| Sumario: | This book is the first attempt to study the early history of the Protestant revival movements of the eighteenth century not simply in an Anglo-American context, but from a European perspective. Professor Ward examines the crisis in the Protestant world beyond that established and protected by the Westphalia treaties, and its impact upon the morale of Protestant communities which enjoyed diplomatic guarantees or other forms of public protection. He traces the widespread outbreak of striking forms of revival to the emergence of a common Protestant mind, shaped by the appreciation of common problems, and especially the development of the modern 'police' state or phenomena perceived to be like it. The religious effects of widespread emigration produced by persecution, war and distress are traced, and the chronology of the familiar revivals of the West is related to the crises of East and Central Europe. The connection of the English revival with these continental movements is also explored. The Protestant evangelical awakening is based on a wide variety of archival resources and published scholarly work extending from Eastern Europe to the American colonies, and marks a major contribution to our understanding of the religious history of both continents.
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