Politics and Religion Sparked End of World Fear Slideshow

S. A. Schoff’s engraving of Swedish mystic and scientist Emanuel Swedenborg, from an original painting by Per Krafft the Elder. Circa 1843-1779. Public domain

British evangelist George Whitefield preached in Williamsburg that human actions would bring the Second Coming and final judgment. Published by James Wyld, circa 1768. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Print of evangelical Methodist minister George Whitefield preaching at Moorsfield, London. Published by C. Corbett, circa 1739. Library of Congress

“Day of Jubilee where we must make a General Account of all our Actions before almighty God.” Author Samuel Smith, 1588-1665. Beinecke Library, Yale

“The horrors and terrors of the hour of death and day of judgment…by Mr. John Hayward,” 1693. Beinecke Library, Yale

The Rev. Mr. Jonathan Edwards’ letter about “A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the Conversion of Many Hundred Souls…1736. Beinecke Library, Yale