The method of associating for the attainment of any end, is so striking a feature of our time, that we are disposed to imagine it peculiar to ourselves. But this notion does some wrong to antiquity. This very point of association forms one link in a connected view of modern and ancient times.

One species of modern societies, the benefit clubs, seems to have had a prototype in the ancient gild. This name had its origin in the Saxon verb signifying to pay; and was applied to confraternities or bandships, made upon a religious basis and composed of nobility laity and their female relations. Having the patronage of some great man, the members wore a badge which was first defensive and later became offensive, for instance, a stout staff or club: and with these they were bound to defend or offend respectively those who were friends or foes of the fraternity. It is this duty that is signified by a custom yet lingering in the halls of some of our Colleges, which is for the two next in the progress of the cup down the table from one side to the other to be on their legs while the one who holds the cup is drinking to the toast. Numerous notices of these gilds lie scattered in topographical works. The statutes of several are preserved; and they supply some curious hints as to the character of these bodies.