Discipline and Other Sermons

"Discipline and Other Sermons" by Charles Kingsley is a compilation of sermons from the late 1800s that looks closely at topics like growing as a person, having good morals, and being spiritual. The first sermon, called "Discipline," talks about how discipline can help people get better and make society stronger, comparing the journey of the ancient Israelites to how people grow in a community. Kingsley stresses that it's important to teach morals along with physical skills, saying that real strength and character come from controlling yourself, following rules, and working together for a common goal. At the beginning, Kingsley thinks about how the Israelites changed from slaves in Egypt to a united group ready for big accomplishments. He explains how their forty years in the desert was like moral and military training, turning them into people who could fight and build a civilization. The sermon encourages today's listeners, especially those in the military, to think about their own development, urging them to use discipline not just to get things done but to become well-rounded individuals who help society.