ASSEMBLIES 247
experience or of loose mental organization are apt to fall first wholly under the spell of the crowd-suggestion ; but as the tide rises others, according to the measure of their in experience or of the instability of their mental organization, succumb to its prevailing power. It is like cutting the dykes and flooding a region. First the low lands, then the plains, then the up-lands are submerged by the rising waters, until only the higher hills stand out above the waves. It is this fact of greatly unequal suggestibility which consti tutes a grave problem for the leader of the assembly when it seems desirable to develop a considerable degree of emo tional fusion. That which is necessary to stimulate in some members of the congregation a proper sense of their com munity of life with their fellows may prove too powerful a stimulation of others ; so that while the leader is accom plishing good results in one direction he is doing harm in another. In dealing with this aspect of the matter the highest judgment and skill should be exercised by those who are responsible. Especially does this apply to the preacher. In order to awaken the consciences of some and create in them a thrill of spiritual affection, the children, the weaker women, and the ill-balanced men may be led into demonstra tions which are not only meaningless but permanently hurt ful. Discriminating wisdom and a thorough understanding of psychological laws are needed by men who are making religious appeals to promiscuous assemblies.
Doubtless nobody can maintain himself wholly inde pendent of the contagion of the crowd. But the strong personalities of the resistant or aggressive type can in some measure retain their self-possession even in extreme sit uations. Such strong personalities may even prevail against the contagion and break the spell which threatens to swamp the individualities of all. If there be several such persons in the crowd their natural impulse will be to get together, so that they may reinforce one another in their common resistance and form a more effective breakwater against the tidal wave. In doing this, however, they will inevitably
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