94

Swartbmore Xecture.

development, viz., the Quaker meeting and theRoman Catholic . Mass."

In the same way the Quakers seek collectivewisdom in their business meetings, which strive todiscover " the will of the whole " without applyingthe mechanical principle of counting votes.

In order to understand the formation of sucha collective will, determined on a religious basis,let us try to enter into the " spirit " of a YearlyMeeting, which is the ruling body of the " Societyof Friends." The meeting opens with a period ofsilent worship when each member strives to enterinto the " holy fellowship," and opens his inwardear to the voice of the Spirit. Then follows thediscussion. There is ample opportunity for thefree expression of opinion and for the leaders toexercise their influence. This is all the morepossible because those present have not come topress their own settled view, but to arrive at anew and, if possible, unified opinion for in the lastresort all truth is one. With absolute freedomof speech the members are accustomed to self-restraint through their " silent meetings forworship." Finally the chairman, known by themodest name of " Clerk," declares that this orthat is what he " feels " to be the sense of themeeting, which he writes down unless there isany objection. Should there be any seriousdifference of opinion, a period of silence is inter-polated, in which the gathering earnestly seeksto know the divine will about the question beforeit. Thereupon follows further discussion, untilone will has made itself evident. Should that not