Transcribed from the 1861 B. Seeley edition by David Price. Many thanks to the British Library for making their edition available. “THE NUMBERING OF THE PEOPLE.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Sermon IN CONNECTION WITH THE CENSUS OF 1861, PREACHED IN ST. THOMAS’ CHURCH, ISLINGTON, ON SUNDAY EVENING, APRIL 7, BY THE REV. GEORGE ALLEN, _Theological Associate_, _King’s College_, _London_, INCUMBENT. * * * * * * * * * * PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. * * * * * * * * * * B. SEELEY, ISLINGTON GREEN; SEELEY, JACKSON, & HALLIDAY, FLEET STREET. * * * * * The profits of publication will be devoted to the purchase of the new Organ recently erected in the Church. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION OF ST. THOMAS’, ISLINGTON. MY DEAR FRIENDS, THIS Sermon was not written with a view to publication. I have consented to its being printed at the earnest request of several of the most experienced members of the congregation, to whose judgment, I felt it would be but false modesty not to defer, when they assured me that they considered it might, under God, be the means of doing good, and that its publication would be a source of pleasure to you generally. The Sermon—prepared amidst the pressure of parochial duties—is printed by desire exactly as it was delivered from the pulpit. I must therefore crave your indulgence for whatever imperfections may be found in it. With all its faults, however, I dedicate it to you as an expression of warm affection and gratitude for the many kindnesses I have received at your hands; and earnestly praying that the Almighty will graciously vouchsafe His blessing to this feeble, but I trust sincere, endeavour to promote His glory and your spiritual good, I have the happiness to subscribe myself, Your faithful Friend and Minister, GEORGE ALLEN. * * * * * _Upper Barnsbury Street_, _Islington_, 8_th_ _April_, 1861. A SERMON. NUMBERS i. 1, 2, 19.