Subject
Great Britain -- Census, 1861 Books
Best books
George (Vicar of St. Thomas's Allen
"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.
James Skinner
A Tract for the Times: The Church and the Census
"A Tract for the Times: The Church and the Census" by James Skinner is a theological tract written in the mid-19th century. The book addresses the role of the Church of England in relation to the upcoming census that aims to collect information about the religious beliefs of the populace. It examines the implications of this exercise and discusses the spiritual state of the church and its members, particularly in light of societal changes and challenges to traditional religious expressions. In the tract, Skinner argues that the Church serves as a witness to God's truth and emphasizes the importance of openly confessing one's faith. He reflects on the hesitance of individuals to declare their beliefs publicly, correlating this with the biblical figure Ephraim, who failed in his witness due to mingling with the people and worshiping false idols. Skinner points out that during a time of spiritual sifting, it is crucial for believers to define and articulate their faith, instead of remaining silent and ambiguous. He ultimately calls for a reaffirmation of commitment to the truth as articulated by the Church, urging his fellow Christians to resist the temptations of conformity and to uphold the core tenets of their faith during a period of societal upheaval.
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