There is an interesting and noteworthy post here by Michael Haykin commenting on the nature of politics as seen by an observer in 1798.

Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) wrote a detailed letter in January 1798 to William Carey (1761-1834) of the political events transpiring in Europe. It is amazing letter, full of insight into what was happening on the Continent. He then added the following remarks, which not only capture his views about the nature of politics and how ministers of the gospel need to relate to the political realm, but also sum up the views of most of his contemporaries and indeed the Particular Baptist tradition in the long eighteenth century:

“I am more and more convinced that political changes are matters from wh[ich] it becomes good men in general to stand aloof. There may be instances in which they may be required to throw in their weight; instances also in wh[ich] it may be their duty to speak plain and faithful language to rulers; and in all cases where they are called to take sides it ought to be the side of right; but the political world is [a] tumultuous ocean; let those who launch deeply into it take heed lest they be drowned in it . . . The far greater number of those who take the lead in great political changes are wicked men, and who act under colour of patriotism, but have selfish ends to answer.”

The post is worth reading in entirety and reminds us that there is indeed nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).