Context of Ellen White's 1895 Petersham Meeting

The context for this specific record involves a powerful and encouraging Sabbath meeting held on February 16, 1895, in a new meeting location called Petersham15MR 226.1. This gathering followed a period of dedicated labor by Brethren McCullagh and Hare in nearby areas such as Ashfield and Parramatta15MR 226.1. During the three-hour meeting, a neat hall was filled to overflowing with believers, including many who were newly come to the faith15MR 226.1+1.

The atmosphere was one of profound spiritual transformation and assurance:

• Spiritual Transformation: The meeting was marked by a visible change in the countenances of men like Brethren Humphrey and Hardy, whose spirits seemed entirely renewed15MR 226.1. This transformation was so evident that it called to mind the divine promise of receiving a new heart Ezekiel 36:2615MR 226.1.

• Freedom in the Word: There was a sense of great freedom during the presentation of the first portion of Luke 14+1.

• Testimonies of Faith: The believers from Ashfield shared assuring testimonies of God's goodness, and the Spirit of the Lord rested heavily upon the congregation15MR 226.2.

• Personal Trials: Amidst the spiritual success of the meeting, Brother Rousseau was unable to attend because he had overworked and was suffering from an acute attack of fever and dizziness15MR 226.2.

...ld in the forenoon, Brother Hare had been at Parramatta, and both were at the meeting in Petersham. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking upon the fourteenth of Luke, the first portion of the chapter. There was then a testimony meeting. Those newly come to the fait...— 15MR 226.1 (1990)

I was much pleased to hear the assuring testimony given from the believers who came from Ashfield. Oh, that everyone would praise the Lord for His goodness! Meeting lasted three hours. Many testimonies were borne, and the Spirit of the Lord was resting upon the people. May and I the...— 15MR 226.2 (1990)