. He listened with intense interest to the story of my further findings to date.CFF2 911.1

Never shall I forget the parting prayer of this godly man as I knelt by his bedside while he besought God’s guiding hand to be over me and my task, giving me strength to complete it —and then to make the printed presentation a great blessing to the church at large, when it should be sent forth. And how eagerly the good doctor awaited it, as he bade me GodspeedlCFF2 911.2

Such is the cherished testimony of this great Baptist Bible teacher. This is the first time the story of this interview has been put into print, though it has deeply impressed those to whom it has been related orally. How he longed to see the completed volume. He was assuredly one of the Conditionalist witnesses of this decade, though reaching his conclusions late in life. ^{8383) It is desirable to note that Dr. Scroggie’s interest in Conditionalism began prior to May 31, 1956, for on that date he wrote the president of the British Conditional Immortality Association, and editor of Words of Life, F. W. Sceats, asking for his tracts, the Teachings of Conditionalism the Source of Immortality, the Rich Man and Lazarus, and the Roman Catholic Doctrine of Hell. Dr. Scroggie also stated in his letter that the Conditionalist book b Eric Lewis Life and Immortality, ‘ should not be allowed to be out of print.” (Letter from. Graham scroggie to F. W. Sceats, dated “31/5/56; 15 Belvedere Drive, Wimbledon S.N. 19”). The able book by Lewis, with which Scroggie was obviously acquainted, was reprinted in Boston. So Dr. Scroggie was actively interested in Conditionalism at least a year and a half prior to his contacts with me, and had a reading acquaintance with its tenets, according to historical record.}CFF2 911.3

Had Dr. Scroggie lived, he would doubtless have declared himself in print on the basic principles of Conditionalism, which were now a matter of conviction with him.CFF2 911.4