On This Day: First Partition of Poland: The representatives of Austria, Prussia, and Russia... (1772)

On August 5, 1772: First Partition of Poland: The representatives of Austria, Prussia, and Russia sign three bilateral conventions condemning the "anarchy" of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and imputing to the three powers "ancient and legitimate rights" to the territories of the Commonwealth. The conventions allow each of the three great powers to annex a part of the Commonwealth, which they proceed to do over the course of the following two months.

This historical event can serve as a powerful sermon illustration about God's heart for justice and righteousness. Consider using it when preaching about justice, discovery, human-rights.