"The Numbering of the People"
A Sermon in conjunction with the census of 1861 preached in St. Thomas' Church, Islington, on Sunday Evening, April 7
"The Numbering of the People" by George Allen is a sermon that was delivered in 1861 during a significant national event, the census. This theological work is a religious discourse that seeks to connect the act of taking a census with spiritual significance. It reflects the Victorian era's preoccupation with both social order and religious interpretation, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's duties as citizens in relation to their faith and collective responsibility. In the sermon, George Allen explores the themes surrounding the census as a vital measure for national welfare and governance. He discusses the scriptural context of counting people, contrasting it with past misunderstandings regarding its moral implications. Allen encourages congregants to view the census as a call to reflect on personal and communal responsibilities, including the state of their relationships with God and one another. He underscores the importance of accurate self-representation and ethical conduct, framing the census as not just a bureaucratic exercise but a profound opportunity for spiritual introspection, accountability, and growth in faith. The sermon culminates in a warning regarding an ultimate, divine reckoning of souls, urging listeners to make their peace with God while they still can.